Trying to Get Started

[drumbum189]

Hi, My name is Drew and I am 24 years old. I've recently become interested in trying my hand at whitewater kayaking, but I have absolutely no idea how to get into the sport. I live in Monroe, Louisiana, and I can't find anyone in the area that has ever done it before. I own a recreational kayak and use it quite often, although I've only ever gone by myself. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

[AR-Nimrod]

Drew,

You'll probably want to paddle some before then but, the ACC's annual Rec. School on the Spring Rver in June would be a great event for you to attend. Great instruction from great instructors there. Closest WW to you is gonna be the Caddo and Ouachita (Remmel to Rockport) both about 3 hrs away. Live in El Dorado myself so, I can tell you be prepared to travel. A lot of rec. boats can handle the mild WW of these and similar runs. What rec. boat do you have? Have you paddled any moving water at all?

OH and welcome to the message board.

[Roger]

The ACC has a chapter in for the Ark-La-Tex area that meets in Shreveport. Might be a good place to start. Plus, there's a whitewater paddling clinic (school) that happens the first weekend of May (IIRC) that would be an excellent way to improve/learn new skills.

ALT Chapter http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/Defaul ... eId=464798" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Whitewater school http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/Defaul ... eId=543452" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SteveGabbard]

The arklatex chapter has a Facebook page if you are on that.

[hilbili]

on a good day, there is a very diverse collection of boats at the Rockport ledge. this is a little playhole on I-30 that depends on entergy to release water/generate at remmel dam(usually has a weekly thread in summer for release info). Great place to observe, and if you co-ordinate with someone on this forum - you can maybe even get to sit in a boat. Ouchita outdoor outfitters in hot springs will treat you fairly, so go by there if you decide to travel this way.

I recently decided to sell my sot rec boat and bought a LL Remix xp10. imho, If your not into hardcore fishing, this type of boat could fit what you do now and also let you begin development of your ww skillset.

start looking at cold weather gear, and the difference between rec vs ww paddles, pfds, safety gear etc...

read alot. look at mountain buzz colorado - Paddledog Productions has some links
http://community.nrs.com/duct-tape" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Duct Tape Diaries > Redefining Good: How Moving the Goal Post Can Improve Your Paddling
all for now

[hdh]

Drew, Welcome

Like they said ,We have a meeting in Shreveport 2/5 @ Marilynns Place 6:00
(I wouldn't drive in from Monroe)

Also we will have pool sessions starting soon at LSUS.
Friday 6-8



If I was you, WW school would be a must..
Also, I would jump in on a weekend trip to the Cossatot and see what its all about (camp and hang out).
I would meet Frank Murphy (Monroe Boater)

http://vimeo.com/79256823" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://vimeo.com/search?q=arkansas+canoe+club" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[hilbili]

There are several youtube videos about rolling kayaks. spelious comes to mind. only one roll session for me so far, but getting another one soon. definitely try to get one soon if you want to do ww school. I read the class fills fast also.

I believe O.O.O. rents there demos. I rented nice one for 30.

carpool from hot springs.

[drumbum189]

Wow, thanks for the help guys!...I checked out some of the vids of the ww class and I gotta say it looks like a lot of fun. The only concern I have is that it looks like these guys already own some pretty nice gear. I currently have a Perception Sport Swifty 9.5 (very cheap kayak) that I paid about $250 for, and I've never paddled moving water before. I have VERY limited funds. Do I have to have all that gear before I can take the class?

[hilbili]

Yes. There is a link to the classes on the ACC website (not the forum) upcoming events with gear list.
Rec school is later, warmer, requires less gear, and reportedly just as educational for beginners.
Like Harlan sed, - hookup on a trip toss in some gas$ and you will prolly get some seat time and at least get a half roll/first wet exit
Think baby steps.
From what I've read, a major feature a the cossatot is not an extreme hike(sans boat).

[hilbili]

Yes. There is a link to the classes on the ACC website (not the forum) upcoming events with gear list.
Rec school is later, warmer, requires less gear, and reportedly just as educational for beginners.
Like Harlan sed, - hookup on a trip toss in some gas$ and you will prolly get some seat time and at least get a half roll/first wet exit
Think baby steps.
From what I've read, a major feature a the cossatot is not an extreme hike(sans boat).

[Ouachitoff]

Start praying for rain.

[hilbili]

I'm building a portable shrine, where the disciples learn the proper way to raindance.
It will also serve as a shelter from the storm.