Need some pointers to get started

[davidbrandon2002]

New guy here who wants to get started with a kayak. Any suggestions?

[okieboater]

sign up for Canoe or Rec School - already posted on this msg board.

Look for used kayaks in for sale section of this msg board

Join what ever Chapter of Arkansas Canoe Club closest to you.

[gannon311]

Whitewater school. It's the first weekend in may! As far as boat you would probably do better starting in a creek boat !

[adamm]

What type of paddling are you wanting to do? Recreational? Whitewater? Flat water touring? Fishing? All of the above? You have come to the right place for info. Where are you located? I'm sure someone in your area would be more than happy to let you demo a boat or two. The more you can sit in and paddle the better idea you will have as to which boat will be the best fit for you.

[Eric Esche]

Letting us know where you are located is a good way to get folks who live close to you stepping up to volunteer to show you the way. We have members who live all over the state and even in adjoining states. We also have a lot of very skilled and qualified instructors in our club, although I am NOT one of them. We have folks in our club who do virtually every type of paddleing you can find.

I live up in NW Arkansas on Beaver Lake outside of Rogers and I take beginners out all the time in sea kayaks, canoes, and whitewater kayaks and have "worked" with local shops to enable demos of their boats. I do not take any money for this, just passing things on, and hopefully making new friends to paddle with. NOT trying to sell you anything as most of my gear is NOT for sale. My wife and I have kept our old gear when we have upgraded, just so we can have spares and can loan it to friends and family when they come to visit. I can show folks several types of gear when they want to compare. While I have been a professional river guide in the past, now I am back to doing it for fun with family and friends. (there is a joke there I can tell you someday) You can call me if you need someone to talk to about paddleing. I'll tell you if I do not know something, but if I do not, I probably know someone who does, being an old fart.

Eric Esche 479-986-8567