Topic: Newbie Family

[gmism64]

Hey All, My family and I are newbies to kayaking. We've done a lot of other sports but finally we've found one my wife can be involved in. She is actually gets out more than I do.
So far we've hit several lakes and the Harbor. We plan on paddling Houston Levee to Walnut Grove next week.
We are also trying to find info on the Hatchie River. We live in Millington and thought that might be worth the drive.
Peace, Greg Simmons

[philllll]

welcome Newbie Family... not sure if you're surname is actually Newbie, that would be ironic as a beginning kayaking family.
and in a few years, people can introduce you as very experienced Newbies, so you'd be a walking, talking, breathing oxymoron.

as you can see, lots of opportunities to jump into something so don't be bashful.  but be sure to ask questions about gear, conditions, and suggested skills/experience.
also, check out what other area groups are doing like the bluff city canoe club, Wolf River Conservancy and the Arkansas Canoe Club (many flatwater/blackwater rivers in the region).  in fact, i think the Conservancy is doing a Bateman to Moscow paddle on the Wolf this Saturday (8th).
and even if you're not pursuing whitewater, check out boatball as it's a great place to meet folks, develop paddling skills, have fun, and get some quality exercise.


regarding the Wolf, there are many fun sections to explore.  As Shaman will tell you, look for at least a level of 3.5' on the G'town gauge http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=meg&gage=gert1
below that level, you'll start to have some portages. (wear polarized sunglasses to spot the shallow sandy spots)
and make sure you have decent boat control as there are many tree snags in the channel.
if you can catch sections east of Houston Levee at dawn, the wildlife is fantastic.


have fun exploring, be safe and SYOTR.

[santha7]

Good morning!

I might be up for a trip on the wolf next weekend.  I have two youngun's myself.  We could help run shuttle at the very least.

This morning the gage at G'town was 4.26. If that holds, it should be an ok trip .  Also, this fall/winter when we get rain, I recommend a high water run (13 feet or so).  It is really quick and requires boat control, but it's a blast to see the river with that much water and "umph." 

I've seen beavers, deer, snakes, turtles and teenagers (I'm a teacher so I classify them as definite "wildlife"). 

My email is Santha7@hotmail.com and my cell is 901.258.4211.  I'll be in inservice all next week, but if you leave me a message, I'll get back with you. 

Oh, and Philllllllll is right about boatball...totally a family friendly affair and an absolute hoot.  You need some basic gear, but it's also a good time to just come out and watch while you walk or bike at shelby farms.  Memphis Whitewater are some of the friendliest folks around and they'll be glad to talk gear (just give them an excuse), trips or whatever.  There is also Garabaldi's next Thursday night.  It's a perfect kayak/socialization event.  Just meet people, eat and talk boatin'.   

Good luck, hope to hear from you,
Santha

[gmism64]

I guess the Newbie thing is wearing off already, now we're the addicted family. We just started a few weeks ago and we're hooked.

We've seen Boatball before, It's actually pretty odd to watch if you don't know what's going on. My first thought was "why don't they all just go in one direction, that way they won't keep bumping into each other!" Once you figure out it's a game, then it's pretty cool.


Thanks for the info and we hope to see ya'll at Garibaldis.

Santha, I'll email ya about next weekend, sounds great.

[shamen]

Got solid info from Phil and Santha. As to the Hatchie. Access is easy and lots of places to put in and take out. This is a fishing river, you get odd looks from the fisherpersons but they are friendly. Since fishing boats are common the TWR notches the down trees in the river but as Phil said pay attention to them. There is a lot of variety on the Hatchie so depending where you put in that is what you get. I have 2 favorite spots; from Highway 51 to the Miss. R.  great  & pretty wild/isolated section should save till you have pretty good boating skills and like adventures. The 2nd is a put in off Hwy 57 just east of Pocahontas; the Tuscumbia R. flows in there or put in at Big Hill Pond on the Tuscumbia R, in my mind it is one of the real jewels as a little river around here that is unknown.
Buy you some TN, ARK, and MS Gazetteteers Atlas & Maps and study them and you will be amazed at what you can find to paddle.
Ask questions of us all, there is a wealth of experience and knowledge in local boaters.
Peace vincent/shamen

[gmism64]

Thanks Shamen. We'll check those out soon.

 I appreciate the willingness to share info here. I've found people in other sports aren't as friendly to newcomers.