Topic: Not quite a whitewater kayaker, but want some more action besides the Wolf.

[Charityn9]

Hey ya'll.
I'm Charity, 26 and ready for water!!!!
My sis and I have 10 footers, I think.  The Pelicans from Dicks.  We've been on the Wolf and lakes a few times, but I have done some faster rivers  although nothing like class 6.  We'd really like to get with a group and head out on the Spring River, or another one that can give us the action without needing steel guts or whitewater kayaks.  We are also sort of new to the area.
We'd also like to get in on some training like rescues and such, but I see the roll classes are  pretty much for whitewater boats and situations. 
We soooo want to get out, and really don't want to go alone, logistics and safety to consider.
I will be able to transport the two kayaks on my car soon, just a couple more parts to get then its on.
Thanks for any help!

[philllll]

a couple recommendations...

come out a try a roll class.  you may be surprised at how easy it is.  if you post in time, most likely someone will bring a set of gear for you to use, so it's a small investment.  and some of the things you'll pick up at roll class are very useful on the river (you can work on some basic strokes and boat control).

and/or...
come to a boatball game.  again, let folks know in advance you are coming.  your boats will be fine, but you will need a PFD and a helmet (ask to borrow ).  again, investment is low and what you can learn will be helpful.



plus... these are great chances to meet folks and ask directly about what certain rivers will be like and such...

[russellp]

The Arkansas CanoeClub has a  recreational kayak class in June on the
Spring River go to there web site and check it out.

[Charityn9]

Cool, so our longer boats are ok at the roll class?  At this time I can only carry one boat, would it be ok if we use one and switch back and forth.  Honestly she needs more of the practice anyway, lol.  We will definitely check that and boat ball out. 
I played kayak water polo when I was in AmeriCorps.  I can get to the ball pretty fast but we couldn't use paddles, just hands!  Me throwing the ball is a whole other ball game, haha.

June is also a great time for us to get to a class together.  Thanks peoples

[mhoward]

Longer boats are allowed at roll class.  The only problem that I would see is that we usually only get 3 lanes of the pool which might make it hard to turn around if a lot of other people show up.

Could always bring a whitewater boat for you to try out.

[fendrstr22]

We should try playing a game of boatball with hands-only!!!

[Charityn9]

Well I know we need to get used to our boats.  I am going to bring just one and let my sister get in the practice. I'd like her to get to know how to work  with her boat and other boaters.  I am just going to cheer on the side.  Do we need pfd's?

As far as paddle-free boatball... I'd be more apt to play then!  My fear is paddles in the face and consistently losing the paddle! 

Thanks!

[mhoward]

You do not need PFD's in the pool.

Paddle-Free boatball is ok if you are doing it in a pool, but at Patriot Lake it would be brutal. 

You really don't have to worry too much about taking a paddle to the face.  I have only knocked out one persons tooth in my 8 years of boatball.  If you lose your paddle, take somebody's paddle away from them.

[Charityn9]

hahahaha!

[Charityn9]

By the way it was really nice meeting you all and thanks for letting us use your boats!  we had a blast!