What You Will Need
Bring camping equipment and meals for morning and evening in
camp. The campground is noisy at night, so ear plugs may be useful!
Midday meals are usually on the river. Bring water, food,
and snacks in durable, waterproof containers to carry in your boat. It is best
to use small, lightweight lunch items that store easily.
The Turner Bend store will be open between 7:30am and 8:00pm.
They have nearly everything needed for in camp and on the river, including
wonderful sandwiches. You can PRE-ORDER and pay for your sandwiches for the weekend Friday evening. Since classes start early Saturday and Sunday and the store is often quite busy, it will save a lot of time if you place your sandwich order in advance. The Turner Bend staff will then have your sandwich made fresh that morning and packed ready for you to pick up!
Appropriate Clothing for the River
Although the weather may be warm, the water temperature will
likely be cold, usually below 60 F, and you will get wet. Kayak classes begin
with wet exits; swims are common in all boat types and all classes. Your choice
of clothing for the weekend is very important and should be appropriate to
protect you from the weather and from sudden immersion in cold water.
"Layering" clothing is a concept that applies to
all outdoor sports, and many paddlers use extra layers to increase their warmth
and comfort. The layering system involves use of:
- A wicking layer: Used closest to the skin, materials like
polypropylene, merino wool or silk transfer moisture from the skin to outer layers. Avoid
cotton fabrics as cotton holds water
and will chill and chafe you.
- An absorbing layer: This middle layers soaks up moisture
near the skin and continues to move it away from the body to the outermost
layer. Synthetic materials are most
common.
- A protective layer. The outer layer protects against wind
and water. This outer layer shell is laminated material like breathable-coated
nylon or neoprene. Wetsuits and paddling jackets are recommended. Breathable dry tops or complete dry suits are
used by more experienced paddlers.
- Footwear is important also. Neoprene booties or paddling
shoes are recommended. Old sneakers might work, but open toe sandals present
several hazards and should not be used.
Many outdoor retailers have a good selection of appropriate
river clothing and knowledgeable staff that personally use what they sell. Arkansas Canoe Club Business Members are fair, reliable, and can be very helpful when selecting
your attire for the river. Many also offer discounts to ACC members!
Next (Boat & Equipment)