Welcome to the family of paddling friends called The Arkansas Canoe Club!
We have a lot of fun playing on the rivers and creeks of Arkansas.
This school is our invitation for you to learn how to enjoy paddling on the Spring River, to build your skills and knowledge, and to have fun with us.
This clinic will be held June 6, 7 & 8, 2008, on the Spring River. It is designed to introduce basic paddling techniques on Class I+ rivers. This is an American Canoe Association-sanctioned event.
Cost is $60 for Arkansas Canoe Club members, $80 for non-members. (The $80 fee includes a one-year ACC family membership and applies to only the first member of a non-member family; additional family members who register pay only $60.)
The clinic will cover basic paddling strokes, maneuvers (ferries, eddy turns, peel outs), water reading, safety and rescue, and equipment outfitting. Boat control and safe, fun negotiation of rivers will be stressed. Students will be grouped according to ability and what they seek to learn. Two instructors will be assigned to each paddling group.
Most paddlers will spend Saturday morning on flat water learning strokes and maneuvers. Saturday afternoon will be on a short section of moving water chosen by the instructor, somewhere between Dam #3 and Spring River Oaks. On Sunday, groups will paddle all or a portion of the stretch of water from Riverside to Spring River Oaks (or other suitable location chosen by the instructor).
Clinic Requirements
River paddling is an inherently risky sport. Careful Reading and Understanding the ACA Waiver and Release of Liability is required for everyone wishing to take part in Arkansas Canoe Club's School of Recreational Paddling. Signing the waiver is your acknowledgment that you understand the terms of the waiver and that you fully accept responsibility for the serious risks and dangers inherent in whitewater paddling. Parents or legal guardians must co-sign with those under the age of eighteen. A signed waiver must accompany your application and fee.
Minimum age for participation is 12 years old and is at the discretion of the clinic coordinator. All participants must be able to swim.
Each person must provide his/her own gear and boat. PFDs (life jackets) are to be worn at all times while on the river. Helmets are to be worn at all times while on the river if participant is secured in boat by spray skirt or thigh straps. The water likely will be cold, and the weather in early June is still unpredictable, so synthetic clothing (polypro, fleece, etc.) is highly recommended. Layers are good, in case it's hot. Students also may wish to bring a wetsuit or other warm gear, especially in the case of cold weather or if they tend to be cold regardless of the weather. Remember, river paddling means that you will get wet.
Canoes should be fiberglass, plastic or polyethelene. Aluminum, wood, canvas or square sterned boats will not be allowed to participate. All canoes must have bow and stern lines. Float bags are highly recommended.
All decked kayaks and canoes must be made of plastic, fiberglass or kevlar. No wood or canvas boats are allowed. Float bags are highly recommended and bow and stern grab loops are required.
Rec School will begin with check in at the director's campsite between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday night. At 8 p.m. we will meet at the same campsite for introductions and a discussion of logistics for the weekend. Bring a chair. At 8:30 p.m. participants will meet with their individual class and instructors to get set for the next day.
We will not cancel the clinic for rain or other weather issues, unless lightning or other hazards are likely.
Food and Lodging
All participants must stay at Riverside Resort. Tent camping is available first come, first served. Cabins and RV sites are available by reservation. Call Riverside for prices at 870-625-7501. Participants are responsible for paying Riverside lodging/camping fees.
With the exception of Saturday night's potluck dinner, participants will be responsible for providing all their own meals. Breakfast may be eaten at the campsite or at nearby restaurants in Hardy, but don't be late. Lunches most likely will be eaten on the river, so bring a waterproof bag to keep lunch dry and secured in your boat. Do not forget water or other quality hydration. Please bring a side dish to share for Saturday night's potluck.
Directions
Medical issues, Allergies, and Medications: Please be aware that in the event of a medical problem, many locations on the Spring River are remote, in rough terrian, and cannot be accessed by emergency medical services.
Materials to Preview:
Careful Reading and Understanding the ACA Waiver and Release of Liability is required for everyone wishing to take part in Arkansas Canoe Club events. Signing the waiver is your acknowledgment that you understand the terms of the waiver and that you fully accept responsibility for the serious risks and dangers inherent in river paddling. Parents or legal guardians must co-sign with those under the age of eighteen.
Please print and complete the ACA Waiver and Application to Rec School, then mail with your check as shown on the application.
If you are a member of ACA, please put your membership number on both the application form and the waiver.
If you have other questions or special needs, the first thing to do is look at the message board. The answer may already be there or try posting the question. Usually responses are pretty quick.
Please try the message board first, next try School Director Liz Caldwell by e-mail or private message thru ACC message board
add photos 4/2/08 abowie