Kansas Canoe & Kayak Association 2004 Events
Please check this page often for updates!
Always RSVP with event coordinators to receive last minute updates, changes and cancellations. All events are subject to modification or cancellation. Water level and weather are the most common reasons for change of location or cancellation.
Listed Events are for KCKA Members. Join Today with a $15 annual membership. Receive a great newsletter and email notifications of numerous unlisted events such as trips scheduled on short notice.
| JAN | FEB | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
Basic Safety Equipment/Requirements for Trip Participation
Sunday, January 11, 2004 (KSU Indoor Pool) Intermediate Kayak Chapter Workshop. 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. $16 for this session. This will be non-structured touring or whitewater kayak practice sessions where experienced paddlers will share their knowledge, equipment, upcoming trips, local play spots, and skills. You will need your own boat for this workshop plus KCKA and Kayak Chapter memberships.. Instructor: T. J. Hittle 785-539-7772.
January 17-25, Costa Rica Paddling Trip. This trip is being organized through Gecko Expeditions, a USA guiding service for paddlers. For details, cost, and itinerary contact T. J. Hittle 785-539-7772.
Sunday, January 18, 2004 (Class I). Arkansas River Grouse Creek to Traders Bend. Meet 9:00 AM at the Grouse Creek access to the Arkansas River south of Silverdale. Contact Cliff Long 7 9 PM, M-F, (316-253-9216).
Saturday, February 7, 2004 KCA Annual Meeting & Kayak Chapter Party 3:00 PM KCKA Board Meeting: 5:00 PM Annual Meeting & Party (Please RSVP to 785-537-0164) or Jackie Rawlings/T. J. Hittle residence, 700 Gillepsie Drive; Manhattan, KS. Look for more details in the Winter Issue Kansas Paddler.
Sunday, February 8, 2004 (KSU Indoor Pool) Intermediate Kayak Chapter Workshop. 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. $16 for this session. This will be non-structured touring or whitewater kayak practice sessions where experienced paddlers will share their knowledge, equipment, upcoming trips, local play spots, and skills. You will need your own boat for this workshop plus KCKA and Kayak Chapter memberships.. Instructor: T. J. Hittle 785-539-7772.
Sunday, February 15, 2004 Arkansas River Grouse Creek to Traders Bend. (Class I) Meet 9:00 AM at the Grouse Creek access to the Arkansas River south of Silverdale. Contact Cliff Long 7 9 PM, M-F, (316-253-9216).
Sunday, February 22, 2004 (KSU Indoor Pool) Advanced Self-Rescue Techniques for Touring Kayakers Workshop. 8:30 AM 11:30 PM. $28 for this session. Instructor: T. J. Hittle. This is your chance to learn several self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques required for safe paddling in deep or open water conditions. You will learn how to get back in your boat if swimming to shore is not practical or possible.
Sunday, February 29, 2004 (KSU Indoor Pool) Advanced Self-Rescue Techniques for Touring Kayakers Workshop. 8:30 AM 11:30 PM. $28 for this session. Instructor: T. J. Hittle. This is your chance to learn several self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques required for safe paddling in deep or open water conditions. You will learn how to get back in your boat if swimming to shore is not practical or possible.
(Changed) Sunday, February 29, 2004 Kaw River Float (Class I) From Desoto to Nelson Island. Distance is about 10 or 11 miles. Contact Ron Brann 913 236 5878.
Saturday, March 6, 2004. Basic River Canoe Workshop 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Limit 10. $20 fee. This is an ACA (American Canoe Association) class covering the basics of paddling a canoe on the river and includes Class I rapids. Contact: Mick O'Shea 604 Bertrand St. Manhattan, KS 66502-5104, 785-539-2279.
Sunday, March 7, 2004. KCA Paddle Strokes Review 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Limit 10. $15 fee. The goal will be to review basic paddle strokes and how to make them graceful and efficient. Contact: Mick O'Shea 604 Bertrand St. Manhattan, KS 66502-5104, 785-539-2279.
March 9, 11, 16, 18, 2004. (WSU Indoor Pool) Kayaking and Basic Paddling Skills. 4 nights on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7 10 PM. $50 for all four sessions. Instructor: Jim Johnson. Most of what you will learn in this class will be applicable to all types of paddling and will help you become a better and safer paddler. I (Chris) have taken this class twice and highly recommend it. Be sure to sign up early because enrollment is limited. Enrollment is handled by the American Red Cross (316-268-0842) in Wichita.
Friday, March 12, 2004 - 6:30 PM. Rio Esclavos (River of the Enslaved) A Whitewater Expedition Presentation and Slide Show on the Whitewater Rivers, People, & Scenery of Guatemala. This will be a KCA and Sierra Club Joint Meeting. T. J. Hittle will present a slide show and tell a very interesting story about a South American paddling experience on the Rio Esclavos, Guatemala [Central America]. This may be the last time to hear this story in public. Come for pizza and pop at 6:30 PM. Presentation will begin at 7:30 PM. Guests welcome. Location: Great Plains Nature Center - 6232 E. 29th Street North - Wichita, KS 67220-2200. Exit K96 at Woodlawn. South on Woodlawn to 29th; then west about 200 yards.
(Modified) March 13, 2004. Arkansas River or Little Arkansas River Near Wichita, KS. Class I. Suitable for touring kayaks, recreational kayaks and canoes. Beginners welcome but cold water clothing is required. Exact location is still pending. This float will be the subject of a KFRM Outdoor Radio Talk Show from 8-9 and 10-11. Expect an early launch and a relaxing paddle. RSVP Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
Sunday, March 14, 2004. Basic River Rescue 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Limit 10. $15 fee. The purpose of this workshop is to look at basic river rescue skills with an emphases on prevention. We will be using equipment that the paddler normally carries with them (throw rope, carabiners, possibly pulleys) along with basic river knowledge. Contact: Mick O'Shea 604 Bertrand St. Manhattan, KS 66502-5104, 785-539-2279.
March 20-21, 2004. Illinois River near Tahlequah, OK. Class I-II. This river is suitable for boats of all kinds at its current level. I plan to take my whitewater boat and camp at Sparrow Hawk Camp Friday night and Saturday night. Rentals are available from the camp if needed. We can either run our own shuttle or pay the camp to take us to the put-in. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339 before Noon on Friday. Meet 10 AM Saturday at Sparrowhawk Camp. Directions to the camp can be found with the following link.
Sunday, March 21, 2004. KCA / OWWC / FOK Float. Class I. Kaw River from either Lake Perry or Perry Access to Lawrence River front Park. Approx. 15 miles. RSVP Ron Brann 913 236 -5878.
March 22-26. Spring Break Pecos River, Marinia, TX, Class II-III. This is a 55 mile trip through remote Texas canyons that I haven't done before but wish to see. Contact Cliff Long 7 9 PM, M-F, (316-253-9216).
(Changed) April 3,4, 2004 KCA Novice Whitewater Trip Class II-III. RSVP with Jim Johnson 316-267-7890. Details TBA. This will probably be on Frog Bayou or the Mulberry near Fort Smith AR. Meeting place has changed. Be sure to contact Jim. 03/30/2004
April 17, 2004. Perception Kayak Demo is on April 17th at Lone Star Lake. As an added bonus, on the evening of the 16th (at 7PM) National Geographic Contributing Editor Jon Bowermaster will be giving a free slide show at the store detailing one or two of recent kayaking trips. The last show Jon did for us was over his trip down the coast of Vietnam and was well attended. Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop Lawrence, KS. Contact: Dan Hughes 785-843-5000.
(Changed) April 17,18, 2004. North Fork of the White River. Class I-II. Suitable for touring kayaks, recreational kayaks, canoes and whitewater boats. Previous padding experience recommended. Cold water clothing required. RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
April 18, 2004. Mountain High is having 'Dagger Days' on April 18 at O.J. Watson Park in Wichita. The Dagger/Perception rep will be here with a trailer-full of boats, including some whitewater models. The event runs from noon-4 PM and is free and open to the public. We will have a sale in conjunction with the demo...15% all in-stock and special-ordered boats. Contact: Chris Nickel 316-684-6579.
(Cancelled. Moved to May) April 20, 22, 27, 29, 2004 + May 1. Basic Canoeing Class. (Class I) Students will learn canoeing theory and practical skills, including; paddling strokes, maneuvers, transportation, trim and balance, and the use of safety equipment. This class is conducted in Wichita on the Arkansas River in beautiful Riverside Park. Boats are furnished. Class length 14 hours. Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6 PM - 9 PM plus 9 AM - Noon Saturday. Instructor: Kent Carter 316-945-9294. Be sure to sign up early because enrollment is limited. Enrollment is handled by the American Red Cross (316-268-0842) in Wichita. $30.00
(Cancelled) April 24, 25, 2004. Illinois River near Tahleqauh, OK. Class I-II. Suitable for touring kayaks, recreational kayaks, canoes and whitewater boats. I rate this Class II only because of frequent strainers that require some maneuvering to avoid. Shorter boats recommended for better maneuverability. Rental canoes available from numerous outfitters. Previous padding experience recommended. Cold water clothing recommended if weather is cold. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
ACA Whitewater Canoe By appointment. $30 fee. Contact: Mick O'Shea 604 Bertrand St. Manhattan, KS 66502-5104, 785-539-2279.
May 1, 2, 2004, Kansas City Paddler Paddle Expo 2004. Saturday 10AM to 4PM, Sunday 10AM to 2PM, Kelsey Short Youth Camp Smithville Lake.
May 4, 6, 11, 13, 2004. (WSU Indoor Pool) Kayaking and Basic Paddling
Skills. 4 nights on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7 10 PM. $50 for all
four sessions. Instructor: Jim Johnson. Most of what you will learn in this class will be applicable to all types of paddling and will help you become a better and safer
paddler.
I (Chris) have taken this class twice and highly recommend it. Be sure to sign up early because enrollment is limited. Enrollment is handled by the American Red Cross (316-268-0842) in Wichita.
(Cancelled) May 8, 9, 2004. Buffalo National River in Northern AR. Class I-II. I plan to do one or more of the upper sections and probably base camp at Steele Creek Campground near Ponca, AR. Previous padding experience recommended. Cold water clothing recommended. RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
(New) May 8, 9, 2004. KCKA Ozark Whitewater Trip. Class II-III. Whitewater boat, helmet, etc. required. No touring or recreational boats please. At least 4 of us that need more experience in Class II before advancing so we will try to keep this trip as close to Class II as possible and invite advanced paddlers to join us. This will probably be on the Mulberry, Lee Creek, Big Piney or Frog Bayou near Fort Smith AR. Details at last minute based on water levels and participant input. RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
(Changed due to high water - See Trip Details link below) May 15, 2004 Fall River near Eureka, KS. Class I-II. Day Trip 90 miles east of Wichita. The main focus of this trip is to help some beginning WW paddlers with baby steps. Experienced paddlers are invited to assist and have fun. The water is not Class II but strainer avoidance will require additional maneuvering. One strainer in particular, will require a back ferry. Fall River is beautiful river with lots of mild riffles and strainers in almost every bend. The put-in has a nice play spot with a surfable wave, strong current and an eddy on each side. At normal levels the river is probably suitable for rec boats but for this trip, whitewater equipment is required and you must either be an experienced WW paddler or demonstrate the ability to perform the back ferry in swift current prior to participating. Tutoring on the back ferry is available on some week evenings, in Wichita, prior to this trip. An alternate location will be selected if the water level is not suitable. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
(New moved from April) May 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 2004 Basic Canoeing Class. (Class I) Students will learn canoeing theory and practical skills, including; paddling strokes, maneuvers, transportation, trim and balance, and the use of safety equipment. This class is conducted in Wichita on the Arkansas River in beautiful Riverside Park. Boats are furnished. Class length 14 hours. Monday and Wednesday evenings 6 PM - 9 PM plus 9 AM - Noon Saturday. Instructor: Kent Carter 316-945-9294. Be sure to sign up early because enrollment is limited. Enrollment is handled by the American Red Cross (316-268-0842) in Wichita. $30.00
May 21½, 22, 23, 2004. KCA Spring Rendezvous Council Grove Lake, Council Grove, KS. Daily float trips on Munker's Creek and Upper Neosho River, speaker, other events.
May 28-31, 2004 - CACHE LA POUDRE / ARKANSAS RIVER - double header. To add to the Colorado options over Memorial Day, I am also coordinating a trip to both the Cache La Poudre and Arkansas River. This is fast and cold Class III-IV whitewater, so please bring your best Class IV skills, suitable cold water river gear, and rescue abilities. Interested paddlers: please RSVP: T. J. Hittle 785-539-7772
(Updated) May 29, 2004. Memorial Weekend Float DAY Trip. Grouse Creek or Walnut River - Meet at the first bridge south of Silverdale before 7:30 AM Saturday morning. We will decide which water to float at that time and then run the shuttle at 7:30 AM. Strainers are a likely issue if the current is swift and if so previous paddling experience will be required for safety. RSVP Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
(Revised) May 31 - June 2, Dolores River,
Bradfield Bridge to Slick Rock, 47 miles, class III-IV, group max. 25.
June 3 - 5, Dolores River, Slick Rock to Bedrock, 50 miles, class II-III, group
max. 16.
June 6 - 10, Dolores River, Bedrock to Gateway, 54 miles, class II-IV, group
max. 25.
June 12 - 15, San Miguel River, to 60 miles, class II-III.
Come for one or all of these sections of Colorado paddling. If there is
inadequate water for these sections we will run various sections of the Colorado
River, class II-III. I have not been on the Bradfield Bridge
to Slick Rock section of the Dolores or the San Miguel. For more details or to
get on the list contact Cliff Long, (316) 253-9216 after 4 weekdays or on weekends.
June 1 & 3, 2004. - Kayak/Canoe Camping on the River (Training) The class will cover planning and organizing, shuttles, timing and logistics, essential gear, different packing techniques, waterproofing, protecting and caring for your gear, food preparation, first aid kit essentials, and basic and advanced overnight camping techniques. Following the classroom instruction we have scheduled an overnight trip on the Kansas River, during which you will be able to put your newly learned skills to the test. For Registration, contact UFM at: 785-539-8763. For more details, contact Keith Ratzloff at 785-539-6802.
June 13, 2004. Flint Hills Float, Class 1, an early Sunday morning day float near Manhattan, KS. Meet at 9:00 am. For more details, contact T.J. Hittle, (785) 539-7772.
June 20-25, 2004. Colorado Whitewater - This will be a Class III-IV trip, based generally around the Arkansas River near Salida, CO. We will camp near Nathrop, CO.. For more details, contact
T.J. Hittle (785) 539-7772.
(Revised) July 3 - 7, Salmon River, Upper,
Idaho, 68 miles, class II-III.
This trip will start near Salmon and end at Corn Creek and should be a good
place for a person to learn the skills of making a multi-day whitewater trip.
I have only run a few miles of this trip. For more details or to get on the list
contact Cliff Long (316) 253-9216 after 4 weekdays or on weekends.
(Revised) July 13 - 23, Salmon River, Lower,
Idaho, 132 miles, class III-IV.
This trip will start at Vinegar Creek and end at Heller Bar on the Snake River.
Shorter sections of this can be run by making arrangements. This is a nice trip
with about half of it being remote. For more details or to
get on the list contact Cliff Long (316) 253-9216 after 4 weekdays or on weekends.
July 17-18, 2004. Summer Novice Whitewater Trip. Looking for mostly Class II with III that can be portaged. Prior approval and whitewater equipment are required. Be prepared for a 10-11 hour drive to the Arkansas River downstream from Salida, CO. RSVP Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
(Cancelled) July 23, 24, 25, 2004. Kansas River, Junction City -St. George, KS . Class I. Suitable for touring kayaks, recreational kayaks and canoes. Expect a Friday evening launch with two nights on the river. Optional early take out in Manhattan late Saturday afternoon. For more details, contact R. J. Stephenson 913-845-2359.
(Revised) July 26 - August 5, Missouri River,
Fort Benton to James Kipp Recreation Area, Montana, 149 miles, class I.
This is the Missouri Breaks or Wild and Scenic Missouri River. Come follow the
route Lewis and Clark used 200 years ago to explore the newly purchased
Louisiana Purchase. We may even camp in some of the same spots. If possible you
should supplement this trip with a visit to the Lewis and Clark Museum in Great
Falls. Fort Benton was the inland end of steamboat transportation up the
Missouri River. If there is enough interest we can start the trip about 20 miles
upstream at Carter Ferry. For more details or to get on the
list contact Cliff Long, clifflong@kansasriverrat.com
or (316) 253-9216 after 4 weekdays or on weekends. Additional
Trip Information
(Short Notice) Friday, July 30, 2004. Arkansas River Derby, KS to the Goat Ranch 10.4 miles (3 hours). Meet 3:00 at Derby Bridge. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339
(Short Notice) Sunday, August 1: Arkansas River - Goat Ranch south ??. Meet at the Goat Ranch at 10 AM. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339
August 1-7, 2004. Great River Rumble '04. Class I. 185 miles on the Missouri River Brunswick MO to Washington MO. We will be following the Lewis and Clark trail. Normally we have around 125 people from 25-30 states. Its a great time on a Midwest river. Contact Erlene Slingsby 785-632-2389 or e-mail address in the Kansas Paddler newsletter for a brochure with more information.
September 7-10, 2004. Current River, Missouri. Float and camp 3 or 4 nights on the river with Bill Cather and grandchildren. Contact Bill Cather 316-522-4749 for details.
(Cancelled - no water) September 18-19, 2004. Buffalo River, Arkansas. Class I-II. Expect to boat camp and spend Saturday night on the river. We will likely do Woolum to Tyler Bend. Please RSVP with Steven Deyoe 316-393-1762 for details and changes.
September 18, 2004. Council Grove Lake, Intro to Touring Kayaks Class. Introduction to basic touring kayak skills and safety. Students will learn how to enter and exit kayaks, and how to perform basic strokes and rescues. Contact: Larry Storer, 785-292-4561, larrystorer@yahoo.com
September 25-26, 2004. Clay County Water Festival. Lots of activities, Lewis and Clark file and a float trip on Sunday. Contact the Clay County Conservation District for more information at 785-632-3550 or Lynn Thurlow, Clay Center KCA member at 785-632-5805.
September 25, 2004. Tuttle Creek Lake, Intro to Touring Kayaks Class. Introduction to basic touring kayak skills and safety. Students will learn how to enter and exit kayaks, and how to perform basic strokes and rescues. Contact: Larry Storer, 785-292-4561, larrystorer@yahoo.com
Sept. 28, 2004. Tuttle Creek Lake, FULL MOON PADDLE: This once a month adventure will introduce you to a whole new world of kayaking. From the seat of our kayaks we will explore the wonders of the water that only a full moon can bring to light. Contact: Larry Storer, 785-292-4561, larrystorer@yahoo.com
October 2, 2004. Council Grove Lake, Intro to Touring Kayaks Class. Introduction to basic touring kayak skills and safety. Students will learn how to enter and exit kayaks, and how to perform basic strokes and rescues. Contact: Larry Storer, 785-292-4561, larrystorer@yahoo.com
October 9, 2004. Tuttle Creek Lake, Intro to Touring Kayaks Class. Introduction to basic touring kayak skills and safety. Students will learn how to enter and exit kayaks, and how to perform basic strokes and rescues. Contact: Larry Storer, 785-292-4561,
larrystorer@yahoo.com
(Revised) October 9 -10, North Fork of the
White River, Missouri, class I-II.
We'll base camp at Hammond Camp and hope for good fall color.
For more details or to get on the list contact Cliff Long, clifflong@kansasriverrat.com
or (316) 253-9216 after 4 weekdays or on weekends. Additional
Trip Information
October 16-17, 2004. Free Novice Whitewater Canoe, Kayak and Ducky Clinic. This clinic is designed to help increase participation in KCKA whitewater activities. Expect two short structured courses on Saturday with experienced paddlers to assist as needed. Sunday morning paddle with the group but choose your own path and pick your own eddies. Learn or practice basic eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, and surfing small waves. Most likely this will be on the North Fork of the White River unless there is sufficient water in the Mulberry. Suitable whitewater equipment, helmets, proper clothing, a few hours in your whitewater boat and KCKA membership are required for this clinic. Experienced paddlers are invited to assist novices. RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339 to reserve your spot and receive travel details.
October 23-24, 2004. KCA Fall Rendezvous. Old Goat Ranch, Mulvane, KS. Details
Oct. 27, 2004. Tuttle Creek Lake, FULL MOON PADDLE: This once a month adventure will introduce you to a whole new world of kayaking. From the seat of our kayaks we will explore the wonders of the water that only a full moon can bring to light. Contact: Larry Storer, 785-292-4561, larrystorer@yahoo.com
November 3, 2004 7:00 PM. Eskimo Roll Video & Training. Video, discussion and exercise. Learn the mechanics of the Eskimo Roll in warm and dry conditions. Learn how to practice the Eskimo Roll without water, at home. To be held at Mountain High in Wichita, KS. Non-members welcome. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339 or Mountain High Clinic Flier.
November 6, 2004. KCKA Board Meeting. 1:00 PM at T.J.
& Jackie's home in Manhattan, KS
November 7, 2004. Eskimo Roll Clinic. Participants will pair up to learn and/or practice the Eskimo Roll. November 3 session is recommended if you are new to the Eskimo Roll. KCKA membership and liability waiver required. Time and location are to be determined.
Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
November 13-14, 2004. Float and camp on Arkansas River. Launch Saturday afternoon, camp from our boats and take out mid-day Sunday.
Walnut River upstream from El Dorado Lake is our low water alternate. RSVP with
Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
November 20-21, 2004. Novice WW Canoe, Kayak, Ducky. Class II. Time and location subject to weather, water and road conditions. Expect a KS, OK, AR or MO location. KCKA membership, liability waiver, whitewater gear and cold water/weather clothing required. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339. Revised: If the weather kills this trip, we will try again on Nov 27-28. Otherwise this will be the last WW trip I schedule this year.
(Short Notice) November 26 OR 27, 2004.
Kansas River Float. Class I. Perry to Lawrence or Lawrence to Eudora.
This trip is subject to weather and participant interest. If interested, please
contact Don Varnau at dvarnau@swbell.net or 785-841-1627.
Nov. 27, 2004. Council Grove Lake, FULL MOON PADDLE: This once a month adventure will introduce you to a whole new world of kayaking. From the seat of our kayaks we will explore the wonders of the water that only a full moon can bring to light. Contact: Larry
Storer, 785-292-4561, larrystorer@yahoo.com
(Cancelled)
November 27-28, 2004. Novice WW Canoe, Kayak, Ducky. Class II. Time and location subject to weather, water and road conditions. Expect a KS, OK, AR or MO location. KCKA membership, liability waiver, whitewater gear and cold water/weather clothing required. Please RSVP with Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
Revised: This trip will be cancelled if we have a
successful trip on Nov 20-21.
Plan for a short notice trips subject to weather, water and road conditions.
Sunday, December 5, 2004 Kansas River, Manhattan to St. George. Make sure you have layers for cold weather. E-mail Mick O'Shea for details, mjos8488@yahoo.com.
Please Support YOUR club. Schedule a Trip.
You can be a trip coordinator. Just pick a time and place that suits you and invite KCA members to join you by scheduling a trip.
© 2004 Kansas Canoe & Kayak Association, All Rights Reserved