Wichita Area Paddlers (WAP)
TRIPS & EVENTS:
For float and paddle trips, I suggest the following:
Join KCKA to get on their mailing list.
Join ARC to get on their mailing list.
Join Sierra Club to get on their mailing list.
Call 316-942-4339 to get on the Wichita Paddlers (WAP) event notice list.
The following is the most complete list I am aware of. I plan to either lead or participate in most of these events. Hope you can join in the fun too. - Chris
ALL of these events are subject to change. Be sure to contact the leader / sponsor with your RSVP before just showing up. Most events require equipment and / or skill level appropriate for the activity.
March 7-8, 2009. Elk City National Trail. [Day Hikes]. Base camp at Card
Creek. RSVP Chris Collins 316-942-4339
Note: The White Rock Mountain hike has been postponed until April 4-5 because
the trails and campground are closed because of January ice storm damage.
March 14-17, 2009. Ozark Self-Support Float Trip. RSVP David Cobb 316-772-3527
March 27-29, 2009. Big Piney Creek or Alternate. Novice/Intermediate Whitewater. . [Class II-III] [Base Camp]. Mostly Class II. Class III rapid can be portaged. Will likely paddle Friday, Saturday, and then Sunday morning. Call as needed to discuss your skill level, equipment requirements and clothing. This trip is probably for you if you have taken the Red Cross class or the YMCA workshop and at least have good boat control on flat water. The basis of the trip will be to improve our eddy turns, ferries, practice reading the river, and have fun. Participation is limited depending on the number of experienced boaters who help. Advance RSVP is required of ALL participants and helpers. Novices and anyone new to me will need time to submit a waiver and medical form. Chris Collins 316-942-4339 or T.J. Hittle 785-539-7772
April 4, 2009. Tandem Canoe Instructional Class - Manhattan, KS. RSVP Mick O’Shea
April 4-5, 2009. Elk City Lake Trails. [Sierra Club Hike]. Base camp. I want
to do the west 6 miles of the Elk City Trail for sure. One of several
other trails will be an option for Sunday morning. RSVP Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
White Rock Mountain Hike: [Cancelled] An ice storm in Jan 2009 caused roads, trails and campgrounds to be closed. I am guessing it won't be a good choice this spring. I will be paddling in that area this spring and fall so I will get a chance to look and then plan another hike in that area when it no longer looks like a disaster zone.
April 24-26, 2009. Family Recreational Ozark Adventure. [KCKA / Sierra Club] Class I-II. Base Camp Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Expect sections on a river like the North Fork of the White, Current, Niangua, Spring, Eleven Point or Buffalo that will be suitable for recreational kayaks. You might encounter mild whitewater. You will encounter sections with swiftwater, calm water, lots of riffles, hairpin turns, strainers and other obstacles. Plan for a sunrise launch on Sunday morning. Weather could be anything from cold to hot. The water will be cold. You must be prepared to survive a cold-water swim or cold rain. Helmets are recommended, especially for kayakers because the riverbed will be rock and gravel. Any sports helmet should work fine. If you have had a kayak/canoe class or are beyond paddling in unintentional circles and have the proper gear, you are probably skilled enough for this trip. Proper clothing will be more important that paddling skill. Discuss your skill level and clothing with any experienced boater. RSVP and a liability release are required for ALL participants. Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
May 3, 2009. Kansas River Cleanup. RSVP Mick O’Shea
June 5-6, 2009. KCKA Spring Rendezvous. Elk City Lake and River.
June 20, 2009. Fishing Lakes Recreational Trip - Cowley & Butler Counties. Tom Grist
July 12-19, 2009. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) Trip. Located in Northeastern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) has a ~million acres of wilderness, with over 1,000 pristine lakes and streams, and over 1500 miles of canoe routes. It is considered by some as the most beautiful wilderness they have ever seen. National Geographic named it one of 50 Destinations of a Lifetime. In other words, a vacation you do not want to miss. RSVP David Cobb
July17-19, 2009. Colorado Novice/Intermediate Whitewater Workshop & Float. [KCKA / MWA] [Class II-III] [Base Camp]. Arkansas River near Salida, CO. Mostly Class II. Class III rapids can be portaged. Plan to travel Thursday and then paddle Friday, Saturday, and maybe Sunday morning. We will allow time for surfing the Salida play holes on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Call as needed to discuss your skill level, equipment requirements and clothing. This trip is probably for you if you have taken the Red Cross class or the YMCA workshop and at least have good boat control on flat water. The basis of the trip will be to improve our eddy turns, ferries, practice reading the river, and have fun. Participation is limited depending on the number of experienced boaters who help. Advance RSVP is required of ALL participants and helpers. Novices and anyone new to me will need time to submit a waiver and medical form. Chris Collins 316-942-4339 KCKA or Chris Kelly 573-445-5969 MWA
Saturday, August 22, 2009. 8:00 AM - Noon. Basic Kayak
Training. Will cover basics including wet-exit, basic strokes,
balance, recommended exercising and stretching. A few printed handouts will
available. Depending on your size, we might have a kayak you can barrow
for the training and you might have a chance to test different kinds of
kayaks. No cost. In or near Wichita. LIMITED PARTICIPATION. RSVP
ONLY. Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
CANCELED - August 28-30, 2009. Colorado Novice/Intermediate Whitewater Workshop & Float. [KCKA / MWA] [Class II-III] [Base Camp]. Arkansas River near Salida, CO. Mostly Class II. Class III rapids can be portaged. Plan to travel Thursday and then paddle Friday, Saturday, and maybe Sunday morning. We will allow time for surfing the Salida play holes on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Call as needed to discuss your skill level, equipment requirements and clothing. This trip is probably for you if you have taken the Red Cross class or the YMCA workshop and at least have good boat control on flat water. The basis of the trip will be to improve our eddy turns, ferries, practice reading the river, and have fun. Participation is limited depending on the number of experienced boaters who help. Advance RSVP is required of ALL participants and helpers. Novices and anyone new to me will need time to submit a waiver and medical form. Chris Collins 316-942-4339. -
CANCELED
October 23-25, 2009. Family Recreational Ozark Adventure. Class I-II. Base Camp Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Expect sections on a river like the North Fork of the White, Current, Niangua, Spring, Eleven Point or Buffalo that will be suitable for recreational kayaks. You might encounter mild whitewater. You will encounter sections with swiftwater, calm water, lots of riffles, hairpin turns, strainers and other obstacles. This weekend should provide us with spectacular fall colors. Plan for a sunrise launch on Sunday morning. Daytime temperatures could be anything from 40-80F and you must be prepared to survive a cold-water swim, cold rain or hot sunshine. Helmets are recommended, especially for kayakers because the riverbed will be rock and gravel. Any sports helmet should work fine. If you have had a kayak/canoe class or are beyond paddling in unintentional circles and have the proper gear, you are probably skilled enough for this trip. Discuss your skill level with any experienced boater. RSVP and a liability release are required for ALL participants. Chris Collins 316-942-4339.
© 2009 Chris Collins, All Rights Reserved