Wichita Area Paddlers (WAP)
Previous Meeting Topics & Activities
Topic: STRIP BUILT KAYAK. Fred Graus will demo his beautiful home built kayak and answer questions. Monday, June 2, 2008
Topic: GPS 101. Cole Brace from Sportsman's Warehouse will help you learn the basics of using your GPS on the river or on the highway. Learn to turn your GPS on, what a coordinate is, mark the take-out, measure distance paddled, measure the speed of the water, and know your average speed. Some GPS's will even tell you how much time you spent paddling and how much time you rested. They will all tell you how far you have paddled, how much time it took and what your average speed was. Chris Collins will demo how to get free maps from the Internet and mark coordinates for various river landmarks before leaving home. By using your GPS and a map made at home, you will always know where you are on a river and how far it is to the next landmark or take-out. You will never miss a take-out and you will be able to tell emergency services exactly where to find you. Bring your GPS, and a headlamp just in case we end up practicing in the park after dark. Monday, May 5, 2008.
Topic: PRESERVING AND IMPROVING WATER QUALITY - HOW CAN YOU HELP? Paddlers are in a perfect position to monitor and document our river’s condition and report problems. Together, we CAN make a big difference. Join us tonight and learn how. April 7, 2008
Topic: GREEN RIVER TRIP REPORT. Rich and Janice Lind will share photos and stories from their summer 2007 trip. March 3, 2008.
Topic: RIVER RELATED LOCAL HISTORY. Vince Marshall shares his research that includes activities and events of explorers, traders, Indians, settlers and modern times. February 4, 2008
Topic: GPS BASICS WORKSHOP. Jim Clark, a GPS instructor and technology specialist for USD 259, will present basic information and instruction needed to use a GPS while paddling, traveling or treasure hunting (geocaching). Jim has a limited number of GPS devices for use during training. RSVP early if you wish to reserve a loaner GPS device for this workshop. January 7, 2008
Topic: Ozark Kayaking Adventures. Michelle and Zack Myers will present photos and stories of their Ozark Kayaking Adventures. This will highlight our October 12-14 Ozark trip. Come listen, watch and learn why they are enthusiastic about paddling in the Ozarks. November 14, 2007.
Topic: Boundary Waters Trip Report. Tom Grist will be presenting a trip report from a trip this summer. October 10, 2007
Topic: Local Recreational Evening Float. We launched in the part and paddled the Little Arkansas river. September 12, 2007.
Topic: Local Recreational Evening Float. We launched at the WATER Center and took out at the new Derby Access shortly at sundown. 11 people participated. Kay helped us run the shuttle. We had 1 swim. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening shade and pleasant paddle. August 8, 2007.
Topic: Pizza Night. 15 paddlers broke pizza crust together and discussed future activities. Wish you were there with us. August 7, 2007
Topic: Local Recreational Evening Float. We launched at the Amidon Bridge and took out at the WATER Center shortly after dark. 17 people participated. We had 3 swims. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening shade and pleasant paddle. July 11, 2007.
Topic: Trip Report - 4.5 day Michigan Expedition Race. Up to 80 miles of trekking/running, 85 miles of great lake and river paddling, 195 miles of mountain biking, orienteering, rappelling and our special challenge, caving. 350 miles total. June 13, 2007
Topic: Camping / Self-supporting from a Kayak. Learn how to enjoy nature at its finest by floating your favorite river and primitive camping with an acceptable level of comfort. Included will be several gear demos and ideas for packing the gear in your kayak. See several lightweight stove options including a JetBoil and an ultralight alcohol stove made from Pepsi cans. Share ideas with other boaters. Bring your own table service to sample several food options. Kayak camping techniques will also work for canoe camping. - May 11, 2007
Topic: Using the Internet to Plan a Trip. Learn how to research a trip, watch water levels and monitor the weather. We will also discuss the advantages of record keeping and provide suggestions. - April 11, 2007
Topic: Eric Jackson Video - EJ's Rolling & Bracing - March 14,2007
Topic: Hypothermia & clothing options Feb 14, 2007
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