Kayaking in Tulsa

[Conan71]

I've heard good things about both the Mulberry and Buffalo rivers.  When the rivers are low they are pretty tame and good for rafts/beer drinking like the Illinois.  When the water goes up they can be pretty challenging even for experienced kayakers. 

The city/state needs to do a better job of promoting the mountains, rivers, and lakes near Tulsa.  Not many (or any) central U.S. cities the size of Tulsa have such a great outdoor playground so close to the city.  Some people who have lived in Tulsa for years do not know about the many opportunities in eastern OK, western AR, and southern MO.  IMO Tulsa should play up its proximity to the Ozarks and also as the heart of Green Country with forests and hills (unlike the central and western parts of the state).

That's our wonderful Chamber of Commerce at work.  Maybe someone should let them know there's so much to do around Tulsa.

[dbacks fan]

I have never really thought about owning a kayak or a canoe, until I moved into the apartment complex I live in now.







I now find myself wanting something to go out on the water, and the apartment complex limits me to self propelled water devices. How do I get a kayak or canoe back to where I live owning a Mazda Miata?

[Red Arrow]

Drill holes in your fenders for a support rack for the water craft.  I'm sure you can find a welding shop to rig up something for you.  

[Conan71]

Drill holes in your fenders for a support rack for the water craft.  I'm sure you can find a welding shop to rig up something for you.  

Sauerkraut, did you log into the wrong account?

[waterboy]

I have never really thought about owning a kayak or a canoe, until I moved into the apartment complex I live in now.







I now find myself wanting something to go out on the water, and the apartment complex limits me to self propelled water devices. How do I get a kayak or canoe back to where I live owning a Mazda Miata?

Consider an inflatable kayak by SeaEagle. They work well, are pretty indestructable and unsinkable yet fold up to fit in a duffle bag. There are some more expensive brands on the market but this one is a good starter.

[SXSW]

I have never really thought about owning a kayak or a canoe, until I moved into the apartment complex I live in now.







I now find myself wanting something to go out on the water, and the apartment complex limits me to self propelled water devices. How do I get a kayak or canoe back to where I live owning a Mazda Miata?

Is that in Phoenix?  Looks really nice. 

[SXSW]

That's our wonderful Chamber of Commerce at work.  Maybe someone should let them know there's so much to do around Tulsa.

That and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Both could do a better job promoting the city.  I'd like to see TulsaPeople or Urban Tulsa do a piece on Ozark activities pointing out hiking trails, state parks, kayaking/rafting outfitters, lodges, restaurants, etc. within 2-3 hours east of Tulsa.  I went camping one weekend in the mountains north of Clarksville, AR off SH 123 and SH 7.  It was about a 3 hour drive from Tulsa and the scenery was awesome.  There are similar areas even closer, around Fayetteville, and areas in southeast Oklahoma around Talihina that are only about a 2-2.5 hour drive.  In Oklahoma the Illinois, Kiamichi, and Mountain Fork rivers have outfitters for rafts/kayaks and in Arkansas I know of outfitters on the Mulberry and Buffalo and I'm sure there are a couple others.  SW Missouri has a few too, possibly the Elk River which flows into Grand Lake.  The Cossatot, in west central AR near Mena, is supposed to be the most difficult whitewater between the Rockies and Appalachains.  I can't think of any place outside of the Western mountain states and a few in the Appalachains that have so many whitewater streams so close.

[Conan71]

That and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Both could do a better job promoting the city.  I'd like to see TulsaPeople or Urban Tulsa do a piece on Ozark activities pointing out hiking trails, state parks, kayaking/rafting outfitters, lodges, restaurants, etc. within 2-3 hours east of Tulsa.  I went camping one weekend in the mountains north of Clarksville, AR off SH 123 and SH 7.  It was about a 3 hour drive from Tulsa and the scenery was awesome.  There are similar areas even closer, around Fayetteville, and areas in southeast Oklahoma around Talihina that are only about a 2-2.5 hour drive.  In Oklahoma the Illinois, Kiamichi, and Mountain Fork rivers have outfitters for rafts/kayaks and in Arkansas I know of outfitters on the Mulberry and Buffalo and I'm sure there are a couple others.  SW Missouri has a few too, possibly the Elk River which flows into Grand Lake.  The Cossatot, in west central AR near Mena, is supposed to be the most difficult whitewater between the Rockies and Appalachains.  I can't think of any place outside of the Western mountain states and a few in the Appalachains that have so many whitewater streams so close.

Isn't the C&VB a branch of the Metro Chamber?  Again, promotional FAIL.

Many people actually are aware of these gems existing.  Many motorcyclists and bicyclist friends of mine are all well aware of the Talamena Drive and many scenic opportunities in the Ozarks and Ouachita's. 

Water sports have also been a cornerstone of NE Oklahoma recreation for years.  The Illinois, largely due to the AG's relentless pursuit of the poultry lawsuit, now has a PR problem of people thinking it's a reeking flow of skankwater which is entirely untrue.  I agree the watershed needs to be protected, but many people now think waterways in NE OK and NWA are unsafe to be in.

Drop a note to the editors at UTW and TP about a story pitch, they are always willing to listen.  Targeted editorial like that is also a good opportunity for the ad sales staff to sell around it to resorts, B & B's and outfitters.

[dbacks fan]

Is that in Phoenix?  Looks really nice. 

Actually it's Gilbert a suburb SE of Phoenix. There are several neighborhoods all over the valley that are like this.



This one is a mile north of me, and it is a skiing lake complete with a ski jump. Gated community and way out of my price range.

[dbacks fan]

Drill holes in your fenders for a support rack for the water craft.  I'm sure you can find a welding shop to rig up something for you.  

Thought about that, but Jesse James tried it with a Miata on Monster Garage and it did not go well.

[dbacks fan]

Consider an inflatable kayak by SeaEagle. They work well, are pretty indestructable and unsinkable yet fold up to fit in a duffle bag. There are some more expensive brands on the market but this one is a good starter.

If I do, I have friends here that own pick ups so getting it to the complex is not a problem. I might just out of curiosity go to Dick's Sporting Goods this weekend just to look and see what they offer and then shop around.