Kayaking Advice

[CoffeeBean]

Are there any places in town that sell kayaks other than big box chain stores?  I'm looking to purchase one to add another dimension to my list of outdoor activities, and I'd like to hear from someone who specializes in these boats before buying.  Any info would be appreciated. 

[AquaMan]

I don't know of anyone other than the usual suspects. You have to go to OKC or nearby Arkansas to find a knowledgeable specialist.

Are you wanting a general use kayak for rivers, streams, lakes or are you thinking of serious performance kayaking? Because the ones they sell at the big boxes offer a pretty good general use selection, but are seriously deficient for ocean use or white water. The emphasis locally is on fishing rigs because that's the market. Few rapids in the area.

Just like bikes, the more you pay likely the more engineering involved. Basic rule of thumb- long, thin, shallow boats are faster but offer less maneuverability and storage. Short, sit inside yaks can dart around like a mosquito but are laborious on a slow river or lake. A 10-12ft sit on top, or wide mouth sit inside,  with storage is a nice compromise for our area. Check paddling.net.

[Conan71]

And if you are going to buy a yak, please do not underestimate the power of the Arkansas River nor the drowning machine just under the pedestrian bridge.  If in doubt, don't get on the water.  You can get some great recreation in, but I'd highly recommend you talk at length with or go on a tour with Aqua Man prior to getting out on a high flow day, you can be on top of that LWD in a hurry.

[AquaMan]

True, that.

Standing offer. I'd love to get a group of TN posters to float from Keystone Dam down to Tulsa. Something to tell the grand kids some day. I have some craft and it would be a good way to check out a new canoe or kayak. When the water is right, there are 2-3 noisy sets of rapids in that stretch.

[carltonplace]

True, that.

Standing offer. I'd love to get a group of TN posters to float from Keystone Dam down to Tulsa. Something to tell the grand kids some day. I have some craft and it would be a good way to check out a new canoe or kayak. When the water is right, there are 2-3 noisy sets of rapids in that stretch.

I'm in!

[Conan71]

I will most definitely go.  Let's hope we have water some time soon.  Otherwise we might just have to make it a mountain bike trek down the middle of the river.

[Townsend]

I'm in.

[RecycleMichael]

I look like the Skipper, act like Gilligan, think I am the Professor, and really want to be Mr. Howell.

I'm in.

[AquaMan]

Excellent. I'll do some planning tonite and get back to you all. I have two canoes, two kayaks.  Right now they are only letting water out in the late afternoon to midnight. Not the best time for most of us.

[CoffeeBean]

I would never come close to the LWD, especially after the drowning last year.  I wouldn't even try the Tulsa Wave until I was extremely confident/comfortable with the boat. 

I'm looking recreational (mostly) - lakes, Illinois, Buffalo, White, etc.  Are the smaller kayaks suitable for these rivers or should I look for a longer ride?  The "laborious" comment has me concerned. 

I'm in for a float down the Arkansas once I get a boat. 

Thanks for the advice.   

[AquaMan]

the smaller kayaks, <10ft are good for the Illinois, Buffalo, White etc. but will just wear you out on a lake. They are great for dealing with drops in elevation, tight turns, rapids, tricks, flipping over.  A bigger river like the Arkansas  is the tipping point for a small kayak. When the water is up on the Arkansas, the current will carry anything...when the water is down you're carrying the boat and the smaller the better!

We should be getting some water in the Ark soon and I'll try to set something up.

[Conan71]

the smaller kayaks, <10ft are good for the Illinois, Buffalo, White etc. but will just wear you out on a lake. They are great for dealing with drops in elevation, tight turns, rapids, tricks, flipping over.  A bigger river like the Arkansas  is the tipping point for a small kayak. When the water is up on the Arkansas, the current will carry anything...when the water is down you're carrying the boat and the smaller the better!

We should be getting some water in the Ark soon and I'll try to set something up.

Did you see it this morning?  Could not see a sand bar on Zink when I rode over the ped bridge on the way to work this morning.

[AquaMan]

Getting better. Looks like they popped open the gates a bit later yesterday evening, appx 8pm(maybe the rain ?) It peaked at midnight and was dropping when you passed over the bridge. Currently less than a foot at the bridge.

The flood pool is still at normal range of 723ft so they're not releasing too much till it starts to rise.

[Conan71]

Getting better. Looks like they popped open the gates a bit later yesterday evening, appx 8pm(maybe the rain ?) It peaked at midnight and was dropping when you passed over the bridge. Currently less than a foot at the bridge.

The flood pool is still at normal range of 723ft so they're not releasing too much till it starts to rise.

It appears snow melt may be a lot later this year on the Arkansas watershed as well.  They had a winter weather advisory near the headwaters in Leadville on Monday.

[custosnox]

I would love to join in on this as well.  Sounds like an adventure.