Kayaking in the Spring?

Troy Gibson	Posted Apr 5, 2011 2:37 PM Link to this discussion
Gibbytdog Omaha, NE Post #: 1	I'm new to the group, so forgive me if this isn't the place to brainstorm ideas but looked like the perfect place to me! My wife and I got into Kayaking last summer and fall (bought a pair of 12' footers), mainly sticking to lakes in the area...and the weekly Kayak water polo, but we really wanted to do a mini trip down a river, maybe even an overnight. We don't really know where to start and we didn't want to go at it alone since it would be the first time. Would anyone be interested in organizing an excursion in late April or early May for some kayaking for some relative novices? Thanks! Troy
Deb Hoffnung	Posted Apr 5, 2011 4:34 PM Link to this reply
debinomaha Omaha, NE Post #: 45	Hi Troy! You posted in the perfect spot. There will definitely be some plans for half days out on the lakes, and at least one kayak/canoe camping trip is in the works. The Leadership is meeting tonight to square away some events for the next few months, and I will pay special attention to kayak planning myself. Two great places for you and your wife to try it alone would be Standing Bear Lake in Omaha and Walnut Creek Lake in Papillion. Both are big enough to paddle around but small enough that you're never far from the shore, and both are non-wake lakes so there are no waves to contend with. Very doable even if you've had very little experience...but of course, make sure to wear a life vest. It's required, and I've had to show my vest to the park ranger at Walnut Creek before. In addition, UNO offers day-long kayak instruction, and you can bring your own kayaks if you like. They go over basic techniques like forward, backward, and turn strokes, how to get out of your kayak if it capsizes, and how to right it again. I did it last year and thought it was great. There was going to be another course last summer covering kayaking in rivers, but it was canceled due to high water levels, so I'll be on the look out and posting for that one. Here's the listing for a May course at Lake Cunningham: Beginning Kayaking (One-Day Workshops at Lake Cunningham) Saturday, May 21st (9:00a.m.-4:00 p.m.) 402-554-2258 (you would call this number for information and to sign up) unoovc@unomaha.edu Want to find out what it’s like to paddle a kayak or learn the basic skills you need to go on a kayaking trip? This workshop focuses on correction strokes, going straight, and turning when you want to turn. Skills also include recovery from capsizing and rescue techniques. The clinic is taught at Lake Cunningham; a complete list of essentials and directions will be provided when you register. No pre-trip meeting: Please indicate boat choice when registering –recreation kayak or sea kayak and t-shirt size. Early Registration Cost: $32 UNO / $46 GP Late Fee: add $10 after Friday, May 13th I hope that's a good start for you! Deb Hoffnung (co-organizer, NAG)
Ted Graham	Posted Apr 6, 2011 12:11 PM Link to this reply
user 13940478 Omaha, NE Post #: 7	A nice floating getaway is the Elkhorn River. http://outdoornebrask... My brothers and I floated in an afternoon from Arlington to Elkhorn Crossing. This makes for a nice kayak trip. For longer trips just work up stream with the map to piece together the logistics. Know too, that if you consider Arlington as a put in point, there is no official boat ramp and road would require a small SUV or bigger. If you consider doing this one Saturday afternoon this Spring or Summer let me know if you are going in a group for I would love to float with others that kayak. Ted
Michelle	Posted Apr 6, 2011 4:30 PM Link to this reply
user 2354813 La Vista, NE Post #: 6	I love kayaking, but I don't have the gear, so I would be willing to go if we are going someplace where we can rent them. I haven't been kayaking in NE yet, just in MN and WI. ~Michelle
Ryan Forman	Posted Apr 6, 2011 4:36 PM Link to this reply
rforman Omaha, NE Post #: 8	I've got a boat as well, so depending on date and location, this is something I'm interested in trying to do some of this spring and summer as well.
Ted Graham	Posted Apr 6, 2011 4:41 PM Link to this reply
user 13940478 Omaha, NE Post #: 8	Michelle, Renting is no problem. Just transporting. Check out UNO Outdoor Venture rentals, look under "Paddling" specifically. http://www.unomaha.ed... As far as four people interested we should spark 'chatter' about this and set it as a "MeetUp." Elkhorn River. In point unknown;end point Elkhorn Crossing. Spring/Summer 2011. Let the momentum fly. Ted
Brandon Miller	Posted Apr 6, 2011 4:51 PM Link to this reply
pumpkinking84 Papillion, NE Post #: 47	@Everyone Glad someone brought this up. We will be setting up a few kayaking/canoeing trips this Spring/Summer. I am in the works of putting together a Spring Kayaking Trip down the Elkhorn, if anyone is interested in helping please let me know. On the agenda we've also got a kayaking/canoeing trip down the Buffalo River in Arkansas, roughly 8 hours away, that will be Friday-Sunday. Details TBA. We did this last year and it was a blast. @Michele, Just as Ted said check out UNO's rental procedures. I've transported a kayak on the top of my car before and it wasn't much of a problem, they provide straps and pads to secure it. If anyone has any questions, concerns, comments or ideas shoot 'em my way. Brandon
Ronda	Posted Apr 7, 2011 7:31 AM Link to this reply
Pinoakrd Group Organizer Underwood, IA Post #: 62	you can also contact Missouri River Valley Paddles in Yahoo! Groups . James Keyes email above is our areas paddling guru, and help you with trip planning and advice. Have fun.
Troy Gibson	Posted Apr 7, 2011 9:01 AM Link to this reply
Gibbytdog Omaha, NE Post #: 2	I have the ability to carry two additional yaks as well on my Jimmy, as I have a racking systems for up to 4.
Audrey Fisher	Posted Apr 7, 2011 9:58 AM Link to this reply
user 11199973 Omaha, NE Post #: 8	Hey Everyone! I've got a weekend camping/kayak trip in the works for the summer. First weekend in June is my plan. Day kayaking on the Nishnabotna, located in Pottawatamie county. Only an hour drive away, so if you don't want to camp overnight, you can just come out for the paddling. More details to come. Glad to see so much interest! Look forward to seeing you all on the water!

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