Mississippi Canoe Club: June 2005 Archives

June 24, 2005

Personal Preparedness and Responsibilities

International Scale of Whitewater Difficulty

Universal River Signals

Personal Preparedness and Responsibilities

If you're thinking about participating in a club trip, contact the trip coordinator at least 4 days before the trip. Trips that require advance registration, contact the trip coordinator as soon as possible. If you decide not to go on the trip, call the trip cordinator again and let him/her know of your change in plans.
Provide your own food, transportation (as necessary) and equipment/clothing. This means being suitably clothed for cold and wet weather and eqipped for the particular trip. This includes carrying a personal first-aid kit and, if required, river rescue equipment.
Be a competent swimmer, comfortable in the water, and able to handle yourself underwater and in whitewater depending on the trip classification.
Be on time at the correct meeting place for the trip
Have a realistic picture of your paddling ability. Never attempt a river where your inability may jeopardize yourself or your fellow paddlers. Be conservative and know and respect river classifications.
Keep the shuttle car in sight at all times. If you lose sight, stop-wait-then search.
Always wear a good Personal Flotation Device (PFD). A snugly-fitting PFD offers back and shoulder protection as well as the flotation needed to swim safely in moving water.
Always wear a solid, correctly fitted helmet when paddling whitewater rivers.
NEVER boat alone
Secure any rope that may possibly become entangled around your body or limbs. Be especially cautious of small diameter lines such as bailer lines.
Be practiced in rescue, self-rescue, escape, extracation and first-aid.
If you suffer from a know medical condition, bring appropriate medication and advise others of your condition.
Advise family and friends of your exact destination and when you'll be returning.
Leave the river and its environment cleaner than you found it.
Follow instructions and commands of the trip coordinator.

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Trip Coordinator's Duties

Be familiar with the river and surrounding area, put-ins, take-outs, and water levels. Obtain maps when needed.
Determine the meeting place, time of departure and any group camping arrangements.
Make a list of the names and phone numbers of trip participants so they can be contacted if necessary.
Select an alternate river to paddle, when necessary.
Limit the number of participants, dividing into smaller groups when necessary.
Try to screen participants and, when necessary, politely refuse to take any paddler wo you feel is not qualified.
Check all boaters for proper equipment; i.e. lifejackets, helmets, spare paddles, flotation, throw bags, and first-aid kits.
Lead or assign the lead to a boater who knows the river. Assign a skilled sweep boat to bring up the rear and carry a first-aid kit.
Acquaint the group with plans and organization on the river, including the lunch stop, planned breaks, and anticipated hazards.
Station skilled boaters downstream at hard or long rapids, ensuring that throw bags are available and set strategically when needed.
Respect the right of property owners along the river. Seek their permission to put-in and take-out on their land and thank them for river access and any camping privileges granted.
Write a trip report or designate a trip participant to write the report and send it to the club newsletter editor.

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International Scale of Whitewater

Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves, few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training, risk to swimmers is slight. Self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easliy missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class II+."
Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficlt to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required. Large volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare. Self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "class III-" or "class III+", respetively.
Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "class IV-" or "class IV+", respectively.
Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond class IV, class V is open ended, multiple level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc... each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from class 5.0 to class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from class IV to class V.
Class VI: Extreme and exploratory. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a class VI rapid has been run many times, it's rating may be changed to an appropriate class 5.x rating.

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Prevention of Spills

When paddling tandem in a canoe always paddle on opposite sides.
Attempt to keep your center of gravity in your boat as low as possible by kneeling in your canoe rather than sitting up on the seats. This is especially important on whitewater rivers or going through rapids.
If your boat is sideways to the flow of the current and you're about to hit a downstream obstruction ie. rock, log, etc., lean your boat into the obstruction rather than away from it. An upstream lean is guaranteed to be a wet one and could cause your boat to be pinned against the obstruction.
Follow the lead of the more experienced boaters in front of you unless they have instructed you otherwise.
Allow for sufficient room in or just prior to a rapid between your boat and the boat ahead of you. This will reduce the chances of colliding with the other boat.
Learn to recognize and react to river hazards such as holes, snags, rocks, undercut boulders, rock sieves and horizon lines across the river.
If paddling in a tandem canoe or kayak, the stern paddler should follow the lead of their bow partner since they can often see potential hazards first.
Never stand in your canoe or grab onto branches of trees.
Learn the basic strokes for canoeing and/or kayaking. They are your defensive mechanism against potential problems and hazards.
Use the large flat surface of your paddle blade to help keep the canoe or kayak from flipping (called the low and high brace). Grabbing the gunwales of the canoe as you're going through a rapid or over a drop does nothing to help keep the boat upright. Learn to keep your paddle in the water for direction and support even when things get rough.
Scout rapids that you are unfamiliar with or when the river is at a unfamilar flow level.
On unfamilar rivers stay to the middle or inside bend of the river. The flow of the river is always fastest and deepest on the outside bend of the river. This outside bend is where you'll generally find down trees, and strainers which can be hazardous to the paddler in or out of their boat.

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When You Swim

Stay with the boat on the upstream end or on top of it unless it is headed for a dangerous place or is interfering with rescue attempts. Leave it and swim when this improves your chances.
Be aware of your partner's plight and be prepared to offer assistance if necessary and possible.
Hang on to your paddle unless personal safety requires you to abandon it.
When swimming in whitewater, float on your back with your feet at the water surface and downstream of your head (the defensive swimming position). When dropping over falls or through narrow areas, ball up in the tuck position to prevent entrapment of arms or legs, then resume the defensive swimming position. When being carried into a strainer (tree branches), move to a headfirst position and try to climb up into the strainer so not to be pulled under it by the water where you could get entrapped. If the rapids are deep and powerful, roll over onto your stomach and swim aggressively for shore. Watch for eddies and slackwater and use them to get out of the current.
NEVER attempt to stand in fast moving water that is 18" in depth or greater. You may trap your foot below the surface and be pulled underwater by the current where you could drown.
Remain calm and help as much as possible with your rescue.
Always follow the instructions or rescuers!! They are usually in a better position to evaluate the situation or hazards and can determine appropriate action to ensure your safety.

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Rescuing Others

Rescue people first, equipment later.
In the recovery of equipment, avoid taking unnecessary risks that might further endanger you or others. Always try to carry a spare paddle.
Carefully observe victims of long or difficult swims for signs of hidden injury, shock, or hypothermia.
Take a River Safety Clinic if ever offered by your paddling club to increase your knowledge of river safety and rescue procedures.

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Hypothermia is a condition whereby the body has lost ability to maintain necessary internal temperature and can no longer re-heat itself. In the early stages, the victim feels chilled and may shiver. In more advanced stages of hypothermia, the victim loses coordination, speech becomes slurred and judgement is impaired, among other things. It can easily be prevented by doing the following:

Wear proper clothing: drysuit, wetsuit, wool, capilene, pile or a combination; plus a wind breaker layer, like paddling jacket/pants; and protection for the head, such as a helmet and/or wool cap or balaclava.
Do not paddle too tough rivers. Know your ability and paddle one class lower than your ability. Avoid flooded rivers.
Paddle only short runs with easy access. Roads along a river help.
Bring spare clothes, plenty of liquids (no alcohol), extra sugar foods, personal medications, waterproof matches and chemical fire starter, if applicable. Tie them into the boat in a waterproof container or bag.
Eat well before trips, get plenty of sleep and pack high sugar foods in with nutritious lunch.
Drink plenty of liquids while exercising.
Maintain a high level of activity, but do not over-tire yourself.
If you find youself in the water, get out of the water ASAP. If you cannot remove your entire body from the water, move as much of your torso and head above water as possible (water wicks body heat away 25 times faster than air). Avoid unnecessary movement as that increases heat loss under water.
When in doubt, stay home.

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Hypothermia Treatment

When hypothermia strikes, recognize the symptoms at each stage. Take the following action immediately:

Remove the victim from the water and shelter them from wind. Handle the victim gently.
Gently remove the victims wet clothing.
Warm the victim using an external source of heat. The victim's body cannot re-wam itself. Warm the torso area first.
Place the victim and one or two others, all unclothed, in a sleeping bag or rolled together in a blanket.
Warm the victim by placing him/her close to a large fire, or heat water, pouring it over the blanket-wrapped victim. Place heat producing objects, such as hand warmer heaters or heated rocks inside the sleeping bag with the victim. Take care to wrap the object so as not to burn the victim. Do not rub the victims arms and legs in a attempt to warm up the skin! Such stimulation only hastens the flow of cold blood to the heart and throughout the body and can cause more severe damage, even heart attack.
A conscious victim should be treated for shock, placed in a supine position wth the head tilted back to maintain an open airway.
An unconscious victim should be treated for shock, placed in a supine position with head tilted back to maintain an ope airway.
Get medical attention for the victim ASAP. Hypothermia can cause other severe damage, even death
Prevention works best so take a Red Cross First Aid course.

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River Courtesy

To promote river courtesy, all members of the Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club are asked to follow and promote the following:

Our club shares the rivers with many groups including other boaters, rafters, tubers, hikers, campers, fishermen and wildlife. Try to avoid intruding on each so we can all enjoy the rivers.
At the put-in, take-out and all points in between, attempt to avoid damaging the banks of the river or stream. Our presence can lead to increased erosion problems, damage to plant and wildlife and deterioration to the local stream area.
Anytime you're on the river, bag your trash and tie it into your boat. Litter detracts from the beauty of the river and can negatively impact wildlife and downstream resources. All club members are asked to help keep our streams clean by carrying and filling a trash bag on each river trip. If each of us picks up letter at the access points and all points in between, our river will be a better place for all to visit.
Profanity, drugs and alcohol are not welcome on our rivers. Our Mississippi law enforcement and wildlife officers patrol the streams of the state to ensure violators are dealt with appropriately.
If you must build a fire near the river, ensure that it is completely out prior to leaving the site and all evidence of the fire are removed.
Anytime we are out of our boats and standing in the water or on the bank of a river, we are on someone's property. Please strive to respect their property at all times. When accessing the river whether it is the put-in or take-out, always obtain permission from the property owner(s), and leave things better than you found them.
Changing clothes before or after a river trip should be done at a rest or changing area, in the confines of your vehicle, or in a secluded area. Stripping down next to a busy rural road or highway is not welcome by those that live in the community nor by the majority of the paddling community. Don't give local officials a reason to prevent us from paddling our and other states' beautiful streams. Use your common sense!!.

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Whitewater Rescue Equipment

Whistle - get one that is small, loud and durable. Good brand is Fox 40. Attach the whistle high on your PFD, but not on your zipper pull.
Caribiners - have several (6 to 8) in your rescue bag plus one (parabiner) that has a very large opening to attach to plastic grab loops on many of todays kayaks.
Pulleys - have two rescue pulleys in your rescue bag to use in setting up a Z-Drag.
Slip Ropes - have eight or ten 6mm ropes each 40" to 48" in length and each tied into a loop using a Double Fisherman's knot for use as Prusiks.
Webbing - have 15 to 20 feet of 1-inch wide webbing for use to wrap around trees to which to attach ropes, carabiners, and pulleys.
Footwear - wear a good pair of sturdy river sandals in case you need to do any hiking or extensive rescue procedures.
Throwbag/Rope - get one that has a 50 to 60 foot colored line. Learn to throw it as well.
PFD Rescue Harness - these can be invaluable in a rescue, but you need to know how to properly use it.
Knife - get a knife that attaches to your PFD and can be quickly removed when necessary.
Matches - carry some matches in a waterproof container.

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Note: Some of the above material was developed by the Carolina Canoe Club.

Posted by Larry Estes at 03:28 PM

The MCKC Photo Gallery is here for our members and website visitors to enjoy photos of club members on recent trips. If you want to submit photos, please have it in JPEG format as well as some brief information about the photos (names of paddlers, river, section of river or rapid name, photo by and date). The photos should be submitted by e-mail to Larry Estes.

On the photos below, click on them to see a larger version. The larger the file size, the longer it takes to load. Enjoy!!

Black Creek Trip - Brooklyn to Fairley Bridge - November 2007


Guest Appreciation Festival, Used Equipment Sale and Club Cup Competiton in North Carolina - October 2007




Nantahala River Reunion Trip - September 2007







Chunky River - March 2007 - Point Bridge to Stuckey's Bridge



Black Creek - October 2006 - Janice Landing to Fairley Bridge


Red Creek - Hwy. 26 to Hwy. 49



Feb - Bayou Pierre (Hwy. 18 to Carlisle Bridge)

April - Okatoma Creek (Okatoma Outdoor Post to Lux Bridge)

July - Nantahala River in NC

Leaf River

Red Creek - City Bridge to Hwy. 15


October - Okatoma Creek Service Trip

Posted by Larry Estes at 10:14 AM

June 22, 2005

Suggested River Levels for Paddling

(See Important Note Below)

Mississippi Streams
River	Low (Ft)	Good (Ft)	High (Ft)	Comments
Bayou Pierre	below 3.25	3.65 to 5.0	over 7.0	none
Bear Creek	?	?	?	need Data
Biloxi River	below 1.25	1.5 to 3.0	over 3.50	none
Black Creek	below 4.0	4.5 to 6.5	over 7.5	none
Bogue Chitto River	below 5.8	6.00 to 7.0	over 8.0	none
Bouie Creek/River	below 2.6	2.9 to 3.25	over 3.5	none
Buttahatchee River	below 6.1	6.5 to 8.50	over 9.0	none
Chickasawhay River	below 4.5	4.5 to 6.0	over 6.5	Based on gauge at Enterprise
Chunky River	below 2.75	3.25 to 4.5	over 5.0	none
Escatawpa River	below 3.0	3.5 to 5.5	over 6.5	none
Leaf River - Hwy. 18 to Hwy. 28	below 4.5	5.0 to 6.5	over 7.5	Gauge reading at Collins
Leaf River - Above Hattiesburg	below 1.0	1.25 to 3.0	over 3.25	Gauge reading at Hattiesburg
Magee's Creek	below 5.5	5.8 to 6.25	over 6.5	Gauge reading at Tylertown on Bogue Chitto
Okatoma Creek	below 7.8	8.2 to 9.0	over 10.0	0.8, 1.2, 2.0, 2.4, and 4.0 ft at the Seminary Bridge is 8.2, 8.35, 8.7, 9.3, and 10.2 ft, respectively, at the USGS Sanford Bridge gage. NOTE: At 8.8 feet on the USGS gage, paddlers need some river paddling skills or expect to have several spills along the way between Seminary and Hwy. 598 bridge. Okatoma Creek will challenge the beginner/inexperienced paddler at nearly all river levels. Advice: Get some canoe instruction and begin to enjoy this river.
Pearl River - Upper	Below 4.0	4.0 to 5.25	Over 5.50	need data
Pearl River - Lower	?	?	?	need data
Red Creek	below 5.5	6.0 to 7.5	over 8.0	none
Strong River	below 3.5	4.0 to 7.5	over 8.0	none
Wolf River	below 5.25	5.5 to 7.0	over 8.0	none

Alabama Streams
River	Low (Ft)	Good (Ft)	High (Ft)	Comments
Little River - Suicide Section	below 600 cfs	1,000 to 2,500cfs	over 3,500 cfs	3.08 miles @ 120 fpm, Class II-IV
Little River - Section 2	below 1,000 cfs	1,200 to 2,500 cfs	over 3,500 cfs	2.54 miles @ 76 fpm, Class III-IV
Little River - Chairlift Section	below 1,000 cfs	1,200 to 3,500 cfs	over 4,500 cfs	6.0 miles, Class III-IV
Locust Fork	below 2.2' or 295 cfs	2.5' to 4.5' or 405 to 1,850 cfs	over 6.5'	800/525-3711, then 6, then 3, then 2
Mulberry Fork	?	?	?	800/525-3711, then 6, then 3, then 1

Arkansas Streams
River	Low (Ft)	Good (Ft)	High (Ft)	Comments
Arkansas Canoe Club's Table of Suggested River Levels
Buffalo River @ Boxley/Ponca/Steel Creek	below 2.4	2.5 to 4.9	over 6.0	Experienced paddlers only @ 5.0 to 5.9
Buffalo River @ Hwy. 7/Pruitt	below 1.5	1.6 to 3.5	over 4.6	Experienced paddlers only @ 3.6 to 4.5
Buffalo River @ St. Joe	below 4.4	4.6 to 8.5	over 12.5	Experienced paddlers only @ 8.6 to 12.4
Buffalo River @ Hwy. 14/Buffalo Point	below 3.4	3.5 to 5.9	over 10.0	Experienced paddlers only @ 6.0 to 9.9

Georgia Streams
River	Low (Ft)	Good (Ft)	High (Ft)	Comments
Chattooga River	below 1.2	1.4 to 2.0	over 2.2	Above 2.0 Five Falls bumps up to Class V. Over 2.2' only experienced Section IV paddlers

Tennessee Streams
River	Low (Ft)	Good (Ft)	High (Ft)	Comments
Nolichucky River @ Embreeville	below 550 cfs	1,500 to 2,000 cfs	over 2,500 cfs	none

The water levels indicated in the tables above are based on the gauge readings on the USGS website.

Important Note: These are only suggestions based on past history and comments from canoe and kayak paddlers and/or Outfitters on these rivers. Your paddling skills, the river level and age of participants will be a major indicator of the ease or difficulty you will face on most streams in the state. A river flowing at low water level requires skills to avoid exposed obstructions that may normally not be a problem at other water levels. A river flowing at high water levels may be out of the river bank and/or moving very swiftly which can be dangerous to any paddler. A river running at a good water level can still be difficult if the paddler is not well outfitted, has limited or no paddling skills, or has occupants in the boat that are young, or not skilled at paddling.

Update Information: We need to complete some of the blanks in the rivers shown above and provide additional comments/suggestions on water levels presently indicated on the other rivers. If you paddle a particular stream, please note the river section, date you paddled it, note what the level was on the USGS website for that day, and send us an e-mail about the quality (low, good, high) of the trip. Thanks!

Posted by Larry Estes at 10:10 PM

The following is a list of Retailers and Outfitters that currently offer discounts to MCKC members. You should always ask for the discount either at the store or on the telephone when making the reservation/purchase. Each of these Retailers or Outfitters have been sent a copy of the club's membership list but you need to remember to ask for the discount. If you're doing any on-line shopping on a website of an outfitter or retailer below, make sure to write a note in the comments field which says, "please give me MS Canoe/Kayak Club discount."

Black Creek Canoe - 10% Discount

Endless Rivers - 10% Discount

Nantahala Outdoor Center - 10% Discount

Okatoma Outdoor Post - 10% Discount

Wolf River Canoe & Kayak - 10% Discount

Discounts are subject to change at any time. Some Retailers and Outfitters use a current copy of the membership directory to verify membership. You will not receive a club discount if your membership lapses, so be sure to keep your membership current!

Posted by Larry Estes at 05:06 PM

June 19, 2005

Trips & Events Page

River Access Directions & GPS Coordinates
Trip Guidance Information	Trip Checklists
Mississippi Public Waterways	MCKC-MDEQ River Checklist

Volunteer Form

Upcoming MCKC Trips/Events

Notice: The Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club has a new name as of December 15, 2007. Our new name is the Mississippi Outdoor Club. Changes to our website will be forthcoming. We welcome you to join us on future paddling, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cycling and snow skiing/boarding trips.

Members and non-members of the MS Canoe & Kayak Club are welcome to participate in club trips and events. Non-members regardless of age must pay $5.00 per day to participate on club trips.

2007 Trips Being Planned
If you would like to lead a trip, contact Larry Estes at 601/924-3689.

September 28-30 - Mississippi Whitewater Paddlers Reunion - We'll meet at the Nantahala River in Wesser, North Carolina to see new and old friends. We'll paddle the Nantahala River at least once if not twice during the weekend and perhaps the Ocoee River in TN on the return trip home. Lots of action on both rivers from kayaks, canoes, 4-8 person rafts and 1-2 person Duckies. Contact Jim Trunzler at 601/892-4492 or 601 331-1071 if you would like to participate.

Saturday October 13 - Club Cookout - We'll get together at 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Crystal Lake in Jackson to cookout, paddle, fish and just talk and have fun. Bring your favorite items to grill and your favorite beverages. The club will provide the charcoal for the grills - perhaps bring a small grill if you have one. Don't forget to bring your boat and fishing gear/frisbee/football/birding binoculars. If there is interest we'll have some casual instruction for canoeing and kayaking for those interested. Directions to Crystal Lake: Get on I -20 and take Exit 47B for Flowood. Go to the first traffic light which will be Hwy. 80. Continue straight through this light for about 3/4 mile and turn left at the sign for Crystal Lake. Follow this park road to the picnic area and look for our club and boats.

October 19 - 20 - Deer Island Overnighter (south of Biloxi) - I plan to arrive at the Lighthouse parking area, near the Casinos no later than 10am Friday morning. We will paddle to the southern tip of the island to camp, (distance of about 5 miles). The skill level is dependant on the ever changing weather and water conditions, but generally is rated easy. Realizing that a Friday launch isn't practical for many, I would welcome any day paddlers for Saturday. Contact Steve Tew at 601-853-4979 between 7am-1pm.

October 26-28 - NOC's Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF). GAF will again be held at the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala River in Wesser, NC. It's the Nantahala Outdoor Center's (NOC) biggest gathering of the year. Get your hands on new and used boats, bikes, outdoor gear and clothing - there is lots of boats and gear and at bargain prices for the most part!!! NOC will move out 2007's gear to make room for more in 2008, which means you'll save big on all sorts of outdoor equipment. Plus hundred's of other paddlers are there selling their used boats and equipment - a real chance to find the boat for which you've been looking. Stay and celebrate at GAF 2007 with the guest costume contest and the 5th Annual Club Cup Competition. MCKC will participate again this year if we can get members joining us there and participating. Enjoy great food, music, manufacturers' demos and so much more. Presently we have three campsites reserved at Lost Mine Campground for the weekend of fun. If your interested in joining us, contact Larry Estes at 601/924-3689.

November 16 - 18 - Black Creek Canoe & Kayak Trip - This will be either a one or two night paddling trip on Black Creek just south of Hattiesburg. If you're only interested in a day trip on Black Creek that will be possible as well. Please contact Bob Marsh at 601-853-3419 if you're interested in this trip. Trip Rating: Easy

Saturday December 1st - Ross Barnett Reservoir Paddle - The planning for this trip is still underway but the initial plans are to put-in at Ratliff's Ferry around 9:00am but this time is very flexible. Trip Rating: Easy. Contact Jen Sidley at 601-454-9507.

Sunday December 9th (Tentative) - Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) - Jennifer Buchanan with Grand Bay NERR is interested in leading a trip for us through the reserve. If you've never been to the reserve you need to go. Check out their website at Grand Bay NERR. This trip will probably be done on Sunday December 9th. Trip Rating: Easy. If you're interested in this trip, please contact Jennifer Buchanan at 228-475-7047 ext. 109.

Saturday December 1st - Ross Barnett Reservoir Paddle - The planning for this trip is still underway but the initial plans are to put-in at Ratliff's Ferry around 9:00am but this time is very flexible. Trip Rating: Easy. Contact Jen Sidley at 601-454-9507 or organic_jen@yahoo.com.

Sunday December 9th (Tentative) - Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) - Jennifer Buchanan with Grand Bay NERR is interested in leading a trip for us through the reserve. If you've never been to the reserve you need to go. Check out their website at http://grandbaynerr.org/recreation/activities.php. This trip will probably be done on Sunday December 9th. Trip Rating: Easy. If you're interested in this trip, please contact Jennifer Buchanan at jen.buchanan@dmr.ms.gov.

Friday December 14th - Club Pot-Luck Dinner: Get ready to for some fine eating as we hold our club pot-luck dinner on Friday December 14. We're going to get together for our last meeting of the year and have a Pot-Luck Dinner. The meeting/dinner will be at the Church of the Creator in Clinton at 6:30pm. Bring a food dish, dessert, bread, etc. that will feed 6 to 8 people. To keep things inexpensive for the club, please bring your on eating utensils, plate, cup, and serving spoon/fork for your dish - we'll remind you of this by e-mail the day before. The club will provide unsweet tea and ice. Bring your on beverage (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) if you desire. We'll have a short business meeting either before or during the dinner to discuss any issues and activities. Directions to the Church: Go to Clinton on I-20 and take Exit 34 - Clinton-Raymond Road. Go south on Clinton-Raymond Road like you are going to Raymond. Go 0.7 miles from the interstate and look for the church on the left side of the road. If you have any used paddling, camping or hiking gear to sell, bring it and perhaps someone will buy it at this meeting. We'll have a small area setup for used gear for sale. See you there!

Saturday December 15 - Red Cross CPR & First-aid Course Professional: This will be an all day activity at the Red Cross building in Jackson. For those of you who are trip coordinators or looking at coordinating trips for the club, the $60.00 fee will be paid for by the club. Others are welcome to participate as well. If you're interested in participating, contact both Larry Estes at 601-924-3689 and Cindy Foster at the American Red Cross Central MS Chapter at 601-353-5442 ext. 103 so you can be signed up.

Saturday December 22 - Reservoir Paddle: We'll put-in on the Reservoir (location to be determined) and paddle a total of about 4 to 5 miles. We may do a paddle whereby we temporarily take-out at Cock-of-the-Walk for Lunch - just an idea. We may have the Reservoir to ourselves but in either case we'll have a good leisure paddle. If you're new to canoeing or kayaking, this will be a nice introduction to paddling, be it on the cold side. Don't let not having a boat stop you as we'll find one for you to borrow but give us plenty of time. Trip Rating: Easy. Contact Larry Estes at 601-924-3689.

Kayak Classes - We'll be having another Kayak Roll Clinic as soon as we have eight to ten people signed up. Learn the basics of rolling a kayak during these 2-hour class sessions that meet from 7:00pm to 9:00pm each Tuesday night. Participate in as many or as few of the sessions that you desire. This clinic is targeting members and non-members who want to join us on some flatwater and whitewater kayaking and canoeing trips. The clinic fee is $45.00/person or $10.00/person per pool session and an indoor pool will be utilized for the instruction. Kayakers who just want to get some additional roll practice in during the off-season can participate by paying $6.00/per session. This will be a great way to meet paddlers. We'll also need some kayak volunteers to help with the new people in learning to roll. Contact Jim Trunzler at 601/892-4492.

Canoe Classes - This summer the club will be doing some canoe classes for beginner and intermediate canoers. The course will consist of one indoor classroom session followed by one outdoor session on the Strong River just south of Jackson. This course will target members and non-members who want to join us on some of our flatwater paddling trips but also learn numerous paddlling techniques that could allow you to go on some of the easier whitewater trips as well. Canoers that have not had previous training are also welcome so you can learn proper paddling techniques. There will be a clinic fee of $45.00 and most equipment will be provided, unless you have your own. This will be a great way to meet some paddlers. Contact Larry Estes at 601/924-3689

River Service Trips - The Club needs to gather names of those interested in assisting in accessing some of the river put-in and take-out locations. Some of these, especially on Black Creek south of Hattiesburg and Red Creek near Wiggins are in bad shape due to Hurricane Katrina. If any of our members are interested in the late fall and later this winter to assist in tree cutting and debris removal we'll neeed your help. If you have access to a good chainsaw that will be helpful as well. To help, contact Larry Estes at 601/924-3689.

Trip Guidance Information

Participation in any of our paddling trips is strictly voluntary and at the paddlers own risk. Before joining us on any trip, each MCKC member should assess his/her own skills in terms of difficulty of the river and conditions at that time. The Trip Coordinator will be helpful in describing the ease or difficulty of the paddling trip scheduled.

Minors may not participate in MCKC sponsored trips unless accompanied by a parent or by a responsible adult appointed by the parent.

Before participating in a scheduled club trip, always contact the Trip Coordinator in advance. This way you can get the specifics regarding the trip, location of put-in/take-out, departure time/location and situations that may cancel the trip. Never just showup for a trip. Trips are free to MCKC and ACA members. Guests are welcome to participate on club trips, but a $5.00 fee is required as per ACA requirements.

Flatwater Trip Ratings

Easy: Trips are less than 8 miles/day with little or no current. Minimum maneuvering skills are required.

Intermediate: Trips are 8 to 12 miles/day with some current. Some basic maneuvering skills may be required.

Strenuous: Trips are over 12 miles/day with some current and or maneuvering skills required.

Whitewater Trip Ratings

Beginner/Intermediate: Class I and II Rapids. Good boat control necessary along with some basic knowledge of eddy turns, peel-outs and ferries.

Intermediate: Class III Rapids. Very good boat control necessary with the ability to perform eddy turns, peel-outs and ferries.

Advance: Class IV-VI Rapids. Excellent boat control necessary including ability to perform eddy turns, peel-outs and ferries in fast moving and turbulent waters. Self-rescue and ability to assist in rescues of others is vital.

Checklists for Trips
Day Trip Checklist	Whitewater Trip Checklist	Overnight Trip Checklist

Posted by Larry Estes at 08:19 PM

MCKC Board of Directors

Name	Position	Phone
Larry Estes	President	601-924-3689
Bob Marsh	Secretary	601-853-3419
Charles West	Treasurer	601-956-2137
Jim Trunzler	Board Member & Outdoor Adventures Coordinator	601-892-4492
Bill Buhner	Board Member	601-605-9082
Scott Allen	Board Member	601-454-9515
Bruce Sumrall	Board Member	601-992-2272
Lewis Oswalt	Board Member	601-924-7816

Mailing Address

Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club
c/o Charles West
5535 Marblehead Drive
Jackson, MS 39211

Posted by Larry Estes at 06:41 PM

June 16, 2005

How to Post Gear Sales

If you have paddling gear for sale and want to post it on the MCKC website, e-mail the information to Larry Estes

The e-mail should contain your name, contact information, brief information about the gear for sale and how much you want for it. If you have a photo or two, we can add that as well.

Gear for Sale

Nova Craft Prospector 17 Canoe - This is a brand new green canoe that is being sold by Brandon Pierce, owner of Black Creek Canoe Rental in Brooklyn. He wants to quick sale discount to the club members. Retail price is $959 but will sell it at 15% off retail price until Thanksgiving for club members. It can be viewed on-line at - Nova Craft Canoe's or see the boat in person at Black Creek Canoe Rental. Contact Brandon Pierce at 601-582-8817 or bccr@sbcglobal.net.

Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak - This kayak is in phenomenal condition and has been in the water no more than 10 times. The color is Mango and includes a new spray skirt, cockpit cover, and Werner Rio Paddle. I'm selling the kayak because I don't have the time anymore to paddle. Contact Steven Begley at 662-238-2609. For more detail and photos on this kayak go to the manufactures website: Wilderness Systems. To view photos: Photos

Werner Powerhouse Carbon Paddle - This is a straight shaft paddle that is 195 cm from tip to tip. Also included is a Mountain Surf Whitewater Spray Skirt and 2 NRS Stern Float Bags. Contact Steven Begley at 662-238-2609. For more details about this paddle go to the manufacturers website: Werner Paddles. To view photos: Photos

Car Bike Rack - This was a rack that we picked up used a couple of years ago. Asking $15.00. Contact Larry & Rhea Estes at 601-924-3689. Bike Rack Photo

Prijon Hurricane Whitewater Kayak – This is a great boat and needs a new home. The Prijon is a perfect beginner or intermediate white water kayak. Asking $400. For more information contact Stewart Robinson at 662-202-5695.

Werner Camano Paddle - This is a fiberglass touring kayak paddle, 230 cm in length, straight shaft, right-hand control. Excellent condition. $125. Contact Lewis Oswalt at 601-613-6294.

Tsunami 125 - This boat is 9 months old, in great condition except for the expected hull scratches. Relatively fast and stable. Color is Red. $800.00. Contact Steve Tew at 601-853-4979. 7am-1pm.

Seda Glider Kayak - Kevlar, approximately 45 lbs. at 19ft long X 22in. wide. Rudder, compass and spray skirt included. Very good condition. Asking $2200. Contact Richard Savoie
Photo1 Photo2 Photo3 Photo4 Photo5

Wilderness Systems Cape Lookout - This is a 15.5' kayak. Paid $1,100 for it, used it a lot for two years and asking $800 or best offer. Contact Michael Collins at 601-506-0550.

Paddles - Canoe Paddles: Carlisle paddle - 60" black - $12.00; Carlisle paddle -56" green/gold shaft - $9.00; Carlisle paddle - 54" black - $7.00. Kayak Paddles: Mohawk tap - black - 80" - $25.00; Carlisle tap - red/yellow - 78" - $20.00; Rio Tropicales - wood - 78.5" - $100.00; Perception River passage tap - fiberglass - 80" $50.00. Contact Jim Trunzler at 601-331-1071.

Mad River 16' Canoe - This boat is made of polyethylene, has web seating and is 70 lbs. Asking $250.00. If you are interested, contact Edmund @ 443-846-4898.

Necky Looksha LV Sport - This kayak includes paddle, sprayskirt, cockpit cover, and PFD. The gear has been used lightly but has a few scratches. The asking price is $400.00 for all equipment. Contact Alan Katzenmeyer at 601-831-5414.

Hornbeck Kevlar Adirondack Rowboat - $1,000 or best offer. 17 feet long and extremely fast. 39 inches wide, wooden gunwales and brass oar locks. Oars are hand made and have Hornbeck signature. Contact Terry Ramsay at 228-243-0194.

Current Designs Touring Kayak - Extreme - $2,250. 5 years old, 19 feet long and outstanding condition. Long, maneuverable and fast. Used only twice. Includes paddle, sprayskirt, cockpit cover. Contact Jim Phillips at 601-898-9802. Kayak Photo

Old Town Osprey for Sale - 14 foot canoe that orginally was purchased for $1,400. Asking $975.00. Contact Mr. or Mrs. McCullouch at 601/853-6161.

Necky Looksha Sport Kayak - Orange, 14' 4" long with rudder system, mini spray skirt, good condition. Will also include paddle, Voyageur PFD (adult small), and hand pump. Price: $650. Contact Paige Self at 601-573-5021.

Wanted

Whitewater Kayaks: Looking for one or two older model whitewater kayaks. Particularly interested in Perception Overflow, Pirouette Super Sport, and Corsica S. Contact Warren Williams.

Wanted Kayak: Looking for one that can be paddled on rivers around Hattiesburg/Jackson/Meridian. Wanting to spend no more than $500. Possibly something like a Pamlico 120 or Pungo 120. Contact Kyle Caminita.

Posted by Larry Estes at 10:50 AM

June 15, 2005

Paddling Links

Canoe & Kayak Outfitters	Paddling Associations	Paddling Clubs
Paddling Manufacturers	Paddling Retailers	Paddling Magazines
Paddling Message Board	Release Schedule Websites	Ropes, Knots and Hitches Website
Government Agencies	Non-profit Organizations

Canoe & Kayak Outfitters

Release Schedule Websites

Gauley River and Russell Fork Flow Schedule
Nantahala River Power Generation Schedule
Tuckasegee River Flow Schedule

Ropes, Knots and Hitches Websites

Roper's Knots Page
Grog's Animated Knots
Layhand's Knots

Government Agencies

Pat Harrison Waterway District
Mississippi Development Authority - Outdoor Tourism Webpage
Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality
Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks
Mississippi Natural Science Museum
Gulf Islands National Seashore - National Park Service
U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service
U. S. Forest Service - Mississippi National Forests
U. S. Geological Survey

Non-profit Organizations

Audubon Mississippi
Boy Scouts of America - Andrew Jackson Council
East MS Foothills Land Trust
Keep Mississippi Beautiful
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain
Mississippi Nature Conservancy
Mississippi Sierra Club
Mississippi Wildlife Federation
Southwest Mississippi Streams Association
Wildlife Mississippi

Posted by Larry Estes at 09:33 PM

Bear Creek

Tishomingo State Park
P. O. Box 880
Tishomingo, MS 38873-0880
Phone: 662/438-6914
MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks

Big Sunflower River

Quapaw Canoe Company
291Sunflower Avenue
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: 662/627-4070
Quapaw Canoe Company

Biloxi River

Sacred Grounds Canoe Rental
12195 Lorraine Road
Biloxi, MS 39532
Phone: 228/396-1777

Black Creek

Black Creek Canoe Rental
P. O. Box 414
#20 Old Hwy. 49
Brooklyn, MS 39425-0414
Phone: 601/582-8817
Black Creek Canoe Rental

Soggy Bottom Canoe & Kayak Rental
1651 Hwy. 29
Brooklyn, MS 39425
Phone: 601/598-2745
Soggy Bottom Canoe & Kayak Rental

Bogue Chitto River/Magee's Creek

Bogue Chitto Choo Choo
2017 Dogwood Trail
McComb, MS 39648-9246
Phone: 601/249-3788

Canoe and Trail Outpost
314 Brockdale Road
Tylertown, MS 39667
Phone: 601/876-6964
Canoe and Trail Outpost

Ryals Canoe Rental
1055 Dogwood Trail
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: 601/684-4948
Website: http://www.ryalscanoe.com

Sweetwater Park & Canoe Renting
33 Ginn Road
Tylertown, MS 39667
Phone: 601/876-5474
Sweetwater Park & Canoe Renting

Chunky River

Stuckey Bridge Canoe Rental
Wayne Smith 601-481-4211
Brice Smith 601-527-3595

Location: 12 miles southwest of Meridian on the Chunky River
Services: Canoe rental, and drop off and pick up services

Coastal Streams

Pe'Ro Guides
1106-B Government Street
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Pe'Ro Guides

Escatawpa River

Escatawpa Hollow Campground and Canoe Rental
15551 Moffat Road
Wilmer, AL 36587
Phone: 251/649-4233

Mississippi River

Quapaw Canoe Company
291Sunflower Avenue
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: 662/627-4070
Quapaw Canoe Company

Okatoma Creek

Okatoma Canoe Rental/Okatoma Outdoor Post
550 Walter Lott Road
Sanford, MS 39479
Phone: 888-OKATOMA or 601/722-4297
Okatoma Canoe Rental/Okatoma Outdoor Post

Seminary Canoe Rental
Phone: 601/722-4301
Seminary Canoe Rental

Pearl River

Pearl River Floats
3111 Hwy. 16 West
Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: 662/267-0340

Red Creek

Camp Good Times Canoe Rental
174 Ralph Miller Road
Wiggins, MS 39577

South Mississippi Streams (Bouie Creek, Leaf River & Red Creek)

South Mississippi Canoe Rental
P. O. Box 414
23 Old Hwy. 49 West
Brooklyn, MS 39425
Phone: 601/544-4207
South Mississippi Canoe Rental

Strong River

D'Lo Water Park
P. O. Box 278
D'Lo, MS 39062-0278
Phone: 601/847-4310
D'Lo Water Park

Sunflower River (Little Sunflower)

Quapaw Canoe Company
291 Sunflower Avenue
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: 662/627-4070

Wolf River

Wolf River Canoe & Kayak
21652 Tucker Road
Long Beach, MS 39560
Phone: 228/452-7666
Wolf River Canoe & Kayak

Statewide Outfitters

Bass Pro Shops
100 Bass Pro Drive
Pearl, MS 39208
601-933-3700
Bass Pro Shops

Buffalo Peak Outfitters (Jackson & Oxford)
115 Highland Village
Jackson, MS 39211
800/232-2503 or 601/366-2557
Buffalo Peak Outfitters

Lovelace Canoes
Richard & Davis Lovelace
349 Swan Lake Drive
Jackson, MS 39212
601-373-5020
Lovelace Canoes custom builds wooden canoes and paddles.

Recaning of Canoe Seats
Janet Furr in Crystal Springs
601-647-1113

Please feel free to send any corrections, updates and recommendations to the information on this page to Larry Estes

Posted by Larry Estes at 09:03 PM

June 11, 2005

About Us

The Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club is a recreational organization of paddlers across the state of Mississippi and from other southeastern states. Regardless of whether you're new to the sport of canoeing, kayaking, or rafting or if you're a veteran of the sport, our club welcomes you to our events and activities.

The paddling skills of our members range from beginners to experts. Club members are avid paddlers of flatwater streams, lakes and coastal waters in Mississippi and nearby states; and whitewater rivers in the southeastern states. The Club is dedicated to suporting, preserving and advancing the sport of paddling by sponsoring trips on rivers, lakes and coastal waters; canoe and kayak instructional workshops; swiftwater rescue clinics; river cleanup and service trips; and being active in conservation issues.

The MCKC is 100% volunteer run. Volunteer positions include various aspects of running the club as well as coordinating trips and events. Trips can be led by any member, so long as they have some level of expertise in the area and have benn active in the club for a period of time. We attempt to have trips suitable for all levels of experience. Regardless, the MCKC's goal is to make all events fun and adventureous, but safe for all members.

Joining our club can be a very enjoyable experience and here are some of the benefits to joining:

1. Knowledge - our trip coordinators know the rivers and the best places to go.
2. Safety - our club takes safety on the water very seriously
3. Training - we provide quality training to our trip coordinators on canoeing, kayaking, first-aid and swiftwater rescue plus we provide training to our membership
4. Alerts - we send out e-mails regularly to our membership of upcoming events coordinated by the club and other paddling activities going on in the state
5. Whitewater - we have members who have been paddling whitewater rivers in the southeast for years - they'll be glad to help you develop the skills so you can join them on these exciting rivers
6. People - we have fun together as a group whether on river or at a club social
7. Meetings - at our meetings you'll meet people interested in the outdoors and be a part of some great programs.
8. Website - you'll have access to buying and selling outdoor gear on our website plus post trips and events.
9. Discounts - various outdoor retailers and outfitters give discounts to club members
10. Outdoor Network - access to a large number of people who enjoy the outdoors.

You can join the Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club online through PayPal or downloading the Membership Application, filling it out, and mailing it in with your check. Click here for a Membership Application

Plus volunteer in one or more positions within the club. Volunteer Form

Come join us in our adventures on the water !!

MCKC Bylaws

Click here on MCKC Bylaws to view a pdf file of the bylaws.

Club Waiver

Click here on Waiver Form to view the club waiver form that all members must sign before they can participate in any club trip.

Posted by Larry Estes at 09:02 PM

	All Clear:Come Ahead. In the absence of other directions, proceed down the center. Form a vertical bar with your paddle or one arm held high above your head. Paddle blade should be turned flat for maximum visibility. To signal a particular direction or a preferred course through a rapid around an obstruction, lower the previously vertical "All Clear" by 45 degrees toward the side of the river with the preferred route. Never Point Toward the Ostacle You Want Others To Avoid!
	STOP: Potential hazard ahead. Wait for "All Clear" signal before proceeding, or scout ahead. Form a horizontal bar with your paddle or outstretched arms. Move up and down to attract attention, using a pumping motion with paddle or flying motion with arms. Those seeing the signal should pass it back to others in the party.
	EMERGENCY:Assist the signaler as quickly as possible. Give three long blasts on a police whistle while waving a paddle, helmet or life vest over your head in a circular motion. If a whistle is not available, use the visual signal alone.

June 24, 2005

June 22, 2005

Suggested River Levels for Paddling

(See Important Note Below)

June 19, 2005

Upcoming MCKC Trips/Events

Notice: The Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club has a new name as of December 15, 2007. Our new name is the Mississippi Outdoor Club. Changes to our website will be forthcoming. We welcome you to join us on future paddling, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cycling and snow skiing/boarding trips.

Checklists for Trips

MCKC Board of Directors

June 16, 2005

June 15, 2005

Paddling Links

Mississippi

Southeast

June 11, 2005