FLOAT TRIPS

Arkansas River Coalition

FLOAT TRIPS

Upcoming floats

February 20 Float: (GOOGLE MAP)

The February 20 Arkansas River Coalition float will launch at the K55 Highway bridge 4.5 miles east of Belle Plaine and take out at Oxford, about 10 miles down river. The put in at the K55 bridge is a difficult one with limited parking and a long carry, but it has been done before. Meet at 9:00 am to unload and begin shuttle of as many vehicles as possible to Oxford. Contact at launch site on Saturday morning will be Vince Marshall, cell 316-680-9669. If you would like to car pool, either ride or drive to share expenses, email your contact information to me at wallyseibel@aol.com and I will forward to all others who are interested.

We will have a rest stop/lunch break (BYOL) on a sandbar along the way, complete with a driftwood warming fire. The season and the section of river are optimal for bald eagle sighting, bring your binoculars. Expect to arrive at the Oxford boat ramp by mid afternoon. Some of us will continue on, after the day paddlers leave, to camp overnight on a sandbar and take out on Sunday at Rainbow Bend bridge. You are welcome to join us on the overnighter.

This is a cold weather float, be sure to:
Dress appropriately, wear synthetic or wool, do not wear denim jeans, jackets or shirts, they are cold when wet and take forever to dry. Rain jacket and rain pants make excellent outer wear as windbreakers and keep you dry from splash and paddle drip. Layering is best, it allows you to adjust as the day warms. Wear warm, waterproof gloves to protect against the cold, wet paddle shaft.
Wear boots at least 14 inches high.
Bring a complete change of clothes , including stockings and footwear, secured in a dry bag or sturdy plastic bag. If it is cold and you are a distance from the take out, it is imperative that all wet clothes be removed and changed for dry as quickly as possible in case of getting wet.
Bring completed wavier of liability, forms can be downloaded from the ARC web site, www.arkriver.org,

We have a few kayaks available as loaners for those who do not have their own equipment. If you need a boat, please let me know at 316-684-0730 or wallyseibel@aol.com, as soon as possible. If you are an experienced peddler and have your own boat, an RSVP is appreciated but not necessary.

There is no cost for joining our floats which are made possible by voluntary, tax deductible, donations from friends, supporters and participants.

Upcoming floats for 2010:

Mar 20 (with optional overnight camping)

Suggested Items to Bring: Warm, but lightweight clothing, drinking water, lunch and snacks, sun and rain/snow protection, plus personal sanitation and safety gear as needed. Bring a change of clothing for emergency use. If you plan to camp overnight, bring lightweight camping gear and extra food. You will have to carry your camping gear in your boat for part of the float.

Required: Signed ARC wavier form. Please download from web and complete beforehand. Forms will be available at the event if needed.

Float trips are a great way to get people on the river, whatever their experience and skill level, including children accompanied by a responsible adult. We can provide boats (kayak or canoe), and equipment for participants who do not have a boat, and recommend going on a couple of floats before purchasing their own Our organization tries to sponsor a group float at least once a month; however, you can communicate with other paddlers through FACEBOOK as well, and form your own get-togethers. Each participant must sign a Waiver and wear a lifejacket. Waivers for minors (under age 18 at time of registration) must be signed by the parent and/or legal guardian. Boats must be unloaded and vehicles shuttled before launching, so please arrive on time and willing to help. Day floats generally last 4-6 hours and with lunch (BYO) on a sandbar mixed in, while evening floats are 2-3 hours. Some floats are organized for overnight camping for those who wish to participate.
If you would like to help organize a float, or volunteer during a float please contact us!

For information on mini-floats contact Wally Seibel at wallyseibel@aol.com or 316-684-0730

Don't have a boat? Some of our members have a limited number of kayaks or canoes for loan. These boats are not for rent, for we are a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation and the primary purpose of our mini-floats is to promote awareness and appreciation for the river. We do however accept and appreciate voluntary tax deductible donations- $10 or $15 suggested. A donation of $15 or more makes you an ARC member and puts you on the mailing list for our bimonthly newsletter Other rental options in the Wichita area that we know of include: Wichita State, McConnell AFB (military only, 759-4435), and Brooks canoes and kayaks.