Kayaking the Arkansas River

 Karen and Dana got new white water kayaks.  We decided we would try them out on the Arkansas River.

We have a couple of inexpensive Coleman inflatables we purchased at Walmart.   Joni has been wanting to get a new good quality inflatable.  This was her chance.  With Dana and Karen's encouragement, we tried out some good ones on the river too.  What a difference!  Joni was sold.

We kayaked a 7 mile stretch of the river.  Dana, Karen and Delton were using the Aire Tributary Kayaks.  Joni used a smaller version of the Aire Tributary Kayak.  It was very stable and fit a smaller person real well.

We floated in rapids rated II and III.  The IIIs were quite scary at first, but we got used to them and then they were thrilling, although we don't think we want to attempt them again.

We're All Done

Karen is ready to start

There were quite a few large rapids where we bounced up and down and took on a bunch of water. Our kayaks were self bailing so that wasn't a problem.  There were areas where the river was narrow and there were quite a few rocks to maneuver around.  We couldn't get any good pictures.  We were too busy staying a float!  Good thing we weren't using our Colemans.  We never would have made it through the III rapids.

We had a near disaster near the end of our float.  We were coming around the last bend as the water was rushing towards a wall of rocks.  Karen was leading the way and heading right into the rock wall.  She stuck out her leg to "bounce" off the rocks and ended up dumping.  The water was rushing very fast and she got stuck under her kayak for a few seconds (which seemed like forever to her).  She came up next to the kayak and floated across the river.  Very shaken and very cold, she floated to the edge of the river.  All is well!

After a very fun day, Joni was sold on the little yellow kayak.  We bought it!  Can't wait to use it again.  Kayaking anyone?????