The only whitewater paddling between Kentucky and Colorado, says Jo Newbold, is on the St. Francis River in Madison County, Missouri—about 70 miles from St. Louis. That’s not far away, posits Newbold, a member of the nonprofit Missouri Whitewater Association: “It’s a podcast episode.”
So if you want to try your hand at whitewater kayaking and canoeing—or bolster skills you already have—the MWA’s annual clinic April 25–27 on the St. Francis is one place to start.
Here are six questions about the clinic, answered by Newbold.
Whom is this clinic for?
Beginners through advanced paddlers. “We can take people who’ve never seen a paddle before and put them on flat water,” Newbold says. “It’s moving, but it’s flat.” The vast majority of participants, Newbold says, will have a bit of experience with a paddle—say, from having gone on a float trip. There will also be a limited number of spots for experienced folks.
What can beginners expect to learn?
They’ll learn, Newbold says, “how to paddle the boat using your best set of muscles for the job. You’re not going to use your elbows and wrists; you’ll use your core.” There will be instruction in basic whitewater strokes such as ferries, eddy turns, and peel-outs. (An add-on course about rolls will be held on Friday.) Participants will also learn about how to read the water, how to stay safe, and what kind of gear is needed.
Wait—is this, in fact, safe?
“This river has never killed anybody,” Newbold says. “They’re safe.” Most participants, she adds, will be on the water, know there’s a rapid coming up, get nervous, and stop moving, so the practice of paddling through is reinforced. In addition, students are grouped according to ability; two safety boaters and one instructor who is certified by the American Canoe Association will be with each group at all times.
Is this an overnight thing?
Yes. Participants are encouraged to camp at Silver Mines Recreation Center, though there are various hotel/motel possibilities in nearby Fredericktown, Ironton, Pilot Knob, and Farmington. The big dinner on Saturday night is included in the cost of the clinic. Community is a key aspect of the event, Newbold emphasizes. “This isn’t a solo sport,” she says. “We’re very much a family here.”
What about gear?
Beginners who don’t have a boat, paddle, or spray skirt can rent those from the MWA. All participants need to have helmets and personal flotation devices, but if you have trouble procuring these, you should contact Newbold at clinicdirector@missouriwhitewater.org, because someone in the community might have extras to lend. The same goes for wetsuits, which are “highly recommended.” As for being on the water, she suggests wearing a layer of wool against your skin and a secondary layer so you can peel it off when you get too warm. And you should bring an extra set of dry clothes.
Any common mistakes newbies should avoid?
According to Newbold: Don’t wear cotton while paddling. It’ll get wet, stay wet, and drop your core body temperature. Also, make sure to bring enough sunblock and enough calories in your lunches; both are your responsibility.
In closing, Newbold sings the praises of the St. Francis River—and the paddlers who love it. “So few people know about it,” she says. “There are probably 500 of us that come down and regularly paddle down here, we want everyone to know what a gem we have.”
You can check out the MWA clinic brochure here and register here.
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