Kansas City Whitewater Club

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions



	How can I learn to paddle my canoe or kayak?
	See our Instruction page for information on our paddling classes.
	How can I learn to roll my canoe or kayak?
	You mean you can roll a canoe like a kayak? Yes. The best place to learn to roll a canoe or a kayak is at the Pool Sessions where you can practice in a safe (and warm) environment.
	What are the demographics of the KCWC?
	The Kansas City Whitewater Club is comprised of men, women and children who span the age range from toddlers to energetic senior citizens. Numerous families and single adults, as well as married and not-so-married couples participate in our club trips and activities. The KCWC welcomes all boaters and those just wanting to hang around a fun-loving, diverse group of people. We especially welcome non-boaters willing to run a shuttle for us once in a while! Shuttle specialists, as we call these car drivers, are some of the most appreciated people in our club. They are known for their ability to tolerate stinky, neoprene-clad boaters who are acting like a bunch of kids at Christmas while being driven to the put-in for the run of the day. Extra points go to shuttle specialists who have cold beer and sodas waiting for the paddlers at the takeout! For a humorous look at shuttle specialists, check out the story written by Tiffany Phillips in the Summer 2002 issue of our newsletter.
	No, I mean paddling demographics?
	The KCWC welcomes all members of our society without regard to their boat preference (canoe, kayak or inflatable). The make, model or color of your boat is of no concern to us. The main thing is that you are interested in paddling. People who like to paddle touring or recreational kayaks might not like some of the rivers we choose but have otherwise found our kayak instruction classes a good start in learning the strokes and rolling techniques. There are other organizations in the KC area catering to this section of the paddling community and we will be glad to guide you to them if you find the KCWC doesn’t fit your recreational aspirations.
	I don’t have much paddling experience, is the KCWC right for me?
	Yes!!! We welcome people who are new to this sport as well as those who have a lot whitewater experience. Participation in the KCWC is open to anyone with an interest in paddling and wanting to belong to a unique group of people who enjoy spending their spare time and energy on the rivers. We are also a very social club and offer members throughout the year off-the-river get-togethers in KC for planned and impromptu gatherings. We have numerous instances of members meeting their future paddling partners which have turned into romances, and in some cases, marriage. The KCWC cannot guarantee the same results for all potential members and does not assume any liability for any of these unions that may “tump” over.
	What do you mean by “tump”?
	This is a sport-specific term originated in the hills of the Ozarks meaning when your boat tips over in the water. I think it is the sound of the boat hitting the rocks as it tips over. Tumping for married couples is closely related to the tandem canoes called “divorce boats”. The KCWC does not recommend married couples paddle in the same boat. However, to find out a little more about your future mate, paddling a tandem canoe together might be a good premarital compatability test.
	I have a lot of paddling experience, is the KCWC right for me?
	Yes!!! Finding a club to paddle with is the best way to find paddling partners. It is a great way to network and a great way to socialize as well.
	Is river running the only type of activities the KCWC promotes?
	No. Although river running--putting in at point A and taking out downstream at point B--is mostly promoted by our calendar of events, many club members find numerous other ways to enjoy our nations waterways.
	What type of activities are you talking about?
	Other types of activities KCWC members participate in are slalom racing, downriver racing, kayak polo, rodeo playboating, and multi-day trips.
	What is multi-day tripping?
	Despite what some people might believe, multi-day tripping is not several days of paddling the same stretch of water, nor does it involve any illicit substance(s). Rather, it involves planning and packing for paddling on a river for several days and nights in a self-supported trip using rafts and/or large canoes and kayaks to carry bedding, shelter, food and clothing. It is a great way to camp on the river and enjoy the natural scenery that only river corridors can provide. There is a small group of paddlers in our club who own their own rafts and apply for permits on rivers which allows for extended river trips in remote river runs.
	Kayak polo sounds fun. Can I bring a canoe?
	Why sure. Canoes are great for running over the kayakers and a big advantage as goalies. Seriously, the KCWC does not recommend running over the smaller kayakers--they may be needed for rescue on the river sometime. Occasionally a group of KCWC paddlers will get together at Shawnee Mission Lake when the weather is good, and at the pool sessions to play kayak polo. It is really a fun way to build your paddling skills and practice balance and boat control under challenging conditions.
	There seems to be a lot of rivalry between canoers and kayakers. Is this for real?
	Yes, this is for real. Everybody knows kayakers have more fun. In every website forum and gathering around the campfire at the river, you will be treated to friendly chiding from each side of the debate. Although it can sound serious at times, it is all meant in fun. You decide which looks like more fun: canoeing????? or kayaking?????
	Where can I practice pool slalom racing?
	The KCWC hosts a Pool Slalom in late January under the guidelines of the USCKA (United States Canoe and Kayak Association) which is the organization governing the Olympic competitions. Two other entities in Missouri offer similar pool slalom events during the winter and we call the threesome The I-70 Pool Slalom Series. Everyone is invited to attend any of these events. The pool slalom is a great way to keep in shape and to hone your paddling skills during the winter months. There is a page on this website devoted to this event so please check it out to discover more information. The biggest advantage of this event is comparing your own times from year-to-year to see how your skills have improved. It is a great way to gauge your progress but you also get to compare your times to paddlers across the nation.
	Where can I practice downriver and slalom racing?
	The Missouri Whitewater Association offers the Missouri Whitewater Championships every March on the Saint Francis River. They have been offering this event for over 35 years and it is a fun and well-run event. River slalom is more challenging than pool slalom in that you run a river and try to hit the downstream or upstream gates without touching or missing them in the shortest amount of time. This event is also a good skill builder for running rivers and learning to read the water. Check out the MWA website at: http://www.missouriwhitewater.org/mwc.html
	Where can I buy paddling gear in the KC area?
	The KCWC recommends the KC Paddler as the source for gear and information in this area. Gary or Lynn are always willing to help you locate the gear you need for any type of paddling activity. Check out their website at: www.kcpaddler.com
	Do I have to attend the social events to be a member of the KCWC?
	No. You don’t even have to attend our paddling events, but what fun would that be? One of the reasons the KCWC offers social gatherings and program meetings is the opportunity it creates for members to acquire knowledge about paddling from others with more experience. It is also a great way to network to find other people to paddle with. The national paddling magazine Paddler, once listed the different facets that make a viable and effective paddling club. The amount and quality of non-paddling related gatherings was one of the factors listed as an important element that clubs should possess.
	All I want to do is go rafting. Is the KCWC right for me?
	Yes. The number of rafters are growing in our club each year and several members of the KCWC own their own raft equipment suitable for single day or multi-day trips. If you are interested in acquiring your own raft, networking with this group of people is a good way to learn all the ins and outs of owning and paddling your own raft. On some summer excursions, these people may have room for extra passengers on their raft. The decision to offer a spot on their raft is up to that raft owner. Attending club socials and meetings and participating in the local activities of the KCWC is a great way to network with the raft owners and possibly get offered a ride down a river. Riders will have to decide if the owner and the raft meet their safety standards and must assume responsibility for their own safety.
	Do I have to go camping to enjoy river paddling?
	No. Some paddlers elect to stay in local motels instead of camping. However, many paddlers enjoy roughing-it and find camping at the river one of the most enjoyable aspects of this sport. Getting to share your stories, food and beverages around an inviting campfire with good friends, old and new alike, is about as good as it gets. I left my gear in the trunk all week. How can I get rid of the awful odor? There are enzymatic cleaners that do an excellent job of removing foul odors from paddling gear. You just add it to a tub of water and soak your gear for a few minutes. It can be found under the brand names "Sink the Stink" and "MiraZyme".