One of the enjoyable parts of a float trips is the chance to see a lot of wildlife we do not get to observe in our everyday surroundings. Of course, we also may encounter critters with whom we really do not want to make an acquaintance, much less any kind of close encounter. But, by…
Signs and signals are an important part of safety when traversing Missouri’s waterways or any waterway for that matter. That’s why a system of sign language has been adopted worldwide. These signs are universally used to signal when a person is safe or in need of help when in or on the water.
Spring has finally sprung and along with tulips and tree buds come the people of the water; the canoers, the kayakers, and the rafters. After laying dormant for most of the winter, warmer temperatures are bringing these weekend warriors off the couch and into the outdoors.
Kayaks come in all sizes and price points. There are sit-in kayaks as well as sit-on kayaks. There are kayaks made for freshwater river and streams as well as ocean-going kayaks. From the pint-size, five footers for kids to the five-hundred foot, gigantic, kayak built by L.L. Bean for its 100th anniversary, there is a…
Let’s face it, bugs are just a part of life, and camping. But you don’t have to let biting insects like deer flies, mosquitos and ticks ruin your next float trip since there are all sorts of ways to keep the bugs away. It’s important to remember that bugs are attracted to fragrant things like…
While there’s beautiful scenery along the shores of Missouri’s rivers and streams, paddling and admiring the scenery isn’t the only thing to do on a float trip. There’s also plenty of games you and your friends can play that will not only teach canoe skills but entertain as well. Here are some competitive games for…
Rolla MO – For Immediate Release When three college buddies took a float trip in the fall of 2012, they were asked to leave the campground before they had even full unpacked – because they were naked. The three men and their wives are part of a growing movement to “enjoy nature, naturally“. Since…
Missouri may not be one of the first places that comes to mind when someone says “whitewater”, but Missouri waterways do have rapids to challenge the adventurous kayaker or rafter. These rapids range from Class 1 to Class 4+ on a scale that spans from 1 to 6. An internationally accepted rating system is used…
Having established that Missouri does have whitewater and the various classifications, the next question is: Where do I find it? Missouri waterways in the forms of rivers and creeks lay claim to Class 1, 2, 3, and 45 rapids.
The weather has turned cold and snow flurries are on the way. While there may be a few days when floating is a possibility, the majority of floating enthusiasts will put away their paddles until next spring. While snow drifts pile high, we can dream about the day when we can get back to the…