CEDAR VALLEY PADDLERS CLUB: 2013 SCHEDULE
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~Mark Twain
JANUARY:
Jan 12- 19: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Caribbean paddling: (trip was full) extra costs were required
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter: 319-231-0541
MARCH:
Mar 9-11: Canoecopia Paddling Expo, Madison WI: Classes, vendors, $15.00 entry fee
Fri., Mar 8, 4-9, Sat., Mar 9, 9-6 Sun., Mar 10, 10 -5
Sat., Mar 9: To car pool, meet @ 6:00 a.m. @ Junie’s Restaurant at the Elk Run Truck Plaza/Elk Run for breakfast. Then, will proceed to Madison for the day @ approx 7:00 a.m.
Will cost share gas, among the riders if there is enough interest. Need a driver(s).
Trip Leader: TBD
Fri., Mar 29: Good Friday Paddle, Cedar River
Depart at 11:00 a.m. @ Green Iron Bridge Park in Waverly, will paddle to Janesville with a shore lunch provided by CVP.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
APRIL:
Sun., Apr 7 : Sweets Marsh Spring Migration Paddle/ Picnic: Meet @ 2:00p.m. @ Marten’s Lake on Reed Ave (Hwy 93, north of Tripoli, then south (right) on Reed Av)
Possible viewing of migrating water fowl, swans, white pelican.
Paddle: 2-4:00 p.m. Grilling @ 4:30p.m. Sunset @7:42p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter: 319-231-0541
CVP will provide the meat (chicken breasts and burgers). Bring a dish to share, own beverages and table service, lawn chair, binoculars, water proof camera, etc. and extra clothes, (dress warm, no cotton)
Sun., Apr 21: Little Turkey River: Depart @ 12:00p.m. @ Denver Kwik Star.
Paddle Gouldsburg Park to Auburn (7 miles). Sunset 7:57 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Wed, Apr 25: Sweets Marsh Full Moon paddle: Meet @ 6:30 p.m. @ Sweets Marsh @ Marten’s Lake on Reed Ave (Hwy 93, north of Tripoli, then south (right) on Reed Av).
“This marsh is amazing and serene at dusk”. Make sure to bring head lamps and extra clothes, (dress warm, no cotton)
Sunset/ 8:02 p.m. Moonrise/ 8:15 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter: 319-231-0541
Sat., Apr 27: North Fork of Maquoketa: Paddle D61 Bridge to Ozark Wildlife area (16 miles). Meet @ Junie’s Restaurant at Elk Run Truck Stop Depart @ 6:45a.m. Breakfast eaters should arrive at 5:45 a.m.to Junie’s to eat before the 6:45 depart time.
We will arrive at 8:30a.m. to the put in @ D61 Bridge south-east of Cascade. “One of Iowa’s most scenic river stretches with amazing 100 foot plus bluffs and interesting topography”.
(Took 6 hours with lunch in 2011 with 850 CFS). Pack plenty of food/snacks/water and warm, extra clothes (dry bag).. Sunset/8:02 p.m. Will stop in Dyersville for dinner.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter: 319-231-0541
MAY:
Sun., May 5: Winnebago River: Mason City to Clay Banks Forest Preserve (10.3 miles)
Meet at Hwy 218 and Hwy 3’s Convenience Store west of Waverly. Depart @ 10:00 a.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter: 319-231-0541
Fri., May 10: Riverloop (Concert time: 5:30-9:30p.m.) Free concert with food and beverages available
Launch @Waterloo Boathouse (Cedar River), paddle to Amphitheatre concert near Waterloo Center for the Arts. Sunset /8:13 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sun., May 19: Upper Iowa River: Dahly’s Bridge to Bluffton (9 miles)
Meet @ Denver Kwik Star, Depart @11:00a.m.Caravan to put in
May stop in Decorah for pizza after paddle if any interest
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sat., May 25: Full Moon Paddle , Big Woods Lake, Cedar Falls with Treasure hunt
Meet @ 7:30 p.m. Sunset /8:33 p.m. Moonrise /9:21 p.m.
Trip Leader: Gary Rogers 319-240-0356 (tentative)
JUNE:
Sun., June 2: Little Turkey/Turkey River: Auburn Access to W42 and Juniper Rd (9 miles)
Meet @ Denver Kwik Star, Depart @11:00a.m.Caravan to put in.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Fri., June 7: Riverloop Concert (Concert time: 5:30-9:30p.m.) Free concert with food and beverages available
Depart Waterloo Boathouse (Cedar River), paddle to Amphitheatre concert. Sunset /8:43 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sat, June 15, Cedar River Poker Run: Washington Access, CF to Waterloo Boathouse
Partnership with Magic Mix Kids, CVP and Black Hawk county Water Trail committee
Time: TBD, Need volunteers
Sun, June 23, Full Moon Paddle: site TBD
Sunset/8:49 p.m. Moonrise/9:00 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sat: June 29: Upper Shell Rock River #2. Plymouth to Nora Springs (11.9 river miles)
Meet at Hwy 218 and Hwy 3 Convenience Store. Depart @ 10:00 a.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter: 319-231-0541
JULY: More events to be scheduled (water levels dependent)
Fri., July 5: Riverloop Concert Paddle (Concert time: 5:30-9:30p.m.) Free concert with food and beverages available
Depart Waterloo Boathouse (Cedar River), paddle to Amphitheatre concert near Waterloo Center for the Arts. Sunset / 8:48 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Fri, July 22: Full Moon Paddle : Site TBD
Sunset/9:38 p.m. Moonrise/9:22 p.m.
Date: TBD: Dutch Oven party @George Wyth Lake
Date: TBD: Turkey River: (section TBD)
August: More events to be scheduled (water levels dependent)
Wed., Aug 21: Full Moon Paddle: Site TBD
Sunset/8:00 p.m. Moonrise/8:06 p.m.
Fri., Aug 23: Riverloop Concert Paddle (Concert time: 5:30-9:30p.m.) Free concert with food and beverages available.
Depart Waterloo Boathouse (Cedar River access), paddle to Amphitheatre concert near Waterloo Center for the Arts. Sunset /7:57p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
September:
Fri., Sept 13: Riverloop Concert Paddle (Concert time: 5:30-9:30p.m.) Free concert with food and beverages available
Depart Waterloo Boathouse (Cedar River access ), then paddle to Amphitheatre concert near Waterloo Center for the Arts. Sunset /7:21 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sat., Sept 14: Root River: MN: Moen’s Bridge to Lanesboro (14.5 river miles)
Depart Denver Kwik Star @ 7:30a.m. Caravan to Moen’s Bridge. May have dinner in Lanesboro.
Sunset/ 7:20 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sat., Sept 28: Upper Iowa: Trout Run to Upper Dam (8.5 river miles)
Depart Denver Kwik Star @ 9:00 a.m. After paddling, may visit Dunnings Springs and catch a pizza in Decorah. Sunset/6:55 p.m.
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
October:
Sat., Oct 12: Fall Leaf Paddle: North Fork of Maquoketa: D61 Bridge to Ozark Wildlife area (16 miles).
Depart Junes Restaurant @ 6:30a.m. Breakfast eaters should arrive at 5:30a.m. We will arrive at 8:00a.m.to the put in @ D61 Bridge south east of Cascade. One of Iowa’s most scenic river stretches & amazing bluffs. Sunset is 6:31 p.m. (Took 6 hours with lunch in 2011 with 850 CFS). Pack plenty of food/snacks/water and warm, extra clothes (dry bag)
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Sat., Oct.19: Iowa River: Steamboat Rock to Eldora: (7 miles).
Season ending Paddle/Picnic Grilling: Meet at Hwy 20’s Grundy Center Truck Stop. Depart @ 11:00 a.m. Bring a dish to share. We will grill /picnic after the paddle at Pine Lake State Park. Pack warm, extra clothes (dry bag) Sunset/6:20 p.m.( pack a lunch)
Trip Leader: Pam Wolter 319-231-0541
Other Paddling events:
Annual Cedar River Float: St Ansgar to Janesville: June 8-12. Contact Jim Hughes @
Charles City Whitewater Festival: Whitewater event: May 31-June 2, paddle boards, kayaking demos, competitions, music, food
Hartman Reserve Nature Center: see website at www.Hartmanreserve.org
CrawDaddy Outdoors: see website @www. Crawdaddyoutdoors.com or call 319-352-9129
Lake Red Rock Reservoir, IA: April 26-28
Apostle Islands, WI: June 19-23
Isle Royale: MI: July 23-29
Pictured Rock, MI: Oct 3-7
Also many other local river paddle trips, see their website for dates and more information
Other Clubs:
Sticks in the Water: Cedar Rapids/Iowa City
Central Iowa Paddlers: Central Iowa Club
River Ramblers: MN Club
Prairie Rapids Paddlers: Cedar Valley White Water Club
Also visit www. paddleiowa.com
River Clean ups:
Turkey River: TBD
Project Aware: July 6 – 13: Des Moines River (CVP sponsors 100.00)
www.iowaprojectaware.com
Cedar River: July 27 (CVP sponsors 50.00) www.crfgroup.org
Upper Iowa: Sept 28: contact Chimney Rock Campground, Cresco
CEDAR VALLEY PADDLERS CLUB
The Cedar Valley Paddlers Club (CVP) is an informal group of paddling enthusiasts. The mission of the club is to promote recreational opportunities for its members, encourage paddle sport safety, and to encourage the care of our natural resources.
Canoeing and kayaking are potentially life threatening sports. Participants on trips promoted and organized by Cedar Valley Paddlers will accept responsibility and liability for their own personal preparedness, skill, and safety.
All trip leaders are volunteers and not certified experts. “You are responsible for you”.
Recommendations of members and event guests:
1. It is recommended you be a competent swimmer and can handle yourself under water if need be.
2. Helmets should be worn if you decide to play boat waves or other similar activity where boat capsizing is a possibility near rocky conditions or where obstacles exist.
3. Spray skirts are recommended in cold water/ low air temperature events. Wetsuits are also recommended. Hypothermia is a real possibility if you capsize. Be prepared! If the combination of air and water temperature equal less than 120 degrees, wear a wet or dry suit and neoprene foot wear. Or if the water temperature is under 55 degrees.
4. Do not wear cotton, as synthetic is best if you do not have a wet or dry suit during cold weather/water conditions. Cotton holds moisture when wet and cools the body down.
5. You should NEVER boat alone, always paddle with a buddy and NEVER leave the group to explore alone.
6. Know your abilities and do not paddle beyond your abilities. We are a club of like enthusiasts, not an outfitter who is watching over you.
7. Learn First aid, CPR, and rescue skills. Learn how to use a throw rope, paddle float and learn one and two man rescue techniques, and the Eskimo roll. Learn how to do a wet exit.
8. Eye glass wearers should use eye glass holders to avoid loss.
9. PFD’s are required. They should be snug fitting and all closures should be secured.
10. CVP does not support the use of alcohol while on the river or lake or if driving to or from the trip. NEVER boat under the influence.
11. CVP does not support verbal or sexual harassment towards members/guests during CVP sponsored trips. You may be released as a club member, as a result.
Several items will be passed prior to each river paddling event.
1. Whistles for attendees.
2. Paddle floats, throw bags, and bilge pumps will be provided for the Lead, Floater and Sweep positions prior to each event for preparedness while on the water.
To be prepared for possible fast changing weather conditions, bring rain gear, hat, extra clothes in a dry bag, water, snacks or lunch, insect repellant, sunscreen, extra paddle, and anything else you may need to be comfortable in possible changing conditions. A hat is vital during rain.
Possible Hazards/ obstacles you may encounter while paddling:
1. Low-head dam: You can be trapped in a hydraulic and unable to escape. If trapped, try to dive below the surface when the downstream current is flowing beneath the reversal. These low head dam hydraulics are called “drowning machines”. ALWAYS portage around them.
2. High water: High water can exist when a river narrows or when recent rain has increased the current flow and depth. Consider these conditions before making the decision to paddle as an individual, even if the trip leader decides to paddle under these conditions. YOU are responsible for your own decision to make the trip.
3. Strainer: Anything that blocks passage, but allows water to flow through. These items can be…. brush or fallen trees, bridge pilings, or undercut rocks. They can allow the river current to sweep through and can cause capsize and or pinning or can hold you under the water trapping you. Avoid these obstacles and be able to know and have the paddle skills to avoid these.
4. Broaching/Pinning: When a boat is pushed sideways against a rock or other hazard by a strong current. It may collapse and wrap around you and trap you inside your boat. This is especially true for kayaks. To avoid pinning, it is best to throw your weight downstream towards the rock or hazard. This may allow the current to slide underneath your boat hull. Remember to “Love the obstacle “. (lean toward)
5. If you capsize: Try to hold onto your boat if possible by keeping your boat in front of you, (heading down river) Never allow the boat behind you or the weight and current pushing on you can cause safety issues such as pinning , foot entrapment, broken bones, etc.
If you can not hold onto your boat, LET GO! Do NOT ever try to stand up in fast moving current. Stay floating on your back with your feet held high and pointed downstream and try to navigate to shore. You may need to swim at times to avoid obstacles. Other paddlers will try to help get your boat and gear for you. If you try to stand, it is possible for your foot to become trapped in an underwater obstacle causing a pinning hazard that can result in drowning. Only stand up in moving water if it is shallow (less than knee deep) or in “slow” moving water.
When helping another paddler, help in this priority order:
1. Help paddler first. 2. Locate paddle. 3 Try to catch boat floating downstream, or pull to shore if possible and remove water by bilging out or turning upside down over your kayak or on shore. 4. Locating lost gear is last priority.
Each trip should have a designated Lead, Floater, and Sweep positions:
1. Lead: Person at the front position looking for hazards and possible obstacles ahead, and then communicating the conditions to the paddlers behind them. They are not to go too far in front of the pack and never alone. They should also be on the look out for a good break or lunch sandbar stop mid-way of the trip.
2. Floater: Person designated to float among the middle group of paddlers making sure all is well and keeping the group proceeding ahead. They are responsible to count and keep track of all paddlers and know where they are at all times. Weaker or new paddlers should be in the center of the group.
3. Sweep: The last paddler bringing up the rear and making sure there are no stragglers and keeping the group from lagging.
River paddling misc:
1. Keep to the inside bend of the river so you can see around the corner to be able to make fast stroke decisions. Rivers run deepest and fastest at the outside bends. Debris will pile here causing strainers. Seek the outside bends only when the river is sluggish or in low water times.