Kayak the Missouri - Intro to Kayaking on the Missouri River

THE CLASS

This is a half-day class to introduce you to the skills, hazards and fun to be had on the Mighty Missouri River!
For optimal instructor-beginner ratio, space is limited to 30 registrants.
You must be 18 years old or older to attend this event.

By the end of the trip, you will feel more in control of your boat, know how to paddle long-distances without wearing out your arm muscles, have some tips and tricks for reading the river and avoiding hazards, and be more confident about exploring the River with your friends and family.

• Basic paddle strokes and boat control
• Introduction to river reading and hazard identification
• Moving water skills like edging, ferrying, and peel outs
• Legally, what’s required in a non-motorized craft
• An introduction to gear, trip planning and prevention
• Introduction to hazards plus some tips and tricks for boat control in dicey situations

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Amanda Anstrom, Angie Morrison, and Amber Schroeter, better known as "Triple A Paddlers" have been instructing paddling for the past 5 years. Their kayak experience started as kids and has expanded into a passion they love to share with others. Instructing kayak classes for WOW (Wild Outdoor Women)at Lake Metigoshe and taking groups down the Missouri River every summer, kayaking is a sport they just love to teach and enjoy with others! Their instruction style is fun and hands on. They like to skip the lecture and only teach what you need to know to be safe and efficient on the water.

LOGISTICS

At 8:45am we will meet in Keelboat Park 1605 River Rd., Bismarck, where parking will be available.

Registrants will load the Harlows bus and will be bussed to the drop-in point upriver, at Misty Waters Marina. The bus will leave the Keelboat Park parking lot promptly at 9AM.

Kayaking from Misty Waters to Keelboat Park will take approx. 2.5 hours.

Lunch is provided after kayaking. Stick around for chips and a sandwich, ask instructors questions and a be eligable for a door prize (must be present to win).

WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO PREPARE

We will remain on land for approximately 30 minutes of instruction, prior to launch. Water and snacks will be provided (it is important to stay hydrated all morning).

Life jackets, kayaks, and equipment from Missouri River Kayak Rental Co. are provided. Every participant will be required to wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket anytime we are within 10 feet of the water or are out on the water. There will be no exceptions.

You will need:

• shoes that cover your toes, attach at the ankles and give you good traction on rocky or slippery river beds. In a pinch, old tennis shoes work well.
• You should also bring sunscreen, bug spray and a strap for your glasses.
• Other gear that will come in handy if you have it: rain jacket (just in case).

Refund Policy

Refunds will only be issued in the event that Northern Plains Heritage Foundation cancels the event for instances like inclement weather. Notice of event cancellation will be made through eventbrite up to two hours prior to the even start time.

SUPPORTING THE NORTHERN PLAINS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

The Northern Plains National Heritage Area is a federally designated National Heritage Area along the 80-mile free-flowing stretch of the Missouri River in central North Dakota. As part of the National Park Service family, the heritage area promotes and interprets the scenic, cultural and historic heritage of the region through public-private partnerships. Learn more at: www.northernplainsheritage.org

The Northern Plains National Heritage Area is partnering with Triple A Paddlers, the Bismarck Yakkers, Huff Hills Ski Patrol, 701 Kayaking, and Missouri River Kayak Rental to provide this 2nd annual event!

NORTH DAKOTA GAME AND FISH - Wear It!

The “Wear It” campaign is a national campaign to encourage life jacket wear, not just in bad weather or mandatory wear situations, such as on a personal watercraft, tubing or water skiing. We believe that much like a seat belt in your vehicle, life jackets save lives both children and adult. This campaign targets not only the recreational boater but also the hunting and fishing communities. Boating incidents and crashes can happen at any time, day or night. It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected.

MISSOURI RIVER KAYAK RENTAL CO.

Looking for a new vacation spot? Visit Missouri River Kayak Rentals in Bismarck, ND and the surrounding areas. We're a kayak rental service that all but lives on the Missouri River. Our local kayaking tour guides are available every month of the year, summer or winter. You can rent our kayaks for your own adventures along the Missouri River or go exploring with them on other bodies of water. We also have guided tours that will reveal the fun and often wild secrets that the Missouri River's hiding.

701 Kayaking

Life tends to be heavy many times. Veterans go through it, teachers, the mom down the street, executives at a corporation. We aim to bring a sense of balance back to an individuals well being by bringing them back to nature, to our roots, where we truly belong. All profits go to fund an individual to experience a trans-formative journey. 701 Kayaking thanks you for participating in journey that helps not just you, but those you never met. With your help, we all become better human beings.

Host or Publisher Northern Plains Heritage Foundation