BE -U-TI-FUL DAY today --to practice the Forward Stroke, Stern Rudder and Forward Sweep Stroke.

Spent an hour with Bernie Burton on Sikes Lake. The biggest challenge was getting into the kayak from about 8 inches above. But Bernie accomplished it.  uh, getting back out was tricky too. However all the in between part was so very nice. Lake was like glass. And the temperature was in upper 50's.  


Bernie headed home and I waited for my next paddler.  Judy Diltz and I had a relaxing time on the lake. We managed to get someone to take our picture.  Judy successfully got in and out of kayak without falling into the water.  

So both paddlers were successful in staying dry as they climbed in and out of their kayaks! 
And I managed to get a big red notice on my car telling me to not park on Pain Management's parking lot . . .  
Oh for crying out loud!  You guys are CLOSED today.  I just laughed. I had too much fun today paddling with my friends.  Thanks Bernie!  Thanks Judy!

Bridgeport Paddling Trail Event

Just got in from BPWF paddling trip to Bridgeport where we paddled Bridgeport Falls Paddling Trail. 

  

 Came VERY close to making it up-river to the FM 920 Bridge.  A very large fallen tree made me decide.... hmmm... not this time.  Great time on the water! 

 I estimate we paddled and floated for a fun 5 mile round-trip.

Trees so tall- canopy the river. Buzzards, hawks, a goat!, fish jumping, and a few Monarch Butterflies.

Joining us was the metroplex contingent of our club 

and our 4-legged riders Paisley and Cooper.

      Thanks to all!   -ruth

Learning to paddle

Judy Diltz allowed me the privilege of taking her out for a kayak lesson. She did great! I am so proud of my friend judy!   This was a beautiful day for kayaking.

KAYAK- PADDLING INSTRUCTION CLASS

YES!!!   Looks like a nicer weekend coming up!   I have set aside Friday and  Saturday weather permitting for Kayaking Instruction.  Most likely to paddle on Lake Arrowhead.  A critical portion of the class is the safety drill:  wet exit from kayak and re-entry with the assistance of a buddy - this skill will be addressed, but not in really cold water. We will at least practice this on land so you can get a grasp of what to do in case of that "oops I tumped my kayak".  See my prior post re: kayak instruction.  Contact me through this blog if you are ready to get a lesson in before winter.

Kayakers are also invited to travel to the city of Bridgeport on Sunday to paddle the Bridgeport Falls -Texas Paddling Trail.  I have 3 kayaks available for this trip.

WHAT TO WEAR:
During these Fall days kayakers layer themselves with synthetics... and wear NO COTTON.  Cotton just takes too long to dry out!  A long sleeve synthetic T, a "fishing shirt", fleece jacket, if necessary.... and a hat!  Hats keep body heat from pouring out the top.  For pants.. NO DENIM.  Grab a pair of lycra, or synthetic blend pants (zip-off leg hiking or fishing pant is great).  A wind/rain jacket is very handy to keep you warm. .... ah, but the SUN should be out for us!  I find most of my "kayaking" clothes at the local Academy for a very reasonable price. Hey. We are paddling!

Please contact me as soon as possible so you can get in on this Intro to Kayaking!  

Looking forward to it!
ruth m ward

KAYAKING BASICS CLASS

Pass the word, it is time to go paddling.  Do you paddle and want to get in a few strokes before the weather gets too cold?  Or, do you have friends who are interested in kayaking, but they just need a little encouragement to get out on the water?   

During the month of October I am teaching an Introductory Class in Kayaking just to meet that need:   KAYAKING BASICS will be offered this Saturday morning and/or Saturday afternoon.  This class is for the beginner who wants to discover the fun of kayaking as well as for those who have "learned on their own" how to get from point A to point B.  ( Wouldn't it be great to do that efficiently and with style! ) 

In a fun 3 hour session you will learn 6 basic paddling strokes:   Forward Stroke  -  Reverse Stroke  -  Forward Sweep  -  Reverse Sweep - Draw Stroke - and how to throw on the Brakes!   We will cover SAFETY and how to handle an "oops... I tumped over my kayak".    There's nothing more important for you to know than how to get back into your kayak with your buddy's help!   We will cover general kayaking information about the types of kayaks and how to transport them.  Upon completing the class you will be amazed at your paddling confidence!  And you will be ready to buddy up with another paddler, go out and enjoy the water, the wildlife, and have fun.

I encourage you to come have fun on the water!  Contact Ruth Martin Ward  on our Club Blog:  blazingpaddlesofwf.blogspot.com  in the comments, OR  blazingpaddlesofwf@gmail.com  to make a reservation.
I will reply with full details upon RSVP.   

THE FINE PRINT.
October special: $45 for 3 hour class with no charge for kayak rental.  My kayaks are long, stable, quality kayaks for a wide range of body types. These are not little rental boats. I have 3 kayaks available per class.  You may bring your own kayak if you wish.  Class size is limited to 5 students.  After participating in my class, you are welcome to come along and practice during any other session at no charge.
Location will be Lake Arrowhead.  

I will also be adding class times to the blazingpaddlesofwf.blogspot.com  calendar. Watch for those additional dates, too. 
---ruth

Some photos from the DDRC Trinity River Challenge:
https://bu.mp/jd5tj4

Finished the Race

Just got home from racing in the DDRC Trinity River Challenge XVII.  -up river of the Elm Fork of the Trinity in Carrollton and back = 11.8 miles.  I could hardly believe my name was called at the trophy ceremony. I am delighted to announce I won the JULIE Basham Trophy for Fastest Recreation Female Time!  I finished in 3hrs 6min.  I lopped off 40 min of my time in last year's race.  :D


The Julie Basham Trophy -  Given for the fastest time by a female paddler in a
recreational class.  And I do not know the history of Julie Basham other than she was an excellent paddler and and ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and served on the Board of Directors. She was a remarkable member of the Dallas Down River Club.   I have googled about Julie and found that she was a jewel of a woman, kayaking enthusiast, and a changer of lives. Julie passed away at age 44 in 2007.   ----so I am very honored to carry on her paddling tradition and the joy of life she shared with many many people. 

Paddling at Tanglewood

This evening I was delighted to share some kayak time with Lael and Bernie Burton out on one of the Tanglewood lakes.  Water was low but enjoyable!  I was honored to give them a few pointers. We did forward stroke. sweeps to turn. Threw in a backstroke, and practiced a hard stop.  I had a great time.  Should have taken a third kayak with me.  So they took turns in the 14' Tsunami. --needed the room for long legs.

This makes me want to start offering lessons.  Guess I need to work up a waiver! Cant get my certification til early spring. This was certainly good practice for ME!

Thanks Lael and Bernie!

Just took a look at Lake Wichita.  :-(   What a sad sight. Considering putting on my waders to see if I can "walk on water" all the way to the "Mountain". 

Put-in Lake Wichita,
Early Spring 2012

TODAY

Trailer full of Kayaks!

Got back to WF with a trailer full of kayaks! Really nice kayaks !! 

Rounded these up for my "stable" of kayaks for Kayak Instruction Classes:

-- One SOT (sit on top) Wilderness SystemsTarpon 14 foot ..(dark green) This one is a jewel and what a deal I got. A speedy, easily maneuverable yak that can handle a capacity of 375#.  Hard to get in and out of a sit-in kayak? . . . then the Tarpon is the answer!

-- One 12 foot recreational Dagger Catalyst with a skirt...(light blue) This will be a great beginner kayak that gives the paddler a the perfect boat for learning stokes and edging.  Positive flotation, broader but very maneuverable and a max capacity of 295#.

-- One Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14 foot with a skirt...(yellow end, yep the LONG one) This is a SWEET RIDE and I will be paddling it!   and putting my own Wilderness Systems Tsunami 12' 6" (orange end) into the "stable". Any beginner will paddle like a pro in this ride.  Positive flotation and a couple of sealed hatches.     Both Tsunamis are Touring style kayaks. 

SO, Who's first?   Can't wait to get some "pretend students" to try these out in a "pretend kayak instruction class".   


HEY, AND WHY NOT JOIN ME IN THE TRINITY RIVER CHALLENGE THIS COMING SATURDAY.  (see the link to Dallas Down River)  

Super FUN!!!
:-D  living my dream. 
ruth

Quite the weekend so far.

Saturday Emily and I participated in the Trinity River Clean-up hosted by Dallas Down River Club.  This year Em and I kayaked UP the river from McKinnish Park, Carollton TX.   We were surprised that the river was much cleaner this year as compared to last year.  We did manage to fill our supersized garbage bags to the top. Enjoyed  helping out for 3 hours.  We avoided a wasp nest, a snake and a few spiders.  Next week: THE TRINITY CHALLENGE RACE.  oh yeah! We are READY!

Also found a kayak on Craigslist that caught my eye. Got a great deal on a Wilderness Tarpon 140 Angler sit on top.   Fully rigged for fishing and has a weight capacity of 375#.  hmmm.  Guess that gives plenty of room for all the fish that can be hauled aboard. hehe.

Monday checking out another couple of kayaks for sale.   Just getting my "stable" ready for Kayak Instruction in WF.  :)

YEA!! to seeing one of the Romosers have linked in to BPWF as members!!! woo hoo.

Had a Great Day on Monday visiting with Barb Cutter of Cutter Aquatics in Colleyville, TX.  Through Barb I got a better understanding about ACA Instructor Certification.  Look forward to getting my ACA Instructor Certification in 2 areas: Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring and Level 2 Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Certification by spring kayaking season.

KUDOs to Emily for getting a calendar up on our paddle site. You will find it by scrolling down.  Some events are in the making.  Join the site and post your reply RE: paddling events.

Had a great time paddling Lake Hamilton at Hot Springs Ark. over Labor Day weekend.  4 outings. longest one measured 7 miles of open choppy water.  FUN.