Big Creek Trip

March 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm    Free – $11.50

This is an intro to whitewater trip that is appropriate for paddlers with intermediate to advance skills.  You owe it to yourself to check out Big Creek. It is not really all THAT big, but it is beautiful. The easy Class I to II rating means that even paddlers with little whitewater experience can have fun without risking life and limb unless the creek is in flood stage, then WATCH OUT! Typical of creek boating, this one has some tight, technical turns that can make trees and bushes jump out and bite you when the creek flows high and strong currents develop. However, paddlers with competent boating skills should be able to navigate the “hazards” without a lot of difficulty. There are 2 nice little rock gardens that are easily portaged if you do not want to run them. The short run gives an all-day experience that ends in the very scenic Sam A. Baker State Park, a perfect place to camp when you are finished with your run.

The appropriate boats are all plastic boats under 15 feet.   We will meet at the Sam A Baker State Park Store at 9:00 AM and then shuttle up to the 143 bridge to start.    Dress for immersion. Wet suits or dry suits are preferred. Bring change of clothes in a dry bag.  Helmets are not required but are advised.  You will also need to bring a lunch and drinks for the trip.  This is a 10-mile trip.

Directions I-55 south to US 67 south for 80 miles you will get off on MO 34 west and then turn right onto MO 143 to the park.  We will meet at the store which is on the right side of the highway.

Trip Leader :  Dave Haessig 314-304-7970 dghaessig@yahoo.com

To attend this trip/event:

1. You must reserve ticket for each person attending (see tickets below).
   This provides the trip coordinator with important information for safety and communication and gives the club important information we need for reporting to ACA within 30 days of the event.
2. You must fill out an event-specific waiver. This waiver link includes options for ACA members and non-members, as well as adults and minors:  https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/o4thXdSQDdb4fhvxtQ4YFX/

To chat about this event: If you want to chat about who is going, ask questions, arrange carpools, or check last minute updates, please see the relevant post on the Club-Sanctioned Trip Into & Comments section of our forums: Club Sanctioned Trip Info & Comments – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club (stlcanoekayak.com)

We will also be posting on the Club Sanctioned Trips forum the names of people who have signed up for the trip.