First time kayaking the current

[brockcmsu]

I was thinking about kayaking the upper current from Cedar Grove to Pulltite or from Cedar Grove to Round Spring. I have had the 12 foot sit-on-top recreational kayak for 4 years and have kayaked the Missouri River numerous times without any problems. The kayak is very manuverable but I'm still a little worried about sweeper limbs hanging over the water. I will be doing the trip along with friends in a canoe. I'm a great swimmer but I have a bum right leg that makes it difficult for me to walk, especially over the rocks. I was planning on going at the end of May and want to make sure I won't have to portage my kayak. Also I have found the numbers of the canoe rental places on your website but was wondering which would be the best to rent from for this trip. Any information would be helpful.

Thanks Brockcmsu

[Steve King (Admin)]

My philosophy has always been that is is nice to rent from an outfitter who's at the end of the trip. Therefore, if you are floating to Pulltite, then www.current-river.com/ Current River Canoe Rental is who I would recommend since they are based there in the campground. Get directions here: www.current-river.com/directions.htm

If you are floating to Rounds Spring, then www.currentrivercanoe.com/ Round Spring Canoe Rental or www.carrscanoerental.com/index.htm Carrs Canoe Rental are who I would recommend. They are one in the same as Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, just 2 different locations up the road from the campground. See map here: www.currentrivercanoe.com/drive.html for Round Spring Canoe Rental and here www.carrscanoerental.com/directions.htm for Carrs Canoe Rental. Carrs would be bit closer to the river.


There's nothing better than having you vehicle near or at the end of your trip. Both outfitters are highly recommended. I used Akers Ferry canoe rental all of the time personally.

For future reference, if one was floating "to" Akers, then Akers Ferry Canoe Rental www.currentrivercanoe.com/ is who I would recommend and if one is floating to Cedar Grove, then Jadwin Canoe Rental www.jadwincanoe.com/ would be the best choice.

You'll have to play the river levels by ear for the end of May. Spring rains can bring high muddy water. This is why I usually wait until the end of June to do my floating. The water will definitely be high enough and you won't drag. I can almost guarantee it. Low limbs shouldn't be an issue either since most of the river is wide enough to get around such obstructions. Every once in a turn though you may run into an obstacle. There's not much to say but either a) navigate around it if possible or b) get out and walk around it. Nonetheless, you'll have a spledid time as long as the weather cooperates. Just keep an eye on river levels here www.missouriscenicrivers.com/riverlevels.html starting 1 week prior to your trip. Also, it's a good idea to call an outfitter to check river conditions a couple days before ones trip. Nothing spoils a trip more than high and/or muddy water on the crystal clear Current. Hope this all helps!


Steve
Webmaster