Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club upcoming events

Nantahala River - Land of the Noonday Sun! (April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Nantahala River - Class II

The beautiful Nanty always has H2O so it’s time to knock off the rust in the Nantahala Gorge and get back on the water!

Trip Leaders:

Connie Boogaard - boogaard.connie@gmail.com

Dave Jacobs - davejacobs@gmail.com

North Carolina in spring, inside a resplendent gorge with a mountain river, is a sumptuous location whether you're a vet or a rookie paddler. Whether you’re there to refresh your skills, learn new ones or just chill for a paddle among the flowering trees and rhododendrons.

This river is released out of the bottom of a dam, as such it is the benchmark for chilly water. Heard in convo: “Is it Nanty cold?” Typically 55°. Therefore dress for the swim. If you don’t have drypants, a polypro base layer with your shorts over the top is preferred attire in the event of a swim. In April typically folks prefer a full dry top over a shorty.

Friday afternoon 1/2 run. Meet up to buy passes at ERA (Endless River Adventures) @ (time tbd) 14157 U.S.19, Bryson City, NC

Saturday- buy passes at ERA, meet @Pattons put-in at the top of the gorge at 10am. / Ditto Sunday

Camping will be at Smokey Mountain Meadows campground . Talk to Dave to coordinate camping. Connie may stay at a local hotel.

AW Nanty page

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1101/main

Cuyahoga Falls Fest -- Class 3,4,5 (April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Trip Sponsor — Bob Heckler 1-219-878-6941 Rheckler@att.net

Cuyahoga Falls Fest - Gorge section of Cuyahoga River. Other nearby paddling options exist, see below.

Dates: April 25, 26 2026

Location: City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, downtown, just north of Akron.

There will be river related vendors, and the downtown restaurants are walking distance from the falls. Bob will likely stay at a motel, it’s up to the group to decide where to camp.

This will be a first for the Hoosier Club, fortunately your Trip Leader, Big Drop Heckler, has made the run.

From the Falls Fest event page:

Whether paddling or spectating, beautiful Downtown Cuyahoga Falls can be explored by everyone. Paddlers are encouraged to focus on whitewater within their skill level, form their own groups, gear, safety plans, and shuttle logistics as necessary. The main focus on Fest day will be the Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge, behind the Sheraton Hotel in Cuyahoga Falls.

Primary Paddle Locations:

Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge (Sheraton Section) - Class IV-V+ (water flow dependent)
Secondary Locations (water flow dependent):
Tinker's Creek - Class IV-V+
East/West Falls Black River - Class V
Cuyahoga River Lower Gorge - Class II-III
Cuyahoga River Water Trail - various Class I-III

CANCELLED: Swiftwater Rescue Course L2 - L4 (May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Swiftwater Rescue Course L2 - L4

01 – 03 May 2026

UPDATED ON 01 APRIL 2026 - CANCELLED - DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ON THE EAST RACE. I'M VERY SORRY BUT THIS COURSE IS CANCELLED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ON THE BOARD WALK AND BRIDGE OVER THE GATES ON THE COURSE. PLEASE LOOK FOR THE SEPTEMBER CLASS.

John Gates

Ken Wright Memorial Paddle and Celebration of Life (May 08, 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Ken Wright Memorial Paddle and Celebration of Life

May 8–10, Ocoee, TN

Event Sponsor: Bob Heckler

Family and friends of Ken Wright will celebrate his life the second weekend in May in Ocoee, Tennessee.

Camping will be at Adventures Unlimited (AU), 522 US-64, Ocoee, TN 37361.

Friday evening we’ll have a private taco dinner and celebration of life. The memorial paddle will be on Saturday and then Piano Bob will play for a dance party Saturday evening at the campground. On Sunday, those so inclined may paddle the Middle Ocoee again.

It would be great if you could join us. Rhonda has reserved a cabin for Fri, Sat, and Sun nights. (If you’d like to book a cabin, please call (AU) at 423-338-4325. Reservations are not required for camping.)

Wilderness First Aid (May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wilderness First Aid SOLO

This is a 2 Day Class May 16 & 17 2026

Linda Decker: lsdecker2018@gmail.com

WHY IS WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND CPR TRAINING IMPORTANT? Accidents and unexpected medical emergencies happen. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. People get hurt, sick, or lost. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry and on-water emergencies are preventable, but when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things even worse. By learning how to quickly assess a person’s conditions and a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one-and maybe even save a life.

WHO IS WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) FOR? The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. The 2-day SOLO WFA certification meets the ACA guidelines.

WHAT IS TAUGHT? The WFA class is 16-hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.

CPR focuses on rapid response to Cardiac and Respiratory emergencies.

Instructors: Danyele Green,

Saturday, May 16 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, May 17 9:00 am–6:00 pm (last hour will be CPR Recert)

Location Fort Harrison State Park, Camp Glenn Rec. Building 701 (near the Visitor Center & Park Office). We will send detailed directions to our venue about one week before the class.

WHAT TO BRING –Participants should bring a sack lunch each day. Beverages will be provided. We will send out an e-mail with things that students should bring prior to the first class.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Wilderness First Aid Course with CPR

HCKC Members $100

Note: There is a day entry fee for Fort Benjamin Harrison Park unless you have 2026 State Park Pass.

The Registration will close at 20 participants

IS THERE AN EXAM? Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there are written assessments throughout the course.

DO I GET CERTIFIED? Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification which is valid for two years. You will earn a 2-year CPR certification if you complete the CPR class.

A new edition of the training book will be provided. CPR materials will be sent to participants prior to the class for review.

For questions contact Linda Decker HCKC lsdecker2018@gmail.com

Introduction to Kayaking Skills for HCKC Members (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Kayaking Skills for HCKC Members

This training is designed for new or existing paddlers that want to learn or refine basic kayaking skills and boat control to make your paddling easier and more efficient.

The instructors will first lead a discussion on basic equipment, body mechanics and safety. You will then quickly get on the water to learn how to move your boat forward, backwards, and sideways. Additional skills include turning your kayak and prevention of capsize. You won’t intentionally be getting into the water at this clinic unless you want to.

8:00-8:30am Meet at Geist Park on Florida Road and move kayaks and gear to the water.

8:30-9:00am Review basic equipment and body mechanics.

9:00-10:30am On the water strokes demo and practice.

10:30-11:00am Snack break and discussion on safe paddling practices.

11:00-12:30pm On the water skills and a short paddle.

Location: Geist Park 10979 Florida Road, Fortville, IN

What to Bring:

Kayak, paddles, PFD (life jacket) and water shoes
Dry/warm clothes in case you get wet
Water, a snack. Sunscreen

For questions contact instructors:

Linda Decker lsdecker2018@gmail.com or

Jim Heichebech gem5610@gmail.com

This skill training has the added opportunity to stay for a Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club Demo Day and Picnic (please also register for the picnic if you plan to stay) Club members will bring boats and equipment that you can try on the water and gear they want to sell. You can meet other club members at the HCKC Picnic at 2:30.

DEMO DAY--SOCIAL--PICNIC... TO WELCOME NEW CLUB MEMBERS & MEET WITH OLD PADDLING FRIENDS (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Save This Date

SATURDAY, JUNE 13
12N--5PM
GEIST PARK: 10979 FLORIDA RD. FORTVILLE IN

HCKC: DEMO DAY—SOCIAL—PICNIC

* Try A BOAT YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU'D PADDLE

* TRY A PADDLE YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD USE

* MEET CLUB MEMBERS WHO HAPPILY WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

* ENJOY A PICNIC LUNCH/DINNER OF BRATS, BURGERS, AND SIDES

PLEASE BRING A PITCH-IN SIDE DISH

* BRING AS MANY BOATS AND PADDLES AS YOU CAN CARRY

* MARK ALL EQUIPMENT WITH NAME AND CELL #; *BRING WHEELS

* THE SIGN ON THE SHELTER READS: “DAVIS FRIENDS AND KAYAKERS”

* QUESTIONS: CONTACT—marianndvs@gmail.com

PICNIC PADDLE PLAY

LET’S WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS TO THE HCKC

DEMO DAY & PICNIC

Agenda For The Day:

. 12:00--Arrive, unload boats in the circle, park car, sign waiver @ the "CHECK-IN" & carry boats to the put-in

. 12:30--safety boats in place

. 12:45--Choose your boat & start your demoing

. 12:45--3:30 (or 3:45)--enjoy paddling; socializing & snacking until dinner

. 3:45 (or earlier)--Dinner: grilled brats and burgers by our resident chefs

. 5pm--Clean up, pack up, (people can stay longer if desired. We have the shelter til 8 PM

Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat July 18 (July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Swimming portion of the Indy Sprint Triathlon Series. HCKC members and guest provide safety boats for the swimmers in the 500 meter course. Participants are there to provide assistance to swimmers, guide them on the course, allow a place to rest or signal for extraction. We will be on the outside of the course while city lifeguards are on the inside of the course. Meet at the Eagle Creek Park office on 56th street just northwest of the main park entrance and just before you get to the bridge over the reservoir.

If you're bringing a guest or another family member please register them separately.

We must be unloaded and on the water by 7:45-50 as the swimming starts at 8am. Instructions will be given just prior to the event. No special skills needed. Items which may enhance your effectiveness are whistle, short throw line and float, extra PFD. We are usually done by 9. Some go to breakfast, some go paddle around, some have to go home and do chores.

This is an important event to HCKC as we the club is paid for helping with this event. You will get an event T-shirt for participating, please register with shirt size. Canoe, Kayak or paddle board OK.

If you have questions or concerns please contact Dwayne James at dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com.

Thanks for your help.

Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat August 22 (August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Swimming portion of the Indy Sprint Triathlon Series. HCKC members and guest provide safety boats for the swimmers in the 500 meter course. Participants are there to provide assistance to swimmers, guide them on the course, allow a place to rest or signal for extraction. We will be on the outside of the course while city lifeguards are on the inside of the course. Meet at the Eagle Creek Park office on 56th street just northwest of the main park entrance and just before you get to the bridge over the reservoir.

If you're bringing a guest or another family member please register them separately.

We must be unloaded and on the water by 7:45-50 as the swimming starts at 8am. Instructions will be given just prior to the event. No special skills needed. Items which may enhance your effectiveness are whistle, short throw line and float, extra PFD. We are usually done by 9. Some go to breakfast, some go paddle around, some have to go home and do chores.

This is an important event to HCKC as we the club is paid for helping with this event. You will get an event T-shirt for participating, please register with shirt size. Canoe, Kayak or paddle board OK.

If you have questions or concerns please contact Dwayne James at dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com.

Thanks for your help.