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• WW - St. Francis - Class 2/3

  • Start
    March 21, 2026
  • End
    March 22, 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Fredericktown, MO
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  Trip Leader: Bob Heckler, Text:  1-2one9-878-Six94one  Rheckler@att.net

  Class II/III Whitewater trip. 

  Ozark paddling:  Indy to Fredericktown, MO only 5hrs!
  

  Arrive Friday night or early Saturday morning. Stay in an inexpensive hotel in nearby Farmington or Camp at Silver Mines Campground near the takeout.  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232392  in the Mark Twain National Forest.  Bob says the St. Francis is not dam controlled so can become unrunnable with drought and/or flood.  Bob knows the drainage well and is good at predicting whether the trip will be good to go. So be aware of that fact once you register, keep your eyes and ears out, and Bob will advise.  

  Sponsor, Bob "Big Drop" Heckler, has sponsored this trip many times and regularly runs this river w/o a club trip.  He knows the river very well.  Although Bob regularly paddles class 4 whitewater, the fact that he comes back year after year to paddle the St. Francis on his own, should tell you something about its beauty, fun-factor, and value as a whitewater destination!

  https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2921/main 

  St. Francis Gauge MWA
  

  Level about 45 inches on the bridge gauge April,  2021

  
  

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• WW: - Cumberland Plateau Class 3 (4)

  • Start
    March 29, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    April 02, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Crossville TN
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Sponsor Bob Heckler 1-219-878-6941    rheckler@att.net

  The Cumberland Plateau in TN has some great Whitewater but is rain dependent.   We may venture a little west & south depending on weather and levels as well.

  Daddy’s Creek, Obed River, Clear Creek, N. Chickamauga Creek & the Tellico River are possibles for this trip. .  

  Rain dependency is why there is no river specific river schedule for this trip.  Your Sponsor Bob “Big Drop”  Heckler has paddled all these streams for years, knows what levels are too much and too little to make a good paddle.  At higher flows these rivers will have some difficult class 3 and a few class 4 rapids so a solid roll is required for this trip.  In addition, due to the early spring timing,  come prepared for chilly temps even though it has been known to be unseasonably warm some years.  Different rivers may get rain and others none, so flexibility is key for this trip.  These are some of the most lovely waterways in the Southeast that don’t get the recognition other more reliably running streams get.  In fact the Obed has been federally designated a Wild & Scenic River and there are federal facilities including camping.  Bob will usually stay at an inexpensive motel but others camp.  As the trip draws near on the calendar Contact Big Drop for the venues & 411. 

  https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1740/main 
  

  
  

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• Elkhorn Creek - Saturday/Easter Weekend

  • When
    April 04, 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  Register

  Elkhorn Creek - Class II   
  Frankfort, Ky

  Great one-day paddle for Easter Weekend, only 3 hrs from Indy!

   Trip Sponsor: Andrew Bredemeyer 812-322-7670.  ic00k@yahoo.com

  MEET UP LOCATION AND TIME: We will meet at the McDonald's at State Rd. 60 in Frankfort KY.  (aka 310 Versailles Rd.) for a pit stop and fuel up at 10:30 Saturday morning. From there we’ll head to the put-in to drop boats and set shuttle. (In Google maps type in “Elkhorn Creek Put-in”.

  DESCRIPTION:   The Elkhorn Gorge is beautiful in Spring.  It is rain dependent but has a fairly good sized drainage, which means we have a good shot at catching it while it’s running.   The stream is perfect for beginners and more experienced paddlers that just want to take in the scenery or surf holes their play-boats or half-slices.  Plan on being on the water for 3-4 hours depending on current and stopping to work on skills, playing and surfing, of course.   After reaching the Takeout at Elkhorn Acres we’ll head for home. 

  For AW’s description click here   https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/661/main

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• Nantahala River - Land of the Noonday Sun!

  • Start
    April 24, 2026
  • End
    April 26, 2026
  • Location
    Bryson City, NC
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Register

  
  

  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 

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• Cuyahoga Falls Fest -- Class 3,4,5

  • Start
    April 25, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    April 26, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  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 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Swiftwater Rescue Course L2 - L4

  • Start
    May 01, 2026
  • End
    May 03, 2026
  • Location
    East Race South Bend, IN
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  Swiftwater Rescue Course L2 - L4

  01 – 03 May 2026

  Welcome to the Swiftwater Rescue Course!  Richard and I will be guiding you on your path to become a better rescuer.  Our weekend together, you will learn several new techniques so you can have a toolbox full of “tools” that you can use to rescue a fellow boater and their gear.  We only ask you to come rested and with an open mind because we are here to guide you on your journey.

  This course is for anyone that paddles moving water to whitewater.  If you paddle any streams here in the Midwest, you NEED this course!  This course gives you the skills to know how to rescue others and be rescued by your fellow paddlers!

  Here is the plan:

  I will arrive at the Suzuki Music School around 9pm on 01 May 2026 and set up at the school.  Saturday morning, I will be getting up around 6am to start fixing breakfast at the school.  I will move to the East Race, so I’m set up and ready to go for an 8am start time.  We will be conducting class on Saturday from 8am to around 5pm with a lunch around noon.   After that if anyone wants to play on the race, they may do so that is taking the class.  I will move back to the Music School to start dinner and have it ready around 630pm.  We will eat and talk rescue and paddling stuff until everyone is tired.  Sunday morning, I will get up and follow the same schedule as Saturday and have breakfast ready and be at the East Race by 8am on Sunday morning.  We will teach and finish up our training on Sunday afternoon around 4pm.  I will serve lunch around noon on Sunday.

  Lodging:

  Anyone interested in staying near the course for free, Monica Davis’s Mom has a music school near the course and has offered for anyone attending the course to stay at the school.  Part of the cost for the course is to pay for the use of school.

  You will need to bring the following:

  ·         Sleeping bag

  ·         Pillow

  ·         Sleeping mat

  ·         Towel, personal hygiene products

  The school will be available for entry after 9 pm on Friday 01 May 2026. No one will be at the school on Saturday or Sunday except the Swiftwater Rescue Group.  The school has one shower and 3 bathrooms. Inside the building, there are several classrooms and a large room downstairs for people to sleep on the floor on an air mattress.  The kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee machine, stove, and sink. John Gates will provide food for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning at the school.  I will also be providing lunch both Saturday and Sunday. There is plenty of paper plates, bowls, silverware, cups, and cookware to use.  The school is in a very nice part of town with a grocery store across the road. There is a huge yard for outdoor play. No campfires are allowed since we are in city limits without a burn permit which we will not need.  The building has internet, and Monica will bring her projector to play kayaking videos or whatever people want to watch.

  Address:

  Suzuki Music School

  52549 Gumwood Road

  Granger, IN  46530

  The following items you will need:

  River gear that keeps you warm.  Drysuit or wetsuits because we will be in the water most of the day.

  Your Rescue Kit (Pulleys, carabiners, webbing, etc)

  Helmet

  Paddle craft:  whitewater kayak, etc.

  Throw bag

  Air Bags for your craft

  Paddle

  Foot wear.  No sandals

  Rescue knife

  Rescue PFD or PFD

  If you do not have any of the above, please reach out to me and we will discuss.

  Cost:

  The cost for the course is $110 if you are an ACA Member.  If you aren’t an ACA Member, the cost will be $150 and you will become an ACA Member.  Also included in your $110, you will become a HCKC Member if you are not already.  The cost of this course is to cover cost of food, donation to the music studio, rental of East Race, and cover Richard and I’s cost.  We do not make anything off this course.  We do this because we want our fellow boaters to be able to rescue others and even us on the river!

  If you have any questions, concerns or just want to say Hi please reach out to Richard or I and we will be happy to chat.  We look forward to working with each one of you. 

  
  

  John Gates

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• Wilderness First Aid

  • Start
    May 16, 2026
  • End
    May 17, 2026
  • Location
    Ft. Benjamin Harrison SP
  • Spaces left
    1
  • Registered
    18 registrants

  Register

  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

  
  

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• Introduction to Kayaking Skills for HCKC Members

  • When
    June 13, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Geist Park Fortville

  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. 

  
  

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• DEMO DAY--SOCIAL--PICNIC... TO WELCOME NEW CLUB MEMBERS & MEET WITH OLD PADDLING FRIENDS

  • When
    June 13, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    GEIST PARK: 10979 FLORIDA RD. FORTVILLE IN

  
  

  **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:

  .  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

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat July 18

  • When
    July 18, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Eagle Creek Park Reservoir, Indianapolis, In

  Register

  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.

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• Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat August 22

  • When
    August 22, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Eagle Creek Park Reservoir, Indianapolis, In

  Register

  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.

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