January 2026 HCKC Newsletter

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club will have a booth at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2026 again this year. We will need volunteers to person the booth during show hours.

Please send Dwayne James the date and shift hours you wish to help.  You can sign up for more than one shift if you are able to do so.  Once he has the replies, he will create a schedule and post that for the volunteers.

As usual, the club will make arrangements to reimburse parking and entry to the event will be free for the volunteers.  Those details will be finalized and sent out later.

February 20  Friday   1-5   5-8

February 21  Saturday   10 -2   2-5   5-8

February 22  Sunday   10-2   2-5

February 25 Wednesday   12-4   4-7

February 26 Thursday   12-4   4-7

February 27 Friday   12-4   4-8

February 28 Saturday   10-2   2-5   5-8

March 1 Sunday   10-2   2-5   Close and take down of booth

Email your choice of dates and hours to dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com 

Questions?  Contact Dwayne James at dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com

SAFETY AND OTHER USEFUL TIPS

Backcountry Potty Chair

from Susan Nord

Problem:  Squatting directly over a hole to poop requires balance, leg strength, and coordination.  A squatting error can result in missed delivery, a fall, or other awkward messes.

Solution:  The Quad Saver is an aluminum framed folding camp stool with two sturdy straps replacing the fabric seat.  This allows it to "support the squat" so the payload can hit the target hole.  Since the stool is free-standing, it also allows for more flexible cat hole placements (no need to locate next to a log or a tree).

Bottom Line:  The modified stool is light, sturdy, easy to setup, and compact when folded.  Whether you prefer to do your business in a "room with a view" or in a secluded thicket, the Quad Saver is a worthy addition to your backcountry gear.

Modification instructions:

1.  Get stool (Pick a size and height and weight capacity that you like.  12 inch height is the recommended minimum).

1. Un-knot the bungees, disassemble the stool, remove the fabric seat.
2. Make two replacement straps that are about 2 inches wide and the same depth (front to back) as the fabric seat.  Either use 2 inch strap or cut / hem the existing fabric seat into 2 straps.  Use strong thread and reinforced stitching.
3. Re-assemble the stool with the straps in place of the original fabric seat.  Be patient with the threading of the elastic and knotting, it may take two sets of hands.
4. Use electrical tape or duct tape to make four "stoppers" on each corner of the seat to keep the straps in place.  This is important for stability since there is now a big gap in the middle of the seat.
5. Test fit that both straps are equal size and comfortable to sit on.  Adjust as needed.
6. Disassemble the Quad Saver and store it away for your next backcountry adventure.

See attached photo of two modified stools.  The left one is using 2 inch strap and duct tape for stoppers.  The right one is using a modified fabric seat and electrical tape for stoppers.

NOLS Steps to Pooping

1. Start with finding a good location. Find a spot about 200 feet away from a water source or 70 big steps away, and make sure you’re not right next to or on a trail. Keep a look out for dark soil—this soil is typically organic so it’s going to help maximize the decomposition of your poop. It’s also typically a little bit easier to dig into.
2. Take your trowel and dig a hole between six to eight inches deep. Digging this hole is typically the most time-consuming part, so try to make sure that you start before you’re in a rush.
3. Squat directly over the hole. Make sure to squat low to try to have the best aim. If there’s a tree right in front of you, sometimes it’s nice to hold on to that tree for balance while you’re squatting.
4. Poop directly into the hole.
5. Take the trowel and cover it with dirt. You want to make sure that the trowel is only touching dirt, not the poop itself. Your goal is to cover the hole so that it looks like it’s never been dug in the first place. If someone steps onto the hole, you don’t want their boot squishing into anything (ick)

SAVE THE DATES

WE ARE WORKING ON GETTING 2026 TRIPS ON OUR CALENDAR.   IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR A TRIP, PLEASE CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE FLEET CHAIR SOON.  THERE WILL HOPEFULLY BE SEVERAL MORE TRIPS ADDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.  THE CANOE AND KAYAK FLEET IN PARTICULAR HOPES TO ADD SHORT NOTICE TRIPS WHEN CONDITIONS ARE GOING TO BE FAVORABLE FOR STREAMS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO FORECAST FAR IN ADVANCE.

Here are some upcoming 2026 events.  More information on each to come.

2026 Indy Boat, Sport & Travel Show Feb. 20-22 & Feb 25-March 1.

NON-HCKC Canoecopia will be held March 13-15, 2026 

Wilderness First Aid May 16 & 17

Swiftwater Rescue Classes May 2-3 and Sept. 12-13

Demo day and Picnic, with added beginner class beforehand June 13

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome our new HCKC members. We hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities you have as a member!

New Members since 12/9

Mike P.

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