February 2026 HCKC Newsletter

PADDLING THOUGHTS

It is that time of year when we start anticipating the upcoming paddling season.  Although some paddle year-round, either braving the cold or going somewhere warm, most of us consider the warmer months to be prime paddling time.  Many trips are already on our calendar, but more trips are yet to be added, especially later in the year.  It is a good time to check our old gear and buy replacements if needed.  Let's all hope for good weather and good conditions in 2026 and get ready to get out and paddle!

UPCOMING TRIPS

MANY TRIPS ARE NOW ON OUR CALENDAR.

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS THAT MAY BE ADDED AT SHORT NOTICE.  THERE WILL GENERALLY ALSO BE AN EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENT

UPCOMING WW TRIPS:

Elkhorn Creek-Class II - Only 3 hrs from Indy - March 14

Trip Leader:  Dave Jacobs - davejacobs889@gmail.com

WW - St. Francis - Class 2/3 - March 21-22

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!

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!

WW: - Cumberland Plateau Class 3 (4) - Mar. 29-Apr. 2

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.

Elkhorn Creek - Saturday/Easter Weekend - Apr. 4

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

Another trip on the beautiful Elkhorn.

UPCOMING CANOE & KAYAK TRIP:

Sugar Creek Ice Falls - March 14

Trip Sponsors Dwayne James & Vicki Tillotson

Please join us for great scenery and a very pretty paddle on Sugar Creek. This is a cold weather paddling event.   Questions: dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com

NOTE: At this time Sugar Creek does not have enough flow.  Hope for some rain!  Watch for updates as the date gets nearer.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES

Safety Piece from John Gates

PFD’s Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are described in the following way: is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer to keep afloat in water. The wearer may be either conscious or unconscious. PFDs are also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid. In this article I will refer to it as a PFD. While I was researching for this article I came upon a quote from NRS about which PFD is the best, “We’re often asked, “What’s the best life jacket?” The best answer we can give is, “The one you’re wearing when you need it.” And you’re much more likely to be wearing it if it fits well and is comfortable enough to wear all day while you’re on the water.” I’m not sure how much more there is to say than that! If your PFD is not comfortable you won’t wear it properly and it won’t be there when you need it. So please wear one that fits you and is suited for the type of water you are paddling in! Remember: Check the State Law concerning PFD requirements before you go on the water. Indiana Law requires that you must have a PFD in your canoe/kayak for each occupant. Children are required to wear them at all times. The Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club requires you to wear it during all of our trips. No excuses, put it on! 

For us paddlers we typically see two types of PFDs: non rescue and rescue vest. Non rescue vest come in many options and styles. If you are paddling big water and want extra flotation there is one for you out there. Rescue PFDs have an integrated belt that has a quick release buckle and a tow tether that has a carabiner on one end to attach to a paddle, rope, or boat to it so you can tow. If you get into trouble or you want to release from the object you are tethered to; you release the buckle and it releases the tether from you and the object you are towing. Everyone has their opinions concerning “Rescue Vests” and here is mine: I think everyone should be wearing one and here is why: Doesn’t matter what type of boat you are in or skill level, you can help rescue a fellow paddler when they go for a swim. Tow a person if needed, Tow a boat, Tow a paddle, Secure yourself to shore so you do not get pulled into the water when you have thrown your throw bag to rescue someone, Secure yourself to an object so you can lower or raise a boat or people down or up on the bank, Become “live bait” if you need to go in the water to rescue someone. These are just a few examples why a rescue vest is worth its weight in gold! It will be the best investment in your gear but after you buy one make sure you learn how to use it. A great example is towing a boat full of water in current or calm water. If you have the skill level and you have surveyed the area to make sure you are not putting yourself in danger by towing; then hook your tether to the grab loop and start paddling to shore. When I’m towing a boat, I read the water and look for places that I can use the current to help me get the boat to a calm place so I can either leave it or get out of my boat and empty the other boat so it is easier for me to tow it or my fellow paddler that just swam can get back in it. Bottom line is use the water to your advantage and not let the water beat you!

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 1/6

Michelle H.

Allison S.

Matthew L.

Bev K.

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