Dragover vs Cadron for basic kayak instruction

[BEubanks]

I'm planning on taking five students in my current kayak class to a river Saturday. My preferred stretch is Dragover on the upper Ouachita. It's short, lots of features for instruction, no extra shuttle vehicle required, and it's relatively close to Arkadelphia. Had a great class trip there last Saturday. But it may not hold at a good level for this Saturday.

So, I'm wondering about the Cadron. Since I've NEVER paddled it, I'm seeking advice from those who have paddled both at the levels they'll likely be at on Saturday. Dragover is currently holding steady at 3.12; Cadron at 2.55. So, Cadron remains more in the optimal range than Dragover. A couple of additional issues. I'll be driving a school van pulling a trailer with the boats. Can I get that down to the new access? And from the new access down to Hwy 65 is about 6 miles, right? How much of that is long pools?

If Dragover holds in the upper 2s I'll likely still head there. But need to have a plan B in place, so trying to think ahead. Recommendations?

[Roger]

Byron, we paddled it last Saturday at 3.0'. Took us about four hours with no more than a 30 minute break for snacks, etc. at Lunchstop and a few knee breaks while the yakers played. Trip is about 8 miles total now as the new put-in adds about two miles to the previous run.

Should be able to get into the new put-in if no rain happens and you got some clearance on the trailer axle. Just go slow and don't go down the last 20 yards or so of road. Parking is on the right with plenty of room.


I'm sure some others can chime in on trip time and a more accurate distance at the level you're talking about for the weekend.

[Jim Krueger]

Byron,

I really think you'll like the Cadron very much! The pools along the way aren't bad, and I think with the variety of rapids, curves, and a couple of S-turns, you'll also think this is a great stretch to teach on. I've paddled it from about 2.25' or so up to 5.25' and like it best about 3'.
I made my first trip down to the new access on our last trip and I don't think you'll have any problems.
If we get back to Dragover this weekend, will keep an eye out for that hand paddle.


Best Regards
Jim

[BEubanks]

Thanks, Roger and Jim,

Eight miles is more than I'd typically want to do for a teaching trip, especially with diminished daylight at the end of the day. It's hard to get college students up for an early start! Guess I'll watch the gauges and hope Dragover holds up enough for a repeat visit this weekend.

[RomanLA]

I agree that Dragover would be your best bet. There are a lot more rapids on Cadron and they're generally about a half step up from Dragover. That could make for a long day if anyone is having problems.

[David Mac]

I'd also be iffy about getting a van and trailer across the field.

Even though it has been pretty dry this week as far as new rain, every where I hiked today the ground was still mushy with the water it couldn't hold last week.

David

[Heath]

take them to dierks??????? short or long shuttle no shuttle and progress as they want to.

[Lifejacket]

I like Heaths idea, if Saturday was not opening day of deer season I would come help at dierks mainly for the entertainment aspect. Good luck and have fun.

[Renee H]

I am with Heath....Tarrant County College used to get scheduled releases at Dierks to hold their class. Plenty of Class I-II to learn on in a controlled environment and the releases should still be going this weekend since the lake is still 10' over what it should be.

[BEubanks]

I have considered it, but my hesitancy with Dierks is that at current levels it would intimidate most new paddlers. For these students, this is their FIRST time on moving water in a kayak. I thought about using the recovery pool below the last drop in the park and then moving back upstream. Last time I went from park down to low water bridge there were more trees than I like to expose novice paddlers to. I need to go back to that section and see if I still have the same impression. Haven't been down that stretch for a few years.

I easily forget how nervous and shakey I was my first few times on current. Even the very first mild eddy on the Dragover loop makes some new paddlers nervous. Some are more thrill hungry and jump right to it; others require much coaxing and encouraging. I'm guessing only a small minority of new paddlers would find the current and drops at Dierks fun, at least initially. Might not take much experience to make it fun, but I'm pretty much limited to one full day on a river. Lots of flat water prep, but haven't been able to do moving water prep this fall--the Caddo below DeGray where I normally do moving water practice has been generating round the clock most of the time.

[Heath]

the eddys up above the paly haole would still work great for this. they start mild and the lase one ending in the large pool before the play holes is the worst in that part of the river.

this is what we were trying to achive in that area, for this purpose.

[T Yamashita]

The swimming area at dierks offers a good fast chute for ferry moves and then you can go above to practice peel outs and eddy catching. The beach would also be nice to gather up and do talks while drawing in the sand. ty