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Contact: Dave Tobey, 573-323-8093
Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814
EMINENCE, MO: Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks will be hosting the third annual Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float from December 30 through January 1. The Winter Paddling Clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on December 30 and 31 in conjunction with their New Year’s Eve Celebration. On January 1 paddling club members from St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers and will gather at Current River State Park for a bonfire and warm beverages. All are invited to attend this free paddling clinic and join the paddling clubs for float opportunities on New Year’s Day. Those who would like to make lodging reservations at Echo Bluff State Park can call their reservation desk at 844-322-3246.
Ivan Bartha will be the keynote speaker at the paddling clinic. Ivan is the owner of a Minnesota-based outdoor leadership training and consulting business. He is a multi-discipline American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor & Instructor Trainer and former Chair for the ACA Midwest Division, comprising 11 states in the upper central region of the United States. Ivan is a career professional in outdoor leadership since the late 1980’s with degrees from Northern Michigan University & Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After 14 years as a Coordinator for Experiential Programs at St. Cloud State University, Ivan has transitioned to being a full-time trainer and consultant in outdoor leadership around the world.
Millions of floaters enjoy Missouri rivers each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Experienced paddlers continue to visit our rivers in September and October, but paddling activity can continue during the winter months with the right equipment and a few simple precautions. Winter paddling offers several advantages, including the opportunity to experience solitude on the river and the ability to more easily view wildlife and other river features often blocked by heavy vegetation during the summer.
For more information about the Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float opportunities, contact Ranger Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093 or e-mail us.
Schedule of Events
Sunday, December 30, 2018
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm Check in at Echo Bluff State Park
7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception hosted by ACA Missouri, Director Justin Adams
8:00 p.m. Keynote Address by Ivan Bartha, “Living a Life Full of Adventure”
Monday, December 31, 2018
Winter Paddle Clinic at Echo Bluff State Park
10:00 a.m. Fly Fishing on the Upper Current River with Mark Van Patten
11:00 a.m. Missouri Stream Team
12:00 p.m. Lunch and Learn Presentations by the National Park Service
1:00 p.m. St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club Presentation
2:00 p.m. Coast Guard Auxiliary by Todd Wilkinson & Flotilla 05-02
3:00 p.m. Dry Land Basics with Perry Whitaker, Alpine Shop
4:00 p.m. Adaptive Paddling with Jennifer Hahn, Team River Runner
5:00 p.m. Hike-Float Options on the Current River by Dave Tobey & Kathie Brennen
5:45-7:00 p.m. Dinner in the Lodge
7:00 p.m. Missouri Paddling Club Activities by Club Presidents
8:00 p.m. Winter Paddling Equipment and Other Adventures by Ivan Bartha
9:00 p.m. Missouri ACA Recognition and Awards
9:30 p.m. Echo Bluff New Year’s Eve Celebration & Bonfire
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
First Day Paddle and Hike Activities
9:00 a.m. First Day Hike-Float Options with Connie Weber at Echo Bluff State Park
Noon First Day Paddle at Current River State Park with Missouri Paddling Clubs
Check with a paddling club in your area for specific information about times and locations for paddling on New Year’s Day. Bonfires and warming stations will be available at Current River State Park, and Sinking Creek on the Current River.
Echo Bluff State Park is located 14 miles north of Eminence on State Highway 19. Current River State Park is located approximately 1 mile north of Echo Bluff State Park.
Paddling Clinic Presenters, Topics, and Activities
• Justin Adams is the outgoing State Director for Missouri ACA. He is also the Natural Resource Manager for Stockton State Park.
• Ivan Bartha is the owner of One Planet Adventures and an ACA Instructor Trainer. Ivan is a career professional in outdoor leadership and travels the world to help others discover adventure through paddling.
• Jennifer Hahn is an ACA-certified instructor and Regional Director for Team River Runner, providing paddling opportunities to veterans.
• Kathie Brennan is the President of Ozark Trail Association. Kathie will be on hand to discuss the construction of the Round Spring Section of the Ozark Trail and the unique paddling and hiking opportunities this new trail will offer to visitors.
• Dave Tobey is the District Interpretive Ranger for the Upper Current River section of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Dave is a certified ACA Kayak Instructor and he will discuss programs and opportunities for paddlers on the Upper Current River.
• Connie Weber is the Park Naturalist at Echo Bluff State Park and a certified ACA Canoe Instructor. Connie will be hosting the First Day Hike at Echo Bluff State Park.
• Perry Whitaker is an Experience Manager/Guru at the Alpine Shop. Perry is also an ACA-certified instructor
• Missouri Paddling Clubs include Ozark Mountain Paddlers represented by Marty Zerr, St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club represented by Dave Haessig, and Paddle KC represented by Kristi Kurtz.
• Mark Van Patten is a seasonal Interpretive Ranger on the Upper Current River and a certified fly fishing instructor.
• Todd Wilkinson is the information officer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 05-02.
• Jeff Clawges is a very active member of the Missouri Stream Team. Three years ago he organized a first day paddle and the Winter Paddle Clinic/First Day Float was started due to his interest and suggestion. Thanks Jeff!
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. For more information, call (573)323-4236 or visit the park's Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
www.nps.gov/ozar
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 418 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 418 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/
Last updated: December 17, 2018