OverviewThe Missouri Whitewater Association holds an annual spring two-day clinic for kayak, open and decked canoes for people already possessing basic river paddling skills. The clinic is designed to introduce whitewater techniques on Class II whitewater. This is an ACA-sanctioned event.
Clinic Registration Form [ PDF - 532 KB ] Adult ACA Waiver [ PDF - 32 KB ] |
 Download flyer [ PDF - 556 KB] |
If you are joining the MWA you will need the MWA Membership Form [ PDF - 64 KB ].
The $5 ACA Event Membership fee for non-ACA members is included in your clinic fee. This does NOT make you a member of the ACA but covers the insurance for the clinic.
To join ACA, fill out the waiver form and include any additional fees with your clinic registration. The MWA is a Paddle America Club, so you qualify for the Paddle America discount for individuals/families. You can save money in the long run, because MWA members who belong to ACA do not have to pay the $5 Event Membership fee when they go on any future club trips.
Applications are due by April 16, 2010.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Clinic Director.
Clinic Requirements
Whitewater sports are inherently risky so every precaution is taken to insure the participants and the instructors' safety. For this reason, the MWA has outlined the following requirements:
- Each person must provide his/her own gear and boat. Helmets and PFDs are to be worn at all times while on the river. The water will be cold so pile or polypro is highly recommended along with a wetsuit or drysuit. Remember, whitewater boating means that you will get wet.
- Canoes should be fiberglass, ABS plastic or polyethelene. Aluminum, wood, canvas or square sterned boats will not be allowed to participate. All canoes must have bow and stern lines. Float bags are required.
- All decked kayaks and canoes must be made of plastic, fiberglass or kevlar. No wood or canvas boats are allowed. Float bags are required as are bow and stern grab loops.
- Minimum age for participation is 10 years old and is at the discretion of the clinic coordinator.
Food and Lodging
The MWA encourages people to camp at the Silver Mines Recreation Area. Call (877) 444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov to reserve your site. Please note that camping fees are not included in your clinic registration.
If you prefer not to camp, nearby motels include the Corral and Longhorn Motels in Cherokee Pass, just south of Fredericktown; the Madison Inn (Formerly EconoLodge) in Fredericktown; the Mimosa and Ft. Davidson motels in Pilot Knob; and the Knights Inn and Best Western in Farmington.
Saturday night dinner is catered at Riverside Outdoor Pavilion (next to riverside campground) and is included in the cost of the clinic. You are responsible for providing all other meals. Lunches will most likely be eaten on the river so bring a waterproof bag to keep it dry and secured in your boat.
Clinic Contacts
Pre-registration by mail is required.
You can pick up an application at the following locations:
- The Alpine Shop, St Louis, MO and Columbia MO
- REI in St. Louis, MO
Send the application, the ACA waiver form, any membership applications, and the entry fee to the Clinic Coordinator by April 16, 2010. The clinic is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For that reason, if you have to cancel or can't make it, money will be refunded only if you cancel before March 28. We try to be lenient with this policy so don't abuse it. If you must cancel, contact the clinic coordinator or registar as soon as possible.
If the water level is too high or too low, the MWA reserves the right to postpone or cancel the clinic in full or in part. If this occurs, you will be notified by telephone Wednesday or Thursday, immediately before the clinc between 6 to 10 p.m. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached on these days.
