newbie can't wait ot get out on the water

i am a new boater who is itching to get out on the water. the lake is getting very boring real quick. i have my roll down and was wondering if anyone would be interested in getting a trip together soon. any recomendations of some class 2 and maybe 3 rivers would be great. . I was also wondering if someone had recomendations of a list of equipment needed for right now. is a dry suit necessary this time of year. thanks.

Milla,
I am a relatively new boater too...I have been boating for about 1 1/2 yrs. As a newer boater... I would suggest you look into the Fall trip (GAF). That was my first trip with the group last year and it is not only a really fun weekend, but a great way to get into whitewater. There is aa great group of experienced paddlers that go on the trip and they are very helpful. The trip is on the Nanty, which is a good beginner river...faster water, but not a lot of big rocks or techincal features. I believe that trip is the end of September and there is a thread on the message board.

As far as gear, many people have more insight than me, but there are some nice comments under the advice, tips, and tricks link about gear. Also, a nice write up on how to make boring water more challenging, with good practice drills to work on.

Not sure what water levels are right now, but two local "flat" rivers that sometimes have some little ripples are the Big Piney and the Eleven Point...not whitewater, but more fun than a lake.

Maro

This post really belongs under general discussion, not events, but...

Another great pretty consistent river with a little bit of easy WW is the Spring River, just over the Mo/Ar border into Arkansas. Fed out of Mammoth Spring, it flows year round, more sometimes than others.

I call the Spring a float trip with drops.