Missouri Whitewater Association

MWA Holiday Party @ Main & Mill
2024-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Main & Mill Brewing Company, 240 E Main St, Festus, MO, 63028
This is our last-minute pick for the holiday party! Due to its location, we hope to have a more central spot for everyone, bringing us together from STL, Fredericktown, and Cape Girardeau. Main & Mill Brewing Co. is a family-owned neighborhood brewery and restaurant offering a rotating selection of handcrafted beers and American pub fare, located on the old main street of Festus, Missouri.
Main & Mill Brewing Company 240 E Main St, Festus, MO 63028
– We have the East half reserved.
– There will be a limited party menu.
– 20% gratuity will be added to each tab.

Open Pool Kayak Practice Session 4
2024-12-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Webster University Pool, 175 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves, MO, 63119, United States
MWA & Team River Runner, St. Louis Chapter (TRR StL) have launched a collaboration with Webster University Center’s pool! Starting 12/21/24, Saturday 1-2:30 pm. This is open to the first 15 people registered each week. Register here
Veterans: Sessions are free and TRR can provide a boat & gear.
Civilians: Sessions are $10 each, you bring your clean gear, and we request that you join MWA prior to your 2nd pool session.
POCs = Alex Clerc, 314-620-6056; and Sally Haywood. <training@missouriwhitewater.org>

Open Pool Kayak Practice Session 5
2024-12-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Webster University Pool, 175 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves, MO, 63119, United States

Youth Whitewater Kayaking Class
2025-01-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Lindbergh High School Pool, 5000 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63126, United States
Whitewater Kayaks are wild! Come discover this fun and exciting sport! Enjoy games to start building your skills and strength to help start kayaking. Learn basic paddle strokes, boat balance, boat entry/exit, and intro to river running skills/communication. Boats and paddles are included. No additional equipment needed. This course is taught by instructors with Missouri Whitewater Association. You must be comfortable swimming and treading in deep water, as the pool depth is 7 feet.
Course is 3 Sunday sessions, starting Jan 12, 26 and Feb 2nd.

Intro to Whitewater Kayaking (Ages 15+)
2025-01-12 13:30 - 15:00 | Lindbergh High School Pool, 5000 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63126, United States

January General Meeting
2025-01-14 19:00 - 21:00 | MO
Join us for our first meeting of 2025 on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84537540171

3rd Annual St. Francis River Clean Up
2025-02-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Millstream Gardens, Ironton, MO, 63650, United States
Come one come all! Join us please! We’ve done some amazing work. Let’s keep it going! In the past 2 years we have pulled almost 50 tires from the river, uncounted bags of trash, a culvert, half of a john boat, someone’s rubber companion and all kinds of fun stuff. This year who knows, but I’m sure it will be epic.

We will meet at Millstream garden at 10am on February 1st to get supplies and t-shirts. We will try to hit the river accesses again, along with the trail. The boat crew will hit the river again from Roselle. Stream Teams United, plus Brian and Bernie, are going to take care of the tire disposal again. This is a huge deal and we owe them a big thank you for volunteering. Like always, I’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have. SYOTR!
Jeff Clawges, claegesja@msn.com, 636-578-5719

Open Pool Sessions Webster University – Saturday afternoon through 3/1/25
2025-02-22 12:45 | Webster University Pool, 175 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves, MO, 63119, United States
Open Pool Kayak Practice Sessions – MWA & StL Team River Runner collaboration.

Saturdays 1-2:30 pm, at the Webster University Center, through 3/1/25.

All participants need to pre-register for each session and sign a 2025 waiver. Details provided to registrants.
Open to first people registered each week, until we hit the 15 boat capacity. Non-boater volunteers are welcome
Join us once or weekly.
Costs:

Free for Active ACA-Certified Instructors L2+, Veterans and Active Military
$10 for Active MWA members; guests are welcome but will be encouraged to join the MWA

Cancellation 48 hours in advance required.
Bring your own CLEAN gear OR TRR can provide a boat & gear for you (arrive at least 15 minutes early for boat fitting).
Saturday Point of Contact (POCs) = Alex Clerc 314-620-6056 <training@missouriwhitewater.org> and Sally Haywood.

Swiftwater Rescue L4 ACA skills course
2025-03-07 18:00 - 2025-03-09 17:00 | Silver Mines Campground, Highway D, Ironton, MO, 63650, United States
Wild Bill Miles will be leading a Swiftwater Rescue L4 ACA skills course on the St Francis River, Silver Mines. Class will start the evening of Friday March 7th, and go through Sunday the 9th. The course fee is $225. It will be hosted through Earth’s Classroom.
MWA members as of 1/1/25 can participate for $75.
To sign up or for questions reach out to Earth’s Classroom at EarthsClassroom.org or call 573-437-7628.

March General Meeting
2025-03-11 19:00 - 21:00 | MO
Join us for our meeting on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84537540171

58th Annual Missouri Whitewater Championships
2025-03-21 15:00 - 2025-03-23 18:00 | Millstream Gardens, Ironton, MO, 63650, United States
Learn more about the race on our event page, register to race or download the schedule of the weekend.
Buy banquet tickets for Saturday Night.

Alpine Shop Spring Showcase
2025-03-29 - 2025-03-30 | Alpine Shop – Kirkwood, 440 N Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO, 63122, United States
Spring Showcase returns, featuring hours of FREE classes, demos, presentations and entertainment! Plus, take advantage of the chance to either sell or buy a new boat or bike at the Boat & Bike Used Gear Swap. Alpine Shop’s #SpringShowcase will have you ready to explore the warmer side of the great outdoors!

TSRA Rendevous
2025-04-03 - 2025-04-06 | TSRA – Camp Nakanawa, 1084 Camp Nakanawa Rd, Crossville, TN, 38571, United States
Registration for Rendezvous 2025 opened in January.
Learn more and register for the event at the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association website.
Rendezvous: Registration is now open for TSRA’s annual paddling celebration and fundraiser featuring trips, auctions, and family-friendly fun. Rendezvous offers paddling trips from flatwater (Class I) to challenging whitewater (Class IV).

When: Thursday, April 3, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025
Register Here

Questions? Email rendezvous@paddletsra.org.
All event details, schedules, and registration links can be found at: www.paddletsra.org.

Swiftwater Rescue course, L3
2025-05-17 08:00 - 2025-05-18 17:00 | Meramec State Park, 670 Fisher Cave Dr, Sullivan, 63080, United States
Swiftwater Rescue course offered by Earth’s Classroom, Bill and Jody Miles, instructors, who are highly recommended by people who’ve taken their course. A link to the course outline is below.

The class is on May 17-18 on the Meramec River in or near Meramec State Park and will be two full days.
The cost is $225/person and that includes a large folder of printouts of knots and scenarios for each of us to take with us.

It’s a level 3 class, so will cover level 2 and 3 skills (there is no level 1), and the class does provide certification in the skills. Participants will receive a cert card. Part of the course is done on shore and part in the water. This will cover a lot of information about knots, rescuing people, recovering trapped boats, etc. This is a L3 (River safety and rescue course) skills course. Great class for anybody wanting to improve their safety skills. You don’t have to be a whitewater boater or have any paddling skills at all to take this class. If you spend some time out on Ozark Rivers this would be very appropriate for you.

Andi Lowry <andrealowrystl@gmail.com> contracted for this course and needs more participants to meet the minimum.

She booked a group campsite at Meramec State Park from May 16-18. Generally, anyone who wants to camp is welcome and should plan to kick in about $15 to cover the camping cost, but I’m happy to cover the camping cost for TRR participants.

Please let Andi know if you have any questions. Thanks!

[https://americancanoe.org/…/2023/05/L3_RSR_skills.pdf…](https://americancanoe.org/…/2023/05/L3_RSR_skills.pdf…)bA

See MWA Training Reimbursement Policy – MWA reimburses for certain trainings in order to build up MWA as a club and its sponsored events. Therefore, all reimbursements come with a MWA volunteer commitment expectation. MWA reimbursement for training will be offered as long as the club has the funds available.

MWA Kayak Instructor Certification, ACA L2 course
2025-05-28 - 2025-05-30 | Cinco De Mayo Campground, 1042 Hwy H, Farmington, MO, 63640, United States
Fri am – Sunday pm through Ozark Safety and Rescue Educators (OSRA) and taught by Tom Burroughs— ACA L-2 Kayak Instructor certification registration: ACC ACA L-2 Essentials of River Kayak Instructor Course May 30-June 1st 2025 (cognitoforms.com)
This three-day (24-hour min) course prepares participants to teach and model the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills needed to teach river kayaking. L2 Instructor candidates say that their kayaking skills are greatly elevated by the ability to demonstrate and instruct.
Note: if you need and ACA L2 kayak instructor “Update,” contact the instructor; if approved, you would attend Sat & Sun and pay 2/3 the price.
Course Prerequisites – the skills described in the ACA Level 2 Kayaking Skills Assessment, which include:
1. Completion of (a) the appropriate level kayaking skills course or equivalent kayak skill AND (b) assessment by an ACA L2 instructor using the following list (instructor credentials matching the level the student candidate is pursuing). See https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8m9hBZCcRAM&list=PLRPQF2MRPvGj6pY6gYk7LX4sv7aeFo1xx&index=14&pp=iAQB :

Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking Assessment

If your assessment instructor, who is currently ACA credentialed, indicates you “need more practice” on a skill, you can practice. Then you need to have an ACA instructor re-assess that skill and sign off as “Pass” on all skills PRIOR to class (5/24/25).
The teaching venue will be a calm section of Missouri’s St. Francis River.
2. Students of an ACA class must be current members of the ACA, https://americancanoe.org/join-the-aca/
See Course Curriculum – ACA (americancanoe.org), “River Kayaking” for the “L2: Essentials of River Kayaking” Assessments, Instructor Criteria, and sample skills course content that successful L2 instructors will be prepared to teach.
Full refunds will be issued by the instructor in the event of course cancellation.
Location: The course will be based out of Cinco de Mayo Campground – Riverside RV Park in Farmington and the St Francis River, Millstream Gardens. The campground can offer accommodations and a meal plan, which you arrange directly with them.
Reach out if you have any questions, to Tom Burroughs about the course (see above); for other logistics, to Sally Haywood <training@missouriwhitewater.org> 314-374-9206; to Jojo Newbold about the campground <FlyAKayak@outlook.com> 573-326-9008. Post-registration, please study the letter that the instructor will send you.
Cost: $450. Minimum registrants 5 (for the course to happen); Maximum 10.
See MWA Training Reimbursement Policy for MWA members. MWA reimburses members for certain trainings after completion of an MWA volunteer commitment. You need to fill out a web-based reimbursement request after you volunteer. If you need a scholarship to participate in this course, please contact an MWA Board member. MWA is developing a scholarship policy.
For military service members or veterans, Team River Runner (TRR) can usually reimburse you after the successful completion of this course. If interested, please contact your TRR Chapter Coordinator in advance of the course. StL TRR Chapter Coordinator is Devin Gates, at stltrr@teamriverrunner.org or 314-904-6443. The expectation is that you will use your new skills as a future volunteer with TRR.

Kayak instructor certification taught by Tom Burroughs, SwiftwaterRescue@gmail.com, 479-595-1655
ACA Safety and Rescue Committee Chair
ACA L-5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer Educator
ACA L-4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer Educator
ACA L-4 Whitewater Rafting Instructor Trainer
2015 ACA “Excellence in Instruction” National Award Recipient
ITRA Level 3V Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
NREMT/EMT-W/MPIC – Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Team Leader- Washington CO AR Search and Rescue team
Director, Ozark Safety and Rescue Educators / Clear Creek Paddlesports
Member- Wilderness Medical Society

Youth/Family Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Course
2025-06-02 17:00 - 2025-06-05 19:30 | Lindbergh High School Pool, 5000 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63126, United States
This Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Course will consist of 3 Indoor Pool Sessions with Gear Provided at Lindbergh High School (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 5:00 – 6:15 or 6:15 to 7:30). Alpine Shop will host a Youth First Aid and Water Safety Class on Wednesday 5:30 – 6:30. Mom and Dad can come too! We’ll have some separate and also some joined Parent/Child activities. Fun Guaranteed!

MWA Spring River trip
2025-06-07 09:00 - 2025-06-08 18:00 | MO
This annual trip on the Spring River just South of the Missouri border, near Mammoth Spring, AR), includes a fun 5-mile stretch that we run both Saturday & Sunday. All are welcome. Campsites for sharing are reserved. A group pot-luck dinner, Mexican-themed, is planned for Saturday night. Register by emailing the organizer (below).
This trip is a perfect way to safely practice skills after the MWA Whitewater Clinic. The Crystal clear waters of the Spring River is very paddle-friendly, easy Class II whitewater with several “micro-ledges” that offer some play opportunities for paddlers of all levels. Details:
Put In – Dam 3.
Take Out – Spring River Oak Campground.

Camping- Cost for camping is $14 per person per night paid as you arrive. We have 3 sites reserved on the riverside #7, #8, and #9. They have electric which means we are charged extra to reserve then and will take up a collection for those amongst ourselves. You’re going to love this!

This is an MWA sanctioned event through ACA. Non-ACA members will be required to pay $10 ACA event fee. ACA membership link to join the worthy association.
https://www.americancanoe.org/general/register_member_type.asp

Jo, Flyakayak@Proton.me

July 2025 General Meeting
2025-07-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Postposed by 1 week due to the MR340, our July meeting will be the 3rd Tuesday of July.
Agenda:

Trip Recaps – so many great trips this summer!
Boat Ownership & Rentals
MWA Kids initiative updates
Upcoming Elections & Nominations

Join us at 7pm on Zoom

August's Youth Bi-Monthly Meeting
2025-08-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join us on zoom at 7pm to discuss upcoming youth opportunities.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84537540171

Operation Clean Stream 2025
2025-08-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Meramec State Park, 670 Fisher Cave Dr, Sullivan, 63080, United States
Meet at the Sappington Bridge at 10am to help with the clean up on the Meramec River between Sappington Bridge to Meramec State Park.
Get to know this float by reading about the route .
Need to rent a canoe? You can contact 3bridgesraft.com, Team River Runner has also offered canoes, contact Sally Haywood to arrange pickup.

Mehlville Whitewater Kayaking Session 1 Start
2025-09-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Mehlville Senior High Pool, 3200 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63125, United States
Develop the fundamental skills necessary to kayak in whitewater rivers with confidence!
You will learn power, sweep, reverse and draw strokes. In addition to paddling strokes you will get practice in techniques like sculling, edging, bracing, Eskimo rescue and Eskimo roll. Minimum age 16. Bring quick dry clothing, a towel and drinking water. Quick dry, rash guard or SmartWool work better in this setting than swimsuits. You may bring your own whitewater boat or use ours. Join us for dinner after class.
We give you the skills. Where you take them has no limit. The Mehlville Pool is located at 3100 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, MO 63125. Drive to the MHS campus, drive back behind the buildings and look for the pool facility with the green roof.
Registration Required. Register at Mehlville School District Community Education

Youth/Family Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Course
2025-09-17 18:30 - 2025-10-01 18:30 | Lindbergh High School Pool, 5000 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63126, United States
This Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Course will consist of 3 Indoor Pool Sessions with Gear Provided at Lindbergh High School (Wednesday 6:45 – 8:15pm 09/17, 09/24, and 10/01). Mom and Dad can come too! We’ll have some separate and also some joined Parent/Child activities. Fun Guaranteed!

MWA Youth Zoom Meeting
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 | MO

MWA Youth Zoom Meeting
2025-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | MO
See you then!

Tue VA & TRR Kayak Outings
2025-10-14 09:30 - 12:00 | MO
TRR StL, Jefferson Barracks VA Rec Therapy Department, and the Alpine Shop collaborate to offer paddling opportunities. All paddlers welcome— veterans, their +1 person, & civilian support boaters. These events are TRR StL’s best opportunity to integrate VA clients into the TRR community. Great venues to practice and develop paddling skills. Meet 9:30 am. Participants must pre-register (link here), then the meet-up information will be shared with you.

October 14th, location TBD.

October 21st, location TBD.

October 28th, Chester, IL, Kaskaskia River lock and dam.

TRR POC = john.lawrence@teamriverrunner.org, 314-297-7475. Special thanks for leadership from Perry Whitaker, Alpine Shop, & VA’s John Schmeink.
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Participants in TRR events need to electronically sign the 2025 Waiver (once per calendar year). See TRR’s National Code of Conduct & Alcohol Policy.
St Louis Chapter, Team River Runner – Mission: To provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports!

Intro to Whitewater Kayaking: Ages 7 and Up
2025-10-15 18:45 - 20:45 | Lindbergh High School Pool, 5000 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63126, United States
This Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Course will consist of 3 Indoor Pool Sessions with Gear Provided at Lindbergh High School (Wednesday 6:45 – 8:15pm 10/15, 10/25, and 11/05). Mom and Dad can come too! We’ll have some separate and also some joined Parent/Child activities. Fun Guaranteed!

TRR StL “Road Block” fundraiser
2025-10-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Lincoln Ave. & State Street, O’Fallon, Illinois, Lincoln Ave. & State Street, O'Fallon, Illinois, 62269
TRR StL, Illinois Disabled American Veterans (DAV), with help from Sisters in Service – Greater St. Louis (SIS), are collaborating for a “Road Block” fundraiser!
What is it? Women, men, youth, veterans, and civilians will come together, wearing DAV vests, and ask for donations at the intersection of Lincoln Ave. & State Street in O’Fallon, Illinois (yes, have a city permit).
When? Sunday, October 26, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
How can you help? Volunteer for as little as one hour or more. We’ll provide training on-site! Register here. You can volunteer for as little as one hour or more! TRR is leading this effort to secure funding for our basic chapter needs– paddling clinics, gas, van maintenance, storage unit, printing, etc.
POC: Dorine Johnson <dorine.trappers2022@gmail.com>, 636-364-2097.
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Participants in TRR events need to electronically sign the 2025 Waiver (once per calendar year). See TRR’s National Code of Conduct & Alcohol Policy.
St Louis Chapter, Team River Runner – Mission: To provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports!

Mehlville Open Pool Sessions
2025-11-02 16:30 - 17:45 | Mehlville Senior High Pool, 3200 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63125, United States
Registration is required
Mehlville Pool: 3200 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125
Day & Time: Sundays 4:30-5:45, no session on Nov 30th.
Limited to 20 boats (whitewater only) – no instruction provided
Ages 16+
$5 per session

Register here: https://missouriwhitewater.org/instruction/open-pool-sessions/mehlville-2025-fall-pool-sessions/

Mehlville Whitewater Kayaking Session 2 Start
2025-11-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Mehlville Senior High Pool, 3200 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63125, United States
Develop the fundamental skills necessary to kayak in whitewater rivers with confidence!
You will learn power, sweep, reverse and draw strokes. In addition to paddling strokes you will get practice in techniques like sculling, edging, bracing, Eskimo rescue and Eskimo roll.
Minimum age 16. Bring quick dry clothing, a towel and drinking water. Quick dry, rash guard or SmartWool work better in this setting than swimsuits. You may bring your own whitewater boat or use ours. Join us for dinner after class.
We give you the skills. Where you take them has no limit!
The Mehlville Pool is located at 3100 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, MO 63125. Drive to the MHS campus, drive back behind the buildings and look for the pool facility with the green roof.
Registration Required. Register at Mehlville School District Community Education.

Participate in a River Safety filming
2025-11-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Joshua T. Chilton Memorial Landing (Eminence), Highways 19 and 106, Eminence, MO, 65466, United States
TRR was offered an opportunity to participate in a River Safety filming by Dave Tobey of Ozark Riverways Foundation (ORF). The goal is to provide TRR St Louis, St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club (SLCKC), Missouri Whitewater Association (MWA), Missouri ACA, and other groups to have representatives and promote their organization. Boaters will have an opportunity to introduce themselves, say with whom they are affiliated, and perhaps demonstrate a paddling skill. The confirmed Friday time will be edited here when it’s announced.
The initial project is funded through the Ozark Riverways Foundation with RT 3 Films, with the hope of expanding to other filmings. RT 3 films does a great job of producing films about rivers, trails, parks, etc.
Boaters are welcome to attend– experienced and novice. Bring all your regular paddling gear. Please bring signs about your organization (if you have them). Camping at Alley Spring the day before is optional, Thursday 11/6/25. Snacks and water will be available. Everyone will be invited to an early dinner in Eminence before heading out (self-pay). More details to follow.
Dorine, “I am thrilled to coordinate as I am currently vested in this endeavor with Dave Tobey.” TRR’s Paul Noeth has also agreed to attend. Call if you want to discuss car pooling.

POC: Dorine Johnson <dorine.trappers2022@gmail.com>, 636-364-2097.
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TRR participants need to electronically sign the 2025 Waiver (once per calendar year). See TRR’s National Code of Conduct & Alcohol Policy.
St Louis Chapter, Team River Runner – Mission: To provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports!
