Missouri Whitewater Association

Open Pool Sessions Pallottine Center in Florissant - Tuesday nights through 3/24/26
2025-12-02 19:15 - 21:00, 2025-11-18 19:15 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | PALLOTTINE RENEWAL CENTER, 15270 Old Halls Ferry, Florissant, MO, 63034, United States
Open Pool Kayak Practice Sessions – StL Team River Runner & MWA collaboration.

Tuesdays 7:15-8:45 pm, at the Pallottine Renewal Center, through 3/24/25 (Not on 11/25, 12/23 nor 12/30).

All participants need to pre-register for each session and sign a TRR 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 L2-4, 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 is required. If free participants register & no-show, we will charge you $10 (because you held a slot from others).
Bring your own CLEAN gear; OR TRR can provide a boat & gear for you (arrive at least 15 minutes early for boat fitting).
Point of Contact (POC) = Kyu Reed <kylereed88@gmail.com> 314-761-7899.
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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!

Mehlville Open Pool Sessions
2025-11-23 16:30 - 17:45, 2025-11-16 16:30 - 17:45, 2025-11-09 16:30 - 17:45, 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/

Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course
2025-11-22 08:00 - 2025-11-23 17:30 | Route 66 State Park Visitor Center, 97 N Outer Rd, Eureka, MO, 63025, United States
Alpine Shop – Nov. 22-23, 2025, 8-5:00 pm, both days. Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course. 2-day course designed for trip leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, Scout troops, trail adopters, and anyone who works or spends time in remote environments. This course teaches advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. This certification course aligns with OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.
Prerequisites: Must be at least 14 years old and hold current adult CPR/AED certification.
2-year certification. Course length: 16 hours
See course registration & description for topics included. Cost: $275 per person. This covers all books, materials, and American Red Cross fees.

If you have any problems with registration for this program, please contact the Alpine Shop at (314) 775-2132 or email us at marketing@alpineshop.com

TRR does not currently have resources for veterans’ tuition. See MWA Training Reimbursement Policy.

Booth at Gateway Outdoor Expo
2025-11-15 10:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00 | St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Blvd, St. Charles, MO, 63303, United States
Sat/Sun, 11/15-16, MWA & Mississippi River Water Trail Association (MRWTA) will share an information / outreach booth at the Gateway Outdoor Expo, St. Charles Convention Center.
Volunteers needed to help “staff” the booth:

Saturday, November 15, 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, November 16, 10 am – 4 pm

Point of Contact: Alex Clerc, 314-620-6056, <clerc_alex@yahoo.com>

Wilderness First Aid course
2025-11-15 08:00 - 2025-11-16 17:30 | MO
Arkansas Canoe Club (ACC) & Team River Runner – Tulsa (TRR) – Nov. 15-16, 2025 Wilderness First Aid course (WFA). CPR course will be offered separately the evening of the 16th.
2-day Wilderness First Aid Course with additional focus on paddlesports-related injuries. Successful completion results in 3-year WFA certification through Sierra Rescue International. This will be held in Oologah, OK. Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm Saturday; and 8 am – 5:30 pm Sunday. (optional CPR from 6-8pm Saturday).
Registration and pre-payment required. WFA tuition = $195.
TRR does not currently have resources for veterans’ tuition. See MWA Training Reimbursement Policy.
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TRR 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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.
