The arrival of spring signals the opportunity to get out to enjoy the outdoors, but chances for indoor education are also available through online options from the state Department of Conservation.
The 56th Missouri Whitewater Championships are back on the St. Francis River this weekend, and a new twist this year adds a race that makes it more than just a spectator sport. The riverside rocks overlooking the shut-ins at Millstream Gardens Conservation Area offer a great view, and a dodgeball event on Saturday afternoon will allow spectators to do more than watch.
The championships begin on Friday, March 17, with a 2.5-mile race from Millstream Gardens to Silver Mines Recreation Area. The timed, point-to-point races for canoes and kayaks begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude with a celebration in the park campground featuring live music beginning at 6 p.m.
Slalom races on Saturday and Sunday require boaters to thread their way through gates facing up- and downstream. Touching a gate with a boat, paddle or person costs competitors a five-second penalty. Missing a gate adds 50 seconds to the paddler’s time. A fast run with no penalties averages about 3.5 minutes. With staggered starts, spectators see non-stop action.
The rocky outcroppings along Tiemann Shut-Ins provide a terrific panorama of the action on the river and spectacular spring scenery throughout the park.
During the dodgeball race, spectators and judges will be supplied with playground balls to throw at the racers, who can use their paddles to ward off the flying objects. If the tossed ball touches the boater or kayak, they are eliminated from the race.
On Sunday morning the free-for-all atmosphere continues with the boater-cross race. Three to five racers launch at the same time in a short sprint through the rapids, and they are permitted (encouraged) to ram into or try to flip over their opponents as they make their way up- and downstream through the obstacles.
There is no charge for attendance, and visitors may bring their own food or drink. Concessions are available offering brats, burgers, burritos and beverages, according to the Missouri Whitewater Association press release.
For those who would like to get more involved than lobbing dodgeballs, the organization is planning a Learn To Paddle Whitewater clinic for kayaks and canoes on May 6 and 7 on the St. Francis River. The two-day clinic costs $85 for MWA members, or $100, which includes the clinic and an annual membership. The two-day clinic includes morning coffee and a catered dinner on Saturday afternoon.
For more information visit missouriwhitewater.org.
State offers two free turkey hunting classes
The state Department of Conservation is hosting two free virtual programs on spring turkey hunting in advance of the upcoming season. “Introduction to Turkey Hunting” is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, and “Turkey Hunting Basics” will be offered online from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23.
The classes will provide an overview of turkey hunting, turkey habits and habitats, regulations, safety, and hunting strategies. Participants can ask questions in the online format. Registration is required. To register for the Introduction to Turkey Hunting class go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4gB. For the Turkey Hunting Basics class visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4gp.