Kentucky paddler

[rcurry]

I came across this kayaking forum while doing research for dry suits. This appears to be a relatively new forum so I?m curious how it will evolve.

I?m a recreational paddle nut that prefers gentle rivers, streams and flat-water lakes. There are several areas nearby that I frequently visit. There is no better way for me to find that peaceful happy place inside of my head than to be out on the water.

I finally convinced my dear husband of 25 years to join me on a little trip on the Cumberland River. With a little more coaxing, hopefully he will be as addicted to paddling as I am.

I just wanted to say hello! :)

[elder_michael]

I'm located in Western, KY and planning a trip to do the Cumberland River in it's entirety. How was your experience?

[rcurry]

I'm located in Western, KY and planning a trip to do the Cumberland River in it's entirety. How was your experience?

Hello elder_michael. It?s good to see another Ky. paddler on the forum.
The times I?ve paddled the Cumberland River have been a lot of fun. So far my only experience is with a small section of it. I put in immediately below the dam. Good ramp to simply unload to the side, out of the other boaters way, great parking for your vehicle with lights if you need to retrieve it after dark. The river itself can vary greatly depending on how much water is being released. Here is the link that I check you may find it useful.
http://lakeinfo.tva.gov/htbin/lakeinfo?site=WCH&DataType=All&submit=View+info
Today is 1-20-10 and the cfs 10,840 with two generators running. That?s more than I?m willing to jump into myself. But, hey I?m a fan of gentle or mildly swift rivers. (Emphasis on mild)

Here is another link I like. Scroll to the bottom of the page for other put in & take out points. http://fw.ky.gov/app1/WaterBodyDetail.aspx?wid=186&hndacc=N&atype=*&CID=*
The Rockhouse (Creelsboro Arch) is a must see! It?s a rough place to take out because you must carry your boat into / under the arch and up a shoulder high elevation with only a couple of crude rock steps to do it on.

Here is some float mileages for the area I have tried.
http://fw.ky.gov/floatingmileages.asp?lid=1923&NavPath=C101C638

Some of my trips on Cumberland there was very little water being released so it was a really good workout. Other times I have started out with very little current and it quickly picked up pace as they must have opened the release when needed. There are times when all you need to do is steer and enjoy the ride. But that can end suddenly if the water is cut back. It?s always interesting, always different.:)

One of the interesting things I observed last summer was a truck with a 15ft boat trailer drive forward into the middle of the river. (Not back down the ramp, but drive forward down a ramp into the middle of the river) He made a quick efficient u-turn in the middle of the river and his buddy then quickly drove their fishing boat onto the trailer. After it was all done, which only took seconds, they were driving up the ramp leaving. We stopped to laugh about what we witnessed and stretch out legs. Then? the river rose quickly. Real quick! It was only a couple of minutes before the water level would have taken that truck and trailer for a ride if they had tried to enter the water like it just did. I realized these men had more knowledge than I could dream of having about this river. I?m sure they knew how that river bottom laid for the u-turn and that the water was changing / rising.

[elder_michael]

Thanks for all the information. I've saved the sites to my favorites to use for future reference. I believe I'll wait for warmer weather to hit the Cumberland. We just got back this morning from Missouri. Ran into a little snow storm. :)

[rcurry]

Thanks for all the information. I've saved the sites to my favorites to use for future reference. I believe I'll wait for warmer weather to hit the Cumberland. We just got back this morning from Missouri. Ran into a little snow storm. :)

We have been sitting at home all weekend watching the snow storm. The snow is pretty outside here in Kentucky but I like warm weather when I can be out on the water without fear of freezing to death. I’ve had to try and be content with paddling inside my mind (and on the internet)

Best wishes on planning your paddle trip. If you want to drop me a note when your going to be in the area of Lake Cumberland’s Wolf Creek Damn, perhaps we could paddle a portion of it together.

[elder_michael]

Sounds like a plan. I'll let you know more details when the time comes.

[kayakmag]

Great information here. I am going to add this to the USA Forum (http://www.kayakmagazine.com/forumdisplay.php?19-USA).

Keep up the good work.

[Alanmark]

A place where people that love to kayak or canoe can get together to enjoy the sport. Paddling events will be for the sole purpose of having fun! Anybody in Southern Indiana to Northern Kentucky, areas in the vicinity of Jeffersonville, Clarksville, New Albany, Louisville and anybody else surrounding these areas that would like to come paddle are welcome to join our group. (You must have your own equipment (PFD & Boat) to participate.) Just come have fun paddling! Best of all it's FREE! The only rules that we have are simple; be courteous to others, have fun, no gossiping online, have fun, be aware of your ability and the situation you're putting yourself into, and enjoy paddling with others.

[rcurry]

Hello Alanmark,

Your post has me wondering if you are a member of a paddle club in Louisville KY., like LACK http://www.meetup.com/LACK-GROUP/ or simply a group of friends that get together. I am a member of the above mentioned group, but sadly I haven’t been able to join in the fun with them as I am located two hours south. I recommend you join up with LACK as they seem like a really fun group and are in your area. If your group ever wants to plan a trip in the south central part of Ky. on the Cumberland River, Lake Cumberland, Green River, Green River Lake give me a yell.

I’ve got to get off this computer as the sun is shining, temps are going to be 75 degrees, and I’m not going in to the office today.
Shhhh, did you hear that? It was the water calling my name…

[kayakmag]

Will have to add the group to the club directory soon. We found a better way to host the information to better server our community so we are building it offline at the moment.

Wait ... I hear it too ... time for paddling! ;) Oh and I won't tell a soul RCurry.