Hi Everyone,

Thanks to Scott for hooking me up to you guys and this list.

I'm sure you all are use to this kind of story..... I saw the TV and newspaper coverage of the MR340 and instantly was not only intrigued, but thought I WANT TO DO THAT.  I haven't kayaked per say, other than a tropical beach vacation, but have canoed, white water rafted, and done quite a few marathons (running that is).

So, I am in Columbia, MO and presently do not own a kayak.  I'd like to get engaged in the canoeing/kayaking community and was told of a few individuals that might be in my area that I could reach out to.  However, when I went to send a Personal Message to them, Mr. YaBB politely said"

"You are just allowed to send Personal Messages if you've reached a post count of 1! "

So, I thought I'd introduce myself, hopefully get a post count of 1 (yippee), and see if you all have any suggestions and/or contacts (and contact information) for me.

btw, in looking at some of your all's pics. that were taken of the 2008 MR340, what is the thing the one guy is wearing around his neck (the

Welcome, Curt:

First piece of advice, read all the advice in the MR340 and Rivertalk threads.  This forum is such a wealth of information that it will save you YEARS of trial and error.  There's a lot to read, I know.  However, it will be more than worth your time.

There are some very knowledgable and friendly paddlers in central Missouri, so I would encourage you to meet up with them and pick their brains.

Last piece of advice: Take paddle out of the water when you reach your hip.  This is one of the hardest habits I had to break in learning both a single-blade and double-blade stroke.

You're going to have a blast!

Dan "Osprey" Grubbs

lastly...head on out to the "Race for the Rivers" this weekend to check it out...see a variety of boats, ask questions, etc. Next weekend is the "Gritty Fitty" on the Kaw from Lawrence to Kaw Point...another good opportunity to check out the scene.

Good places for purchasing a boat...

NEW... go to www.kcpaddler.com (they have monthly demos and since you are driving aways, Lynn or gary might be able to do individual demo at Peculiar Lake.

USED... here at rivermiles, www.paddling.net, www.luv2paddle.com, www.surfski.info and a host of other sites.

Thanks for your replies and information.  I appreciate it.  When I get a chance I'll dig into the forum some more, and all the links that you all provided.

Now I just need to see if I can attend the Oct. 4th/5th Ultra Marathon Paddling Clinic, while shuffling it in with soccer games and running the 5th annual Columbia Half Martathon.
http://www.columbiahalfmarathonchallenge.com/

Question:  Is it safe to assume, that the fastest way to get from point A to point B is in a kayak with a 2 fin paddle?  Assuming you have learned how to have an efficient stroke?

Also, Bryan Hopkins, what is your contact information?  I'm curtmu@centurytel.net.

Thanks again,

Curt

Don't bend your arms. Twist your torso instead. --West