Klondike Dam Sioux Falls, SD 925 CFS 4-3-13 “A Little Whitewater Kayaking”

The old Klondike Dam known by many fishermen near Canton SD was removed this winter and replaced with 9 arched boulder rapids. These rapids are made to help fish pass through farther up the river and help maintain a higher level of water above the dam for low depth wells. Iowa decided to remove dam when a few years back damage was done to it and water was flowing under the dam on the Iowa side. Project completed March of 2013 with 400 metric tons of rock and a price tag over $850,000.00. Funding was supposedly 50% FEMA, 30% I-Jobs, 20% F & W Grants.

The new rock dams drop roughly 13 feet within 225 feet. When we Dan and I first got there we scouted out the place to see the best spot to get in and end. Our first view under the closed bridge at the end of the rapids got us a little frightened we didn’t expect that big of waves and holes. We decided it would be best to take the far west said on the South Dakota side. At the beginning of the rapids there is a small island I started on the west side of the island going over some tree branches that have floated down and got caught in the first set of rocks. As the video attached you can see I kept mainly to the west side and it took about 30 seconds to make it through the rapids. There were some fun waves about 2 feet tall. I hit a few rocks on the way down but more at the beginning at the first couple of rock arches.

The second time down Dan decided to come with me and we also made the decision we were going to try to middle of the rapids because the waves seemed a little bit bigger. We started on the west side about 200 feet from the bridge on the South Dakota Side. We actually paddle up river to go around the little island and go down the river on the east side (Iowa side). This actually worked out perfect because it placed us dead center of the rapids. We did have to avoid some lodged trees for safety of any strainers. We did not video this one since we were both kayaking it. I would say it took about 30-35 seconds to do this stretch. The waves I would say were 4 feet at the end which were amazing. The water was cold on our face but luckily we were dressed with dry top, john wetsuit, scuba boots, paddle gloves and skirt so only our faces got cold. It was a good roller coast ride and didn’t hit any rocks. When we got done a prospector actually said he took video and is willing to send it to us so hopefully will be getting that soon. I would recommend this to anyone that has a beginner to intermediate skill in whitewater kayaking and bracing. A skirt, helmet, and throw bag is a must (for best safety). I would not attempt this with a recreational kayak do to water over flowing kayak. We found out that the water at this time was 925 CFS at 4:30PM 4-3-13. The weather was great the sun was shining and it was about 60 degrees. It was windy that day but down by the old Klondike Dam it was not windy at all. I will keep an eye on the CFS flow rate and if it gets above 925 again I will hopefully have another story with pictures and video.

Video of me going down Klondike Mill Dam!!

Here are some online links for more interesting information on the Klondike Mill Dam in the Big Sioux River.

New Century Press >> Dam demolition http://www.ncppub.com/pages/?p=5240

BIG SOUX RIVER – US Department of the interior http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/upload/Iowa-Big-Sioux-River-Final.pdf

Klondike Mill Dam – Iowa Whitewater Coalition http://www.iowawhitewater.org/lhd/LHDklondike.html

Northwest Iowa dam replaced with rocks http://www.careersatquincy.com/story/21812235/2013/03/27/northwest-iowa-dam-replaced-with-rocks-klondike-dam

The 2010 River Dam Inventory – Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/dam_chap2.pdf

Northwest Iowa dam replaced with rocks – KTIV News 4 Sioux City http://www.ktiv.com/story/21812235/2013/03/27/northwest-iowa-dam-replaced-with-rocks-klondike-dam

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOUCRES http://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/Natural%20Resource%20Commission/2012-11-08%20NRC%20ai.pdf

(Pages 40-43 for Klondike Mill Dam information)

"Support the Sioux Falls Whitewater Park"

Sioux Falls Whitewater Park Proposal

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sioux-Falls-Whitewater-Park/153241581381289

 

One great thing would be to have a whitewater park in the city of Sioux Falls South Dakota. Manmade whitewater parks have been a growing trend in the past decade. With cities using the potential to drive up the economy and the great thing is that it’s working. For many in the area you know you have to travel a great distance to get some great whitewater kayaking done. Sure Split Rock Creek and Skunk are fun but very easy courses to new whitewater kayakers. Falls Park, well you have to be an expert to do that stretch. So where does a person go? Charles City Iowa whitewater course, Wausau Wisconsin whitewater course, Kettle River Sandstone Minnesota, or Rapid City South Dakota? You can but cost of traveling and spending the night can be quite high. On average our out of town trips take about 10 hours round trip and estimated of $200.00 per person for the trip. This is if we camp and only kayak. Plus you have to make sure the water is high enough to kayak. Rapid City’s Rapid Creek can go down in 24 hours, so doesn’t give you much time to plan a trip. This is why I came up with the idea of us getting a whitewater park for a close easy place to enhance whitewater kayaking skills and help boost the economy. (I have put links below this article to show economic value of a whitewater park and existing/proposed whitewater parks.) Sioux Falls needs this with our kayak groups growing larger every year. I know there is interest and training available for this whitewater park. The good thing is that it won’t be just for kayaking. Existing park users use kayaks, canoes, rafts, tubes, stand up paddle boards, rip boards and boogie boards. Whitewater parks are a safe and great place for swimming and fishing. The fast running rapids provide oxygen that fish love and rapids form eddy’s and deep pools fish love. And when we say whitewater park in Sioux Falls many think of the Falls Park which can be dangerous but with these engineered rapids it will be safe to swim and won’t cause extra flooding (might even help out the flooding). Right now meetings have been completed with the Park and Rec. department of Sioux Falls and sounds like a good plan long as everything pans out. Now we are trying to get people aware and supportive of the project. The next step if we have enough supporters will be to have professionals come down to the area. Here they will check out all the locations and run the rivers themselves to find the best place to have a whitewater park. Once this spot is found they research, plan and design a whitewater park. This is when it gets fun. The design company then will show and talk about the whitewater park design to the community, shareholders, and investors. Then the hard part, investors, it will be hard but we want to get investors and donations to build this park. We do not wish to use any tax money for this because we want it boosting the economy right away once its completed. Boosting the economy you may ask how. Well like I said before my group of friends spend average of $200.00 per person to go to different locations. That is about $2,000.00 per trip with my ten friends. We do about 2 or 3 trips a year. Just think of all the different groups that will come to use our whitewater park and other rivers for kayaking if we build a whitewater park. People will need to spend money on food, hotel, state parks, camping, dining, and night life. This will also help current business that sell kayaking gear. They will be able to start selling whitewater kayaking gear for local and visiting whitewater kayakers. This may also boost people opening other business or rentals. I wish I had a reason not to support the Sioux Falls Whitewater Park but I don’t and wish that you would support this and share with everyone you know.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sioux-Falls-Whitewater-Park/153241581381289

 

Other Parks and Proposed Parks:

www.glenwoodwhitewaterpark.org/

www.kellyswhitewaterpark.com/

www.wausauwhitewater.org/

www.ccwhitewater.com/

www.tulsawhitewaterpark.com/

www.platteriverparkway.org/WhitewaterPark.aspx

www.boiseriverpark.com/

Designers:

www.mclaughlinwhitewater.com/

www.s2odesign.com/

www.boaterparks.com/

Economic Impact:

www.craneassociates.us/ExecutiveSummarySWP.pdf

www.s2odesign.com/getting-started/in-stream-parks/impacts/

www.americanwhitewater.org/.../stewardship:recreation_economics

www.boiseriverpark.com/content1.asp?cat=5&id=2

The Essential Kayak Equipment

All the Kayak Gear You Need to Get Started

Buying your first kayak equipment is a bitter-sweet moment. It is a time filled with the excitement of starting something new mixed with the apprehensions that go along with any large expenditure of money. Getting into any sport can be an expensive affair. That is exactly why many beginners want to know what equipment they must have to get started. There certainly are some must-haves when it comes to being able to paddle. At the same time there are other items of equipment that are more a matter of preference and are not required at all. Here you will find an explanation of the essential kayak gear that a kayaker must have as well as other non-essential equipment one may want to consider purchasing.

Essential Kayak Equipment

Kayak: Whitewater kayaks are completely different from Sea or Touring kayaks. The type of kayak you choose depends completely on what type of paddling you wish to do and what level of paddler you are.

Paddle: Each type of kayaking uses a different type of paddle. The store where you buy your equipment can help you figure out which paddle goes with the kayak you decide to buy.

PFD: PFD stands for Personal Flotation Device and is essentially a life jacket or life preserver for kayakers.

Sprayskirt: Sprayskirts help keep the water out of the kayak. They are necessary for Whitewater and Sea Kayaking. Recreational kayaking can do without them. You must be sure that the skirt fits both you and the kayak.

Helmet: Helmets are a requirement for Whitewater Kayaking. They are not a requirement for Sea Kayaking. I always recommend using a helmet while Surf Kayaking.

Dry Top, Drysuit, Wetsuit, Paddle Jacket: This is totally a matter of preference and water temperature. Some people always use a dry top. Others paddle without any of these items all summer long.

Booties: Make sure they are comfortable and that you fit into the kayak while wearing them.

Gloves: This is also a matter of preference as some people hate to paddle with gloves. In addition to keeping your hands warm, gloves also protect your knuckles from scrapes and gashes.

Rope Bag: It could help you save the life of a friend. I strongly recommend all paddlers to carry a rescue throw bag.

Knife: This is one of those items you will probably never use. In the event you get tangled in a rope or stuck under a raft, you'll be glad that you had one.

Float Bags: These bags that fit in the stern of the kayak will keep it from sinking should you get separated from your boat.

Dry Bag: This will keep your snacks and camera dry. Just make sure it is attached inside of the boat.

Nose Plugs: This will keep water out of your nose if you capsize, roll, or flip.

Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: This will keep you hydrated throughout the trip or if an emergency happens.

Safety Pack: This will keep you safe in an emergency. This includes cash, keys for shuttle, space blanket, matches, aspirin, Benadryl, whistle, energy snack, needle nose, water purifier tablets, first aid kit, cell, map, and anything else you think you would need in case of an emergency. I learned recently that a Nalgene bottle is a great place to store these items. They will stay dry and can use a carabineer to attach to your kayak.

How to Throw a Rope Bag In Whitewater to Rescue Paddlers

One of the most important pieces of whitewater rescue equipment to aid swimming kayakers, canoeists, and rafters is a throw bag which is also called a rope bag. A throw bag enables the user to toss the rope to a person who is out of their boat and requires rescue from the river. Throw bags are tossed from a stable position into swift water and even rapids enabling the swimmer to grab the rope and get pulled to safety. These steps will instruct would be rescuers in the art of using a throw bag in whitewater and swift water rescue scenarios.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: To Practice: 1/2 hour. In Real Life: Just Seconds

Here's How:

1.   Quickly Get to the Throw Bag

Remove the throw bag from the kayak, canoe, or raft, being sure to untie or unclip it from being secured to anything. If it is strapped to your waist, remove it. The throw bag should be completely removed and unattached from everything and everyone.

2. Open the Throw Bag

Open the mouth of the throw bag so that the rope can be freely removed from the bag without restriction. You may need to un-Velcro the cover of the bag and squeeze the plastic retainer on the drawstring.

3. Grab Hold of the Throw Bag and Rope

Hold the bag in the hand that you plan to throw the bag with. Remove the end of the rope from the other hand and hold it firmly.

4. Aim Ahead of the Swimming Kayaker, Canoeist, or Paddler

If the swimmer is being carried downstream, plan to throw the bag downstream or ahead of the swimmer. If you simply aim for the swimmer chances are the bag will land upstream or behind him or her since they will continue moving while the bag is in the air.

5. Throw the Throw Bag

This is the moment of truth. You will throw the bag and not the end of the rope. Be sure to hold onto a significant portion of the rope end securely. A second person can also hold the rope end, providing additional support. Throw the bag with the rope in it using an underhand motion. Don’t worry about throwing the bag downstream of the swimmer as they should be able to swim to it.

6. Get to the Rescue Rope

The person in the water should let go of the kayak or canoe if he or she is clinging to it and swim in the whitewater to the rope. Be sure not to try to stand up and don’t get tangled up in the rope.

7. Securely Hold the Rescue Rope

The swimmer should have hold of the rope and not the bag. At this point the current will do the work. Both people involved in the whitewater rescue, the rescuer and the person being rescued, should just hold securely onto the rope. If there is another person with the rescuer, that person should also hold onto the end of the rope providing even more support. The water will carry the person downstream causing him or her to swing toward the shore.

8. Get the Swimmer to Safety

Once the person gets to shore help him or her to safety. Congratulations! You have just completed your first whitewater rescue using a rope throw bag.

Tips:

1. Don't throw the rope bag behind the swimmer as they won't be able to swim upstream to get to it.

2. Don't throw the bag using an overhand technique. It won't go as far and is less accurate.

3. The whitewater rescuer needs to throw the bag and not the rope.

4. The person being rescued from the whitewater needs to grab the rope and not the bag.

5. If the swimmer holds onto his or her kayak or canoe it will generate a lot of force on the rope. In this case, more than one person should hold the other end of the rope. If there is a tree nearby the rope can be wrapped around the tree for further support.

How to Do a High Brace in a Kayak

Good bracing technique while kayaking can mean the difference between staying upright in your boat or ending up upside down, requiring a roll or, even worse, a swim. If you're new to kayaking, the high-brace technique forms the foundation for the rolling technique and is often the first step taught in learning to roll. The terms "high brace" and "low brace" refer to the position of your arm and paddle, but both moves accomplish the same goal of keeping your boat upright when it's about to flip. In a high brace, the power brace of your paddle blade faces the water, which has your arm generally in a higher position and your wrist rolled back.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Roll your wrist back so that the power face of your paddle blade is facing the water on the side toward which you're flipping. The power face is the side of the blade that's normally facing back (the side that pushes against the water as you're paddling). This motion will, in most cases, naturally lift your arm a bit as well. The face of your blade will squarely impact the water's surface.

Step 2

Slap the power face of the blade against the surface of the water. This provides the brace, the force against the water's surface allowing you to snap the boat back into its upright position.

Step 3

Snap your hips away from the paddle blade to right the boat. Allow the boat to move first, bringing your body up as the boat rights, and your head last.

Step 4

Twist the paddle blade to a vertical position to pull it back out of the water. Pulling it back up with the blade still flat will put pressure in the opposite direction and can flip you right back over.

How to do a low brace

There are two strokes that can stop a tipping kayak from meeting the fishes: a high brace, which leaves your shoulder open for a dislocation, and the shoulder-friendly but oft-forgotten low brace. Keep the low brace in your kayak toolbox for unexpected moments of instability or when you need a little support: surfing holes and slides. Here’s how you do it.

1. With your arms straight out to the sides and bent at 90 degrees, hold your paddle, creating a rectangle.

2. Make like a gorilla: drop your knuckles to your lap and keep your elbows up at shoulder height. (The scoop side of your paddle should face the sky.)

3. Now lean your body in the direction you need support and rest your paddle on the surface. Don’t use it like a crutch—allow your support arm to move up and down like a shock absorber.

4. If you feel like you’re about to go over, slap the backside of the blade against the water and push forward slightly. The surface tension on the water creates resistance, which allows you to swing your hips under your body and flatten the boat’s hull.

5. Steady? Paddle on with dry hair

Wet-Exit Your Kayak While it is Upside Down

Being able to safely exit a kayak while it is upside down, also known as a wet-exit, is an extremely crucial skill to the survival of every kayaker. Successfully wet exiting your kayak can mean the difference between life and death. It's as simple as that. Follow these steps to be able to safely and effectively wet-exit your kayak while it is upside down.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Less than 10 seconds

Here's How:

1. Don’t Panic: Panicking when you flip over only causes you to run out of breath quicker. Stay composed so that you can consider all of your options prior to performing a wet-exit.

2. Tuck: Bring your body as close to the deck (up) as you can. When you flip over you will be completely exposed underwater to hitting rocks or reef. This is especially true while whitewater kayaking. Tucking close to the boat will prevent your face from smacking anything. Should you come into contact with a boulder it should drag across your pfd and helmet and not your face. Tucking also prevents you from getting stuck in the kayak. It is common for beginners who panic to stretch out instead of tucking. This will cause your legs to get caught in the kayak instead of sliding out.

3. Make Sure You are Upside Down: This really sounds silly I know. But, whitewater kayakers caught in eddy lines have been known to be underwater while their kayaks weren’t fully over. It can be quite disorienting actually. If you find yourself in this position, snap your hips a few times and you should be able to get the kayak over completely.

4. Try to Roll Your Kayak: It is always better to be able to stay in your kayak rather than have to swim down the river out of it. If you are unable to roll your kayak by yourself, decide if you are in a situation where you can buddy roll your kayak. The wet-exit should always be a last resort.

5.Pull The Spray Skirt: Grab the loop of your spray skirt and pull it off the kayak cockpit. This actually can be done as you begin tucking toward the boat. Don’t worry, no matter how hard your skirt was to get on, it will come off a lot faster.

6. Release The Back Rest Ratchets: If your kayak has a ratchet system that tightens your back rest against your body, be sure to release these before trying to wet exit the kayak.

7. Push the Boat Away: The same way you’d push off a pair of pants, push the kayak up, forward, and away from your legs. If you are really tight in your kayak you may have to lean or angle to one side first and get one leg out past the knee before trying to remove the other leg.

8. Try to Stay with Your Gear: Successfully wet-exiting your kayak is only half the battle. Now you have to get to shore. Be sure to grab your paddle when you come back to the surface. Swim to your boat and grab it. Stay with your boat if you can but not at the expense of your ability to safely get to shore.

Tips:

1. Every kayaker must practice the wet-exit before kayaking down a river.

2. Practice your first wet-exit while a friend or instructor is standing in the water next to your boat so that they can aid you if necessary.

3. Once you know you can safely perform a wet-exit, the next time you practice, stay underwater for a while before pulling the skirt off. This will help you get comfortable with being upside down which will help you not to panic even when you don't expect it.