Ouchita Outdoors Surf & Turf Report

August 3, 2007

By Boyd Ruppelt

Photos

Last weekend I managed to head over once again to the Surf & Turf in Arkansas. It’s a sweet event held by Jackson Kayak dealer, Ouchita Outdoor Outfitters and by the Arkansas Canoe Club. Every year they hold a big party where paddlers from TN, AR, MO, TX, Kansas, and more get together to play, learn, and try demos on one of Arkansas’ best surf features, the Rockport Ledge on the Ouchita River in Malvern Arkansas. This spot is a unique place to learn be nearly every feature a kayaker needs is right there on one ledge. The ledge is over 150 yds wide and sports a cartwheel hole, 360 hole, a flat ledgehole for squirt moves, big and small seal launches, several attainment moves for developing river running skill, and a sweet wave/hole feature on river left. And all that is park & play with a new whitewater park under construction along the river and downstream.

The paddlers there are an awesome crowd that loves to have fun on and off the river, a personality as a group like no other. Samantha showed how much she really enjoys giving women’s specific instruction, never passing up an opportunity to help another girl. 😉 Don Jackson at Ouchita Outdoors tops off the event in Hot Springs, AR with a fun party, free beer, music, movies, and a place to crash in the outfitter store! After spending a bit of time in Arkansas, I’ve gotta say that the Arkansas crowd has definitely got it goin’ on! With a playspot like Rockport in their backyard and a dealer like Don at Ouachita Outdoors, how could they not?! He’ll do anything he can to help out the local paddling community, proving to be a real asset over there. There’s HUGE support there for Jackson Kayak too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more Allstars and Funs at one ledge! Having fun as always, we’re already looking forward to next year, planning some clinics and demos for Arkansas in the mean time. 🙂 For now, me and Sam are off to Salt Lake City for the Outdoor Retailer Show! Have fun out there!

Boyd