RTS 2008 Trip List

For a pdf version of this trip list click HERE.

Interested in paddling some great water with fun and skilled paddlers? If so, the River Touring Section (RTS) is the group for you. Every year, our members lead paddling adventures ranging from half-day trips on quiet water to multi-day trips on advanced whitewater. We also lead several instructional clinics to teach you paddling and safety skills.

RTS is affiliated with the Sierra Club, but our trips are open to everyone. We want to get you on rivers. We hope that you grow to enjoy paddling and to love rivers and support groups that work to protect them such as the River Alliance of Wisconsin and the Sierra Club.

We want you to join us on the river, here’s what you need to know about our trips:

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Each trip and clinic includes the name and contact information of the trip leaders. You must call the leaders prior to the trip to register and to get the logistics of the trip (when and where it departs.) Trip leaders can provide information about the trip or clinic and help you assess your abilities to participate. Trip leaders reserve the right to limit participation based on the number of people registered, participant skill levels, trip difficulty, and other reasons.

TRANSPORTATION AND GEAR: You are responsible for providing your own transportation to the river. You are also responsible for providing all of your gear—boat, paddles, life jacket, bail bucket, and so on. You’ll also need to provide weather-appropriate clothing. This means a wet or dry suit for early and late season runs and for whitewater as well as gear to minimize sun exposure such as a hat and sunglasses.

All participants MUST wear a properly fitted and securely fastened life jacket on all the trips and in the clinics. For Class II and higher whitewater, participants should wear a life jacket designed for whitewater and MUST wear a whitewater helmet. Proper floatation and thigh straps are also desirable for Class II whitewater; both are required for Class III and higher water.
You are responsible for providing all of your camping equipment—tents, sleeping bag, food, etc. Trips marked “Car Camp” means you’ll return to a camping site for the evening. “Canoe Camp” means you need to carry all your equipment with you in your canoe. “Canoe Camp with Portage” means you’ll have an opportunity to carry all of your gear at some point on the trip.

CLASSES OF WATER: We want your RTS experience to be fun. We also want it to be safe. The International Scale of River Rating Difficulty is a guide for assessing the difficulty of a stretch of water and will help you decide if a trip is appropriate for you and your skill level. Except for the occasional flatwater/quietwater lake trips, all of our trips are on moving water rivers which qualify on the ACA scale as Class 1. Many of these trips are suitable for paddlers with solid flatwater canoe skills. Trip leaders are always happy to discuss the nature of the river with you.

LIABILITY WAIVER and REQUIREMENTS: All participants are required to sign a liability waiver prior to the trip or clinic and abide by decisions made by the trip leaders. We do not allow glass containers or alcoholic beverages while we’re on the water. If you would like to read the liability waiver form before you sign up for a trip or clinic, please see: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/.

INSTRUCTIONAL CLINICS

RTS members offer several instructional clinics for a nominal fee. These clinics are a great way to gain skills and confidence.
Because we strive to maintain a low student to teacher ratio—typically 4 to l or less—we can offer highly individualized
instruction. The clinics fill up early. To avoid missing out on the clinic you want to take, reserve your spot now by calling the
clinic instructor and sending in your fee (non-refundable). All of the clinic teachers volunteer their time. Fees cover supplies
and refreshments. RTS donates the remaining funds to conservation and river protection groups.

RED CROSS WILDERNESS FIRST AID BASICS CLINIC—2 day, 16 hour course
May 17-18 Lapham Peak Park west of Milwaukee 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Clinic Fee: $40 for Sierra Club members, $65 for non-Sierra Club members; fee includes 2 booklets, textbook, and a Red
Cross certification valid for 3 years. The course will cover patient assessment skills, decision making skills, and the treatment
of environmental, traumatic, and medical illness and injury in the backcountry when advanced care is delayed. CPR will be
discussed, but CPR will NOT be taught. The class will run from 8AM to 5PM Saturday and Sunday with a one hour lunch
break. Cars will need a yearly state park sticker or a daily parking pass. Please bring your own lunch. Participants must
pre-register. Class size is limited to 12 people. Minimum age is 15. Registration will start ONLY AFTER March 16. To
register or get more details, contact: Wendy Watson,
262-782-7146, wwjjww2@wi.rr.com.

MOVING WATER CANOE CLINIC
June 7 Kickapoo River
Class I. Clinic Fee: $25 per person. Confident and
competent on lakes, but not ready for rivers? Then this
canoe clinic is for you. We’ll review the basic strokes—
draws, prys, sweeps, forward, back and J. We’ll discuss
safety, reading water, and maneuvers—ferries, side slips,
and eddy turns. Then we’ll practice these skills as we
canoe the Kickapoo. To register or get more details,
contact: Meg Nelson, 608-242-8633, prairiesmoke2@
gmail.com.

SOLO WHITEWATER CANOE CLINIC
June 14-15 Wolf River
Class II; Car Camp. Clinic Fee: $30 per person, plus camping
fees. For reasonably experienced tandem whitewater paddlers
or novice solo paddlers who want to begin whitewater. This is
for open canoes, not kayaks. Paddlers must provide their own
properly equipped canoes. Limited enrollment so reserve a spot
early. To register or get more details, contact: Doug Robinson,
608-334-8026, dougknu@charter.net.

TANDEM WHITEWATER CLINIC
June 14-15 Wolf River
Class II; Car Camp. Clinic Fee: $20 per person, plus camping
fees. Want to add whitewater to your canoeing skills? Tandem
paddling experience on rivers (moving water) is a prerequisite
for this clinic. Clinic includes: classroom and shore session, and
practice on the water. Bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner on Saturday night. For details, contact: Phil Johnsrud,
715-572-9884 OR Mary Blandino, 414-546-0375, madino@execpc.com, 2416 S. 80th St, West Allis, WI, 53219. To register,
contact Mary Blandino.

QUIET WATER CANOE CLINIC
June 21 Lake Wingra Canoe and Sailing Center in Madison, 9 am – 4 pm
Class I/Quiet Water. Clinic Fee: $16 per person; includes clinic, box lunch and handouts. This clinic is designed to prepare
paddlers for safer and more enjoyable quiet water paddling. Minimum age: 12. Clinic topics: safety issues, paddling dynamics,
basic paddling strokes, extensive practice of important strokes, canoe rescue and paddling TOGETHER. Solo and tandem
paddlers welcome. Your own equipment preferred but some tandem canoes are available for clinic use. Clinic will be held rain
or shine. For details, contact Dan Wallace, 608-835-5144, DanWallace@src.wisc.edu. Space is limited. Pre-register by June
10—contact Meg Nelson, 608-242-8633, prairiesmoke2@gmail.com.

RIVER SAFETY AND RESCUE CLINIC
July 26-27 Red River
Class I-II; Car Camp. Fee: $20/person, plus camping fees. Limited to 12 people. Through active, hands-on instruction,
you will learn many river rescue techniques, including how to throw and receive a rope, swim a rapid, release pinned boats,
and manage rescue scenarios. Note that you will be required to swim in the river as part of the workshop. On both days, we
will also paddle the Red River, continuing our rescue instruction and offering informal paddling instruction to those who are
interested. To register or get more details, contact: Judd Lefeber and Jen Kiecker, 920-261-6413, jenkiecker@hotmail.com. You can also get information from Chuck Patrick, 262-895-3667, cpatrick@Bioformmedical.com.

PADDLING TRIPS

March 22-23 St. Francis River, Missouri
Class II-III; Car Camp. This is a good whitewater river to start the season. Drops and rapids flow through a canyon
providing nice places to play. Difficulty will depend on water levels. Whitewater paddlers will hone their skills, learning from
two experienced leaders. Wet/dry suit and helmet required. For details, contact: Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371,
chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net.

March 29-30 St. Francis River, Missouri (back-up trip)
See trip description for March 22-23 trip. Note: This trip will occur only if water levels weren’t sufficient for the March 22-23
trip. For details, contact: Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371, chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net.

April 5-6 Robinson and Morrison Creeks near Black River Falls
Class II; Car Camp. When the water is up in the spring, these
two small, scenic rivers are a lot of fun. Although the Robinson
has a couple of drops, they can be portaged. Trees often need to be
portaged as well. As always, we’ll pick up spring thaw trash as we
go, leaving the streams in better shape for those who follow. Wet/
dry suit required for this early season trip. For details, contact: Phil
Johnsrud, 715-445-4777, johnsrudp@iola.k12.wi.us.

April 12-13 Little Rivers Exploratory
Class III; Car Camp. Based on water levels, we’ll select two
or more small rivers in northern Wisconsin that can only be
paddled in spring. Learn about river restoration and preservation.
Wet/dry suit and helmet required. For details, contact: Dale
Dean, 608-879-9280, daleink@jvlnet.com OR Gregg Riemer,
608-257-5239, duNord@sbcglobal.net.

April 19-20 Wisconsin Whitewater
Class II-III; Car Camp. Trip leaders will decide which river(s) to paddle based on water levels. Possible rivers include the:
Oconto, Pike, Wolf, and Red. Whitewater paddlers will hone their skills, learning from two experienced leaders. Wet/drysuit
and helmet required. For details, contact: Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371, chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net.

April 26-27 Popple, Upper Peshtigo
Class II-III; Car Camp. April is a good time for water levels on these wild and historic rivers. We plan to run sections of both
rivers but could end up running two sections of the Popple. Learn about the historic values and user issues associated with
these smaller rivers. Wet/dry suit and helmet required. For details, contact: Larry Zibell, 715-546-2131.

May 3-4 Pine River
Class II; Canoe Camp. Join us for the 33rd annual Pine River weekend! We plan to paddle from Highway 55 to Chipmunk
Rapids in Forest and Florence Counties. This is a terrific opportunity to canoe and camp on one of Wisconsin’s designated
“wild rivers.” There will be time to reflect and discuss the challenges and changes facing this river. For details, contact: Larry
Zibell, 715-546-2131 OR Leo Hummel, 608-868-1654.

May 3-6 Upper Peninsula Michigan Whitewater
Class II-IV; Car Camp. The UP has some great whitewater
rivers and beautiful scenery. Trip leaders will decide which rivers
to paddle based on water levels. Possible rivers include the:
Montreal, Black, East Branch Ontonagon, and others. Learn
about efforts to preserve wild rivers and public access. We’ll paddle
all four days, but plan to stop early enough on the last day so
people can drive home. UP rivers can be demanding, especially
if water levels are high. Wet/dry suit and helmet required. The
leaders ask that all who participate be comfortable in class III
water, able to self rescue and to help rescue others. Please talk to
one of us prior to coming on this trip. For details, contact: Bill
Barclay, 708-386-1371, chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net OR Dale
Dean, 608-879-9280, daleink@jvlnet.com.

May 10-11 South Fork of the Flambeau and/or the Jump River
Class III; Car Camp. Depending on water levels, we will paddle two sections of the South Fork of the Flambeau and/or the
Jump River. We’ll discuss stormwater runoff and how to control it as we paddle these exciting wild rivers. Wet/drysuit and
helmet required. For details, contact: Dale Dean, 608-879-9280, daleink@jvlnet.com OR Leo Hummel 608-868-1654.

May 24-26 Bois Brule (with Kettle River option)
Class I-II/Bois Brule. Class III-IV/Kettle; Car Camp. Join us for three day trips on the Bois Brule. On Saturday, we’ll
paddle from County S to Highway 2. On Sunday, we’ll go from Pine Tree Landing to Highway 13—this section includes a
series of Class II rapids. On Monday, we’ll go from Highway 13 to Lake Superior. We’ll learn about the work to protect this
trout stream. Depending on interest, whitewater paddlers may canoe the Kettle River in Minnesota on Saturday. Helmets
required for rapids on the Brule and for the Kettle. Camping is available at the DNR Campground south of Brule WI in
Douglas County. The trip leader will reserve as many sites as possible. This is a busy weekend so please share your site with
fellow Sierrans. For details, contact: Phil or Karen Olson at 715-682- 3434, 715-292-4449 (cell), philole@centurytel.net.

June 7 MOVING WATER CANOE CLINIC (See Clinics)

June 14-15 WHITEWATER CANOE CLINICS for Solo and Tandem canoes (See Clinics)

June 21 QUIET WATER CANOE CLINIC (See Clinics)

June 28-29 Wisconsin Whitewater (for Beginners)
Class II-II+; Car Camp. This trip is designed for paddlers learning the art of whitewater paddling—there won’t be any rapids
rated above Class II+ on this trip. We’ll paddle rivers in northern Wisconsin, with the choice of rivers dependent upon water
levels and the groups’ interest/experience. Likely candidates include the Pike, Oconto, Wolf (Sections I and/or II) and Peshtigo
(Section II). This is a great opportunity to build skills and confidence with the support of other paddlers. For details, contact:
Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371, chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net OR Kasy Culbertson, 608-222-0746, kasy9@juno.
com.

July 12 Badfish Creek and Yahara River
Class I. We’ll spend two hours Badfish Creek and then travel down the most scenic section of the Yahara. The surprising
Badfish features Class I riffles and reliable water thanks to the Madison Sewerage District. Learn about how sewage treatment
impacts Badfish Creek. For details, contact: Rick Kark, 608-233-1989, karkra@uwec.edu.

July 12-13 Wolf and Red Rivers
Class II; Car Camp. Practice whitewater skills from the WW clinics before they get rusty. Paddle the Red River, a favorite of
many paddlers. For details, contact: Pat or Bobbie Wilson 608-788-8831 pbwilson@centurytel.net.

July 17 (evening) - 20 Sylvania Wilderness, Michigan
Class I; Canoe camp with portage. On early Friday morning, we’ll embark to Pine Campsite on Clark Lake and spend 3
days exploring some of Sylvania’s 34 clean, clear lakes in a wilderness-like setting. The trip includes dawn and moonlit paddles. Learn about what others have done before us to make this a special place for plant, animal, and human interaction. Limited to six paddlers. $25 non-refundable deposit is due July 6 to cover the 3 night camping fee. For details, contact: Kasy Culbertson, 608-222-0746, kasy9@juno.com, 5205 Schofield St. Monona, WI 53716.

July 26-27 RIVER RESCUE CLINIC (See Clinics)

August 2-3 Black River
Class I; Canoe Camp. Life’s a beach on this section of the Black River! We’ll canoe camp on
a sandbar in this beautiful quietwater section of the river downstream from Black River Falls.
Children are welcome on this family-oriented trip. Learn how to canoe camp with children.
For details, contact: Pat or Bobbie Wilson, 608-788-8831, pbwilson@centurytel.net

August 9-10 Lower Black River (limited to all-wood canoes and kayaks)
Class I, Car Camp. Woodies! Get your coffee-table canoe on your car and head out to the
lower Black River. On day 1, we’ll put in at North Bend and take out at Hunters Bridge on
Highway 53. On day 2 well go from Highway 53 to near New Amsterdam. This is through
the Van Loon Wildlife Area, home to Wisconsin’s threatened Massasauga Rattlesnake and
the Red-shouldered Hawk. Learn about river bottom forest—the habitat for these species.
We’ll camp at Sandman’s Campground. For details, contact: Paul Withington, 608-442-5364,
spwithington@webtv.net.

August 9-10 Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania
Class III+; Car Camp. Paddle the lower “Yough” in western Pennsylvania. This joint canoe trip with the Appalachian
Mountain Club is an opportunity to paddle reliable and challenging whitewater with skilled canoers in summer conditions.
Learn about the importance of this river to the region. Combine trip with visits to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
and Kentuck Knob. Make own camping reservations for Ohiopyle State Park (pick Juniper sites #205 - #209) 1-888-PAPARKS.
Register early – group size is limited. $5 deposit required for launch permits. For details, contact: Gary Leander,
570-401-6335, gleander@charter.net

August 16-17 Flambeau River
Class II; Canoe Camping. Refresh your soul on the Flambeau by participating on a trip that has become one
of our finest traditions. We’ll learn about the importance of protecting rivers within our State Forests. For details, contact: Rich Krieg, 920-497-8004, eddyout@gmail.com OR Dale dean, 608-879-9280, daleink@julnet.com

August 23-24 Quiet Rivers of Southern Wisconsin
Class I; Car Camp. Explore one or two quiet water rivers
in Southern Wisconsin. River choice will depend on water
levels, possibilities include: Lower Wisconsin, Sugar, Mecan,
Lemonweir, or Platte. Plan to pick up trash along the way
and explore the varied geography in southern Wisconsin.
For details, contact: Doug Robinson, 608-334-8026,
dougknu@charter.net.

August 23-24 Wisconsin Whitewater
Class II – III; Car Camp. Practice whitewater skills from the Whitewater Clinics before they get rusty. Possible rivers include
the Wolf, Pike, Red River, and the Wausau Whitewater Course. For details, contact: Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371,
chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net.

September 20-21 Kickapoo and Wisconsin River
Class I; Canoe camp. We’ll put in at Plumb Creek Landing on the Kickapoo, camp on a sand bar on the Wisconsin, and
take out at the Highway 18 bridge. The camping is primitive—no facilities. This quiet water trip is a great way to study the
early fall bird migration in the Plumb Creek unit of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. For details, contact: Carl Wisler,
262-542-9593, cwisler@wi.rr.com OR Don Lintner, 414-764-4812.
September 27-28 Wolf (Section IV) plus second river
Class III+; Car Camp. Fall color and good whitewater. We’ll canoe the Wolf and another river based on water levels.
Learn about the challenges of autumn whitewater. Wet/drysuit and helmet required. For details, contact: Gregg Riemer,
608-257-5239, duNord@sbcglobal.net.

October 4-5 Wisconsin Whitewater (rivers to be determined)
Class II-III; Car Camp. Another beautiful fall weekend (if we’re lucky). Depending on water levels, paddlers’ interest, and
weather, we could paddle the Pike, Peshtigo, or Wolf. This is a chance to improve paddling skills learned earlier this year in the
clinics or on other rivers. Wet/drysuit and helmet required. For details, contact: Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371,
chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net OR Kasy Culbertson, 608-222-0746, kasy9@juno.com.

October 18-19 St. Francis River, Missouri
Class II-III; Car Camp. Travel to the warmth of Missouri to continue to learn and hone your paddling skills. Difficulty will
depend on water levels. Drops and rapids flow through a canyon, with nice places to play. Wet/drysuit and helmet required.
For details, contact: Bill Barclay or Peg Strobel, 708-386-1371, chocolatehouse@sbcglobal.net.

November 1-2 Wolf River Section II & III
Class II-III; Car Camp. Annual Halloween Trip. We’ll paddle Section III on Saturday and Section II on Sunday. Let’s leave
the river looking good for winter by picking up trash as we go. Wet/drysuit and helmet required. Potluck dinner on Saturday
night. For details, contact: Phil Johnsrud, 715-445-4777, johnsrudp@iola.k12.wi.us.

Saturday, January 10, 2009 Annual River Touring Section Meeting
Plan the 2009 season trips. Meet in Oconomowoc at the Summit Town Hall. We'll start about
11 am, have a pot-luck lunch, see old and new friends, discuss river issues, see slides of past trips,
winding up in the late afternoon. A great way to beat those "the water's too hard to paddle in" blues.

Or click here to search for a national Sierra Club outing


last update 7mar08