Introductory Moving Water on Black Earth Creek (the Baraboo was too low)

OVERVIEW 

This will be an introduction to moving water, on the Baraboo River in Baraboo, Wisconsin Black Earth Creek in Mazomanie, WI. We will primarily take whitewater kayaks, unless someone already has some moving water experience and wants to bring a canoe. 

We have three drivers, so car space is not a limiting factor. If I can get a co-instructor, I could potentially open more spots on the trip. 

If the group wants to do a long section, we will start at Giese Park. If the group would like a short section, we will start at Haskins Park.  

If the water level on the Baraboo is below 250 cfs  (https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2887/flow), we will consider rerouting to Black Earth Creek from Olsen Road to Mazomanie. (https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/11152/main) 

PREREQUISITES 

Participants need to have completed an orientation lesson in a kayak, ideally in a whitewater kayak, with the Hoofer Outing Club. I prefer that participants have completed an Outing Club swim test (either standard or provisional).   

This is mostly for kayaks, but I am open to the possibility of one canoe. 

For a solo canoe, I will require an R1 paddler rating, since I don’t have time to teach both kayaks and solo canoe. 

For a tandem canoe, one participant should be an R1 paddler. 

ITINERARY 

Times are very approximate, and it’s up to the group to decide on whether to take a longer section or not. 

8:30 AM: Meet at Park Street Circle, which is the north end of Park Street, between Memorial Union and HC White Hall. 

9:30 AM: depart for Baraboo 

10:30 AM: Arrive in Baraboo. Shuttle the cars 

BARABOO LOCATIONS: 

Put-in Option A: Haskins Park, 143-145 Shaw St, Baraboo, WI 53913  

Put-in Option B: Giese Park, 10250 Hatchery Rd, North Freedom, WI 53951  

Takeout Option A: Maxwell Potter Conservancy, Baraboo, WI 53913 

Takeout Option B: Circus World parking lot at 754 Water St, Baraboo, WI 

11:30 AM: put on the river. 

1:00 PM: stop for lunch at a park along the river 

2:30-4:30PM: finish paddling and head back to Madison 

5:30PM: put gear away at Memorial Union. 

OBJECTIVES 

Learn about how water moves in a river and about how whitewater boats are designed to manuver in moving water.  

COSTS

We will share gas costs among all participants. Please be prepared to bring about $5 to $10 for your driver. 

WHAT TO BRING 

• Clothing that you can get wet    (plan to be completely wet, in the water) 

• Sun protection, such as long sleeves or sunscreen

• Shoes that you can get wet and will stay on your feet (for example, no flipflops) 

• A glasses strap if you wear glasses 

• Dry clothing to change into, including dry shoes 

• Towel 

• Waterbottle 

• Lunch

• Snacks 

• $5 to $10 for gas money

TRIP LEADER CONTACT 

Caroline Rose cmr.rose [at] gmail.com
 

Hope for rain to bring the water level up!! 

Caroline