SDCA founder Dick Davidson: 1930-2009

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

The South Dakota Canoe Association lost a large and important part of its history earlier this month when Dick Davidson passed away. He was 79.

Dick was a long-time canoe enthusiast whose efforts to get a club of paddlers going in South Dakota continue with every cruise, meeting, and endeavor we continue to perform or host. He was a quiet man, but one whose adventures spoke for him.

He established the SDCA with friends in 1981 and served as president for many years. In addition to his efforts setting up canoe and kayaking events in-state, he also led and took part in truly mind-blowing adventures across the dangerous barrens of the Canadian Northwest Territories.



Even though he no longer put paddle to water, Dick was still an active part of our club, hosting board meetings stopping out at our paddling fairs, and sharing his tales of the Arctic at our annual meetings.

He will be missed. We invite all SDCA members to share their memories of Dick here in the blog and we will dedicate the next issue of our newsletter to his memory.

September newsletter

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Saturday is President's cruise in Brandon

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 3, at McHardy Park in Brandon for the SDCA President's Cruise, it starts at 1 p.m.

Life jackets required on this 3-4 hour cruise. It starts on the Split Rock Creek and continues to the Big Sioux River.

We'll shuttle vehicles to the end point starting a bit before 1 p.m. Gene Preston, SDCA president, is the contact: 605-582-2573.

Usually good scenery and some wildlife, deer cross this river often. Temps are low 50s with 20 percent chance of rain on Saturday, mostly before 1 p.m., winds 8-15.

See you there, hopefully.

Split Rock Creek event this Saturday in Garretson

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

SDCA members Mary and Dave Finck are going to host a paddling event at Garretson City Park, located on the north side of Garretson on Split Rock Creek, on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m.

Anyone who wants to come and join may do so for a little paddling and fellowship.

Dave is going to bring a grill and anyone coming for supper can bring some meat to cook, a dish to pass, and whatever you want to drink.

Dave and Mary will have plates and plastic silverware. Questions? Call Dave at (605) 366-6844.

Big Sioux Cruise set for Saturday, Sept. 19

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

The SDCA will host a cruise Saturday, Sept. 19, at 1:30 p.m.

Come early to shuttle vehicles.

The starting spot is just N of the bridge near Lake Alvin. It is the road that runs over the Big Sioux River, crossing to become 140th St. It is also called the Grandview Covenant Church road.

Paddlers will head downstream to the Klondike area, and take out there. It is located at 276th (S.D.) and/or 180th (Iowa) and there is parking for shuttle vehicles.

Larry Braaten and David Finck are running the show. Questions? Call David @ 605-366-6844. PFDs required, bring water and snacks. It is about a 3-4 hour trip, and it's a nice run!

Saturday's weather: Sunny, with highs near 78.

August Prairie Paddler: Our newsletter

August 2009 Prairie Paddler newsletter of SDCA

Ninety-seven smiles down the Mighty Mo

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

Saturday morning nearly 100 canoe, kayak, and other paddle craft enthusiasts gathered in perfect conditions for an 11-mile run to christen the new stretch of Missouri River designated as a water trail.

Shuttles and teamwork got everyone back on the road when it was finished, it took a while, but the event was safe, satisfying, and the weather seemed scripted for a great day on the water.

We'll add more photos in the next day or two, and remind all who took part to use this blog (e-mail Jarett) to organize more trips on more rivers and lakes.

On a found gear note, a group of paddlers found a throw-bag and line lying in the take-out area. If this is yours, write Jarett and he'll put you in touch with the folks who found your equipment.

Here's to hoping everyone can wring some more paddling out of the rest of 2009. Cheerio!