Branson Kyaking Club

Full moon tour illuminates kayaking Tour is the inaugural moonlight event for Ozark Mountain Rowing and Kayaking Club. Members of the Ozark Mountain Rowing and Kayaking Club cruise Table Rock Lake. The club will host a full moon tour of Table Rock on Saturday. Ozark Mountain Rowing and Kayaking Club Kathleen O'Dell News-Leader The moon will be full Saturday over Table Rock Lake, the perfect time for an evening cruise scheduled near Table Rock State Park. Just don't forget the paddles. This cruise is by kayak. Members of the new Ozark Mountain Rowing and Kayaking Club organized the free outing to get their kayak "fix" and to expose others to the sport, said Branson lawyer and kayaker Eric Farris. "When you get that full moon on the lake, apart from it being just beautiful, it's safe," Farris said. "We don't have to worry about boat traffic." While the lake isn't totally flat due to boat traffic, he said, "that's part of the adventure." The two-hour cruise will depart from the Dale Avenue boat ramp, circle two small islands and return to the launch ramp. Farris will serve as lead kayak and another member will be the "sweep" — the last vessel in the cruise to make sure everyone returns safely. Participants can bring their own kayak or reserve one from a lake marina or from one of the two club members/outfitters. They have sit-on and sit-in styles, and one- to three-person kayaks. The club has sponsored short cruises on Lake Taneycomo, Bull Shoals and Table Rock lakes every other week for about two months, attracting 20 to 40 participants each time. Farris and Branson dentist Richard Tallon organized the club because they were always looking for companions on their kayak outings. Farris said it's the perfect water sport for someone who likes the lake but doesn't have the time or inclination to own a boat. "Kayaking is an easy introductory way to get into the lake," he said. Farris and Tallon were pleased but not surprised when their first meeting drew about 30 people with beginner to advanced skills. Kayaking/rafting has led growth in participation sports over the last five years, according to studies by the National Sporting Goods Association. Of 39 sports and recreational activities surveyed in 2000 and 2005, the NSGA Web site reports that kayaking/rafting grew 141 percent, from 3.1 million participants to 7.6 million. Kayaker Larry Thompson, who owns Galloway Creek Outfitters in Springfield, said he and industry experts believe the numbers will continue to grow because people are using kayaks in other pursuits — fishing, (ocean) surf kayaking, kayak racing and touring, as well as traditional whitewater trips. "Rowing" is part of the club name because Tallon and other members are also avid scullers. The club recently acquired eight, four- and eight-person sculls, or oar-powered racing boats, and sponsored a sculling seminar by the Wichita State rowing coach. The club hopes to organize the 2008 Missouri Regatta with rowing and kayak races on the Branson-area lakes. Saturday's cruise is the club's first organized moonlight event, Farris said. Future trips may include a Branson-to-Rockaway Beach paddle, a fall leaves tour and possibly a waterway out of the area. "We're open to the public, even a tourist visiting Branson," Farris said. "People in love with kayaking are no different than people who love playing golf. When they travel, they're going to find a golf course. If you have an interest in getting in the water, come out and go with us on one of our trips." http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/SPECIALS01/706280370 -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com