Q - I've heard the Haystackers are really "heavy duty" paddlers. Will I feel stupid or be out of place paddling with you if I am relatively new to the sport?
A - That's so funny. You've obviously never come on a trip with us, if you did, you'd see that isn't the case at all! Of course, there are some trips that wouldn't be suitable for you - especially if the trip is labeled "intermediate" or "strenuous" but many trips are very easy. Look for trips labeled "easy" and talk to the trip leader about it. Many of our trips are very leisurely. The trip leader can give you some insight into the difficulty of the paddle.

Q - Do I have to know what I'm doing to come?
A - Yes and no. Like everything, paddling includes some risks. You must sign a waiver to attend a BHPC trip; and trip leaders will evaluate you for unusual medical conditions or other increased risks. But, almost all first-timers do fine when they follow the guidance of the more experienced paddlers. In fact, paddling with the Club is a perfect way to acquire the skills that make the sport so much fun.

Q - Do I need my own boat to come with you guys?
A - Almost all Haystackers have their own equipment. Fairly soon, you're going to need your own, too. Some of the trips are on a venues with outfitters and you can rent a boat from them. Also, paddling with the Club gives you a great opportunity to try various boats before you lay out your hard-earned since most of us have several boats and we don't mind sharing. Note: Guests are charged $5.00 to come on a trip.

Q - Where can I go paddling in the New Orleans area?
A - Go back to Haystackers' Trips and view the various trip pages individually. These are some of the various places one can paddle. Also, under almost every trip description, there is additional information or a link to additional information regarding how to get to the put-in and where to rent canoes (if available). There are no canoe rentals available at some of the places we paddle. Oh yeah, see the next question/answer also.

Q - Can you give me a list of outfitters in the area?
A - Go to the Outfitter's List.

Q - What would be a good choice of canoe (tandem or solo) for most Haystacker area paddling or LA/MS in general?
A -Long slim tandem or solo canoes are ideal for most Louisiana waters but shorter, wider tandems & solos are easier to turn and more stable feeling to many paddlers. We do not need much hull rocker on most of our club's trips. Some examples of excellent canoes are at the websites below. Also, talk with some other paddlers in the club and check out Paddling magazine and its website.

Wenonah - http://www.wenonah.com

Bell Canoes - http://www.northstarcanoes.com You'll find reviews and information at paddling.com - check their Buyer's Guide section and the Product Reviews section.

And you'll find reviews and information at paddling.net - check their Buyer's Guide section and the Product Reviews section.

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