GRASP Home Page
Updated April 10 2008
I thought I'd update this page and found out that the last time I updated it was in February of 2007. I guess that goes to showyou how busy our three kids have gotten us over the past year. We had a tough winter/spring this year with colds - all of us gettingthe cough that just wouldn't go away. But here we are, it's April, the snow is GONE, flowers are blooming and the buds on the treesare swelling with anticipation of those 70 degree days that are just around the corner.
I've updated the events schedule for 2008. Like last year, I'm putting the majority of paddles on the Thornapple,since people seem to like that area better then Knapp NE (let me know if you disagree).I've also scheduled another "float" night from Ada to the Rogue River on June 18th. We'll need to meet at the launchat Knapp a bit earlier to spot vehicles so that we can finish before sunset.I've added a "bonus" paddle on July 30th. I've left the location for that date as well as the August 20th open.I'd like to do one trip down the Thornapple from 68th Street into the Dam in Cascade. Doing that would give us the option ofconvening at Sam's Joint for a bite/brew after we finish. I'm open to suggestions on the other location.
Grand Rapids Area Sport Paddlers (GRASP) is a contact list for people interested in paddling canoes and kayaks inthe Greater Grand Rapids area. The twice monthly evening paddles take place May-September and (see Events above)provide a place and time for people to paddle together while they meet each other and talk about paddling, boats,gear, trips, etc. Group sizes vary from 1 (you're it) to 10-12. Because you may be the one with the most skills,please participate assuming responsibility for your own safety. We typically paddle upstream for 45-60 minutes,turn around and paddle back to the put in – another 30-50 minutes. We make every attempt to paddle at the rateof the slowest paddler, but if the group is large enough we may split up into two (faster/slower) groups.
To get on (or off) the E-List please "Sign Up/Off" using the link above.
Other Paddling Connections:
The West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association (WMCKA) has several pool session scheduled throughout the winter and early spring. For more info visit www.wmcka.org
The "Vous Crew" is a group much like GRASP, but with more of an emphasis on canoeing. Check out the Vous Crew website and/or contact Paul Knoerr at pknoerr@wmis.net.
Paddling in the Grand Haven area. Contact Mark Sluiter. E-mail Mark at marksluiter@novagate.com