Intro to Kayaking on Land

kayaking

Denise and Jennifer will share their experience and knowledge about kayaking and answer specific questions or concerns that you may have.  We will stay on dry land for this class and we will familiarize you with the basics of kayaking, the different types/brands/styles of kayaks and kayaking gear. We will include discussion of care and maintenance, transportation and storage of gear.  You will have the opportunity to see, touch and lift various kayaks.

This class would be good for you if you have never kayaked, if you have beginner level experience or if you are in the market for a kayak of your own.

This class is limited to 8 people which will easily enable social distancing practices. We will allow you to touch the kayaks and equipment and will provide sanitation supplies and procedures for this process. We maintain a high level of vigilance regarding your safety during adventures and now we are applying that same vigilance to your safety within our store.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds are given up to one week before the date of the event no questions asked. After that, refunds are not given unless there are exceptional circumstances, during this time, we consider any health concerns a valid reason for a refund. If you feel sick, or have any symptom possibly related to Covid-19 stay home, we’ll send you a refund. Dirty Girl Adventures may cancel an event due to weather or conditions. Everyone will receive a refund if that is the reason for the cancellation. Cancellation only occurs in severe weather or
other dangerous conditions.

Intro to Kayaking on Land!

Denise and Jennifer will share their experience and knowledge about kayaking and answer specific questions or concerns that you may have.  We will stay on dry land for this class and we will familiarize you with the basics of kayaking, the different types/brands/styles of kayaks and kayaking gear. We will include discussion of care and maintenance, transportation and storage of gear.  You will have the opportunity to see, touch and lift various kayaks.

This class would be good for you if you have never kayaked, if you have beginner level experience or if you are in the market for a kayak of your own.

This class is limited to 8 people which will easily enable social distancing practices. We will allow you to touch the kayaks and equipment and will provide sanitation supplies and procedures for this process. We maintain a high level of vigilance regarding your safety during adventures and now we are applying that same vigilance to your safety within our store.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds are given up to one week before the date of the event no questions asked. After that, refunds are not given unless there are exceptional circumstances, during this time, we consider any health concerns a valid reason for a refund. If you feel sick, or have any symptom possibly related to Covid-19 stay home, we’ll send you a refund. Dirty Girl Adventures may cancel an event due to weather or conditions. Everyone will receive a refund if that is the reason for the cancellation. Cancellation only occurs in severe weather or
other dangerous conditions.

PIG Paddle!

Private Adventures

Join us on Lake Perry Sunday afternoon October 4th to paddle and relax on beautiful Lake Perry.  This should be a great opportunity for beginners or experienced paddlers.  You can learn new skills, hone your skills and just relax and enjoy the great scenery.   Kayaking is a great way to enjoy friends and family outside in a beautiful area.

Check in time: 2:30pm

Paddle time:  3ish -5ish

Location:  Lake Perry – more specific details will be emailed to you a couple of days before the event, we will monitor conditions and choose the best location. 

Bring: sunscreen, WATER, beverages of choice, snacks, a hat, water shoes or old tennis shoes, towel for the ride home

Wear:  comfy clothing that can get wet, swimsuit

Dirty Girl Adventures Event Refund Policy:

Refunds are given up to two weeks before the date of the event no questions asked. After that, refunds are not given unless there are exceptional circumstances. Dirty Girl Adventures may cancel or modify an event due to weather or conditions. Everyone will receive a refund if that is the reason for the cancellation. We will paddle and hike in cool, rainy or snowy conditions. Cancellation only occurs in severe weather or other dangerous conditions.

DGA Covid – 18 Guidelines – please know that group events, even outside, can possibly increase your risk of exposure to airborne viruses. Remember social distancing and be respectful of different preferences.  When you arrive at the boat ramp, please unload your gear but stay near your own vehicle and wait for instructions. We will give you a wave or come to see you at your vehicle.

When you Check in with DGA personnel you will need to:   Bring/sign a waiver if you don’t have one on file.

Launching/Getting off the Lake – We will practice social distancing while launching.  Maintain 6 feet between the back of one kayak to the front of the next.  When it’s time to get out, please be patient and allow one or two people to get off the water at a time.

Oyo’s (own your own kayak). Bring your own kayak or canoe, paddle, life jacket, food, water and everything you need to be self-sufficient.

Renters:  DGA will provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.  Consider bringing your own life jacket if you have one.  Everything we provide will be disinfected prior to your using it and when you are done using it. Bring your own food, water and everything you need to be self-sufficient.

What are you paying for? It’s more than a rented kayak, it’s an experience! We will lift and haul all the gear you need for your adventure. We will provide instruction, support, guidance and safety information before and during each event. We will be there with you for the duration of the event doing our best to help you remain comfortable and engaged in the adventure.

Immanuel Youth Paddle

Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lake Sunday September 13th.  We will paddle on Clinton Lake for a lovely afternoon connected with creation and each other from a physically safe distance.

Check in at:  3:15pm 

Location:  Coon Creek Boat Ramp:  GOOGLE MAP LINK Basic directions… from Immanuel take Bob Billings Parkway to Hwy 40 West, turn left onto N 1600 Road/Stull Road, travel to E550/1029 Road  – this becomes a rough gravel road ending in a boat ramp.

Paddle time:  4:00ish – 6:00ish

Wear:  clothing that can get wet/damp, water shoes or old tennis shoes – NO FLIP FLOPS, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

Bring:  Water, snacks, squirt guns if it’s a warm day

Post paddle:  You may appreciate a towel post paddle.

Dirty Girl Adventures Event Refund Policy:

Refunds are given up to two weeks before the date of the event no questions asked. After that, refunds are not given unless there are exceptional circumstances. Dirty Girl Adventures may cancel or modify an event due to weather or conditions. Everyone will receive a refund if that is the reason for the cancellation. We will paddle and hike in cool, rainy or snowy conditions. Cancellation only occurs in severe weather or other dangerous conditions.

DGA Covid – 18 Guidelines – please know that group events, even outside, can possibly increase your risk of exposure to airborne viruses. Remember social distancing and be respectful of different preferences.  When you arrive at the boat ramp, please unload your gear but stay near your own vehicle and wait for instructions. We will give you a wave or come to see you at your vehicle.

When you Check in with DGA personnel you will need to: Bring/sign a waiver if you don’t have one on file.

Launching/Getting off the Lake – We will practice social distancing while launching.  Maintain 6 feet between the back of one kayak to the front of the next.  When it’s time to get out, please be patient and allow one or two people to get off the water at a time.

Renters:  DGA will provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.  Consider bringing your own life jacket if you have one.  Everything we provide will be disinfected prior to your using it and when you are done using it. Bring your own food, water and everything you need to be self-sufficient.

What are you paying for? It’s more than a rented kayak, it’s an experience! We will lift and haul all the gear you need for your adventure. We will provide instruction, support, guidance and safety information before and during each event. We will be there with you for the duration of the event doing our best to help you remain comfortable and engaged in the adventure.

Pop Up Paddle! Lecompton to Lawrence on the Kaw!

Kayaking the Kaw

Join us THIS SATURDAY!   We will paddle the Mighty Kaw from Rising Sun River Access to Lawrence.    It’s a great section to explore and we’re excited about going the distance!  This will be a lovely way to spend a day on the Kaw.

Saturday August 22nd

Gear Drop:  11am Lecompton Rising Sun River Access

Bus Check-In: NOON!  Lawrence River Front Park

Regular Rental: $50

Club Rental: $40

OYO MEANS Own Your Own Kayak

Regular OYO: $30

Club OYO: $25

OYO = Own Your Own

Bring: sunscreen, WATER, electrolyte replacements, hearty snacks and late lunch, beverages of choice, a hat, water shoes or old tennis shoes 

Expected time commitment: However long it takes, we don’t rush, we go with the flow… we’re stopping at EVERY interesting SANDBAR! 

Dirty Girl Adventures Event Refund Policy:

Refunds are given up to one week before the date of the event no questions asked. After that, refunds are not given unless there are exceptional circumstances. Dirty Girl Adventures may cancel or modify an event due to weather or conditions. Everyone will receive a refund if that is the reason for the cancellation. We will paddle and hike in cool, rainy or snowy conditions. Cancellation only occurs in severe weather or other dangerous conditions.

What are you paying for?

It’s more than a rented kayak, it’s an experience! We will lift and haul all the gear you need for your adventure. We will provide instruction, support, guidance and safety information before and during each event. We will be there with you for the duration of the event doing our best to help you remain comfortable and engaged in the adventure.  YOU WILL RIDE THE DIRTY BUS!

DGA Procedures for COVID-19 during River Adventures

Covid-19 Procedures on the DIRTY BUS

When you Check in with DGA personnel you will need to:   Bring/sign a waiver if you don’t have one on file.  Wait patiently from a distance while we check people in then we will load the bus.

  • Don’t board the bus until directed to do so.
  • Fill the bus fro Back to Front
  • Please allow the person/s in front of you to progress down the aisle before boarding
  • Mask must be worn for the duration of the trip
  • Refrain from touching seat backs and surfaces other than your own seat
  • When possible, sit with family members or close acquaintances.
  • If you prefer to arrange your own shuttle, let us know so that we don’t wait for you to board the bus.
  • If you are in a high-risk category or have special needs please let us know so that we can assist you.

Getting off the bus – slow, steady.  Don’t bunch up and DON’T RUSH to GET PUSHED OUT!

Launching – we will direct teams of 2 to carry kayaks to launch – if you came with a carry partner you’re set.  If you need a partner, we will find one for you.  One person will carry front and one will carry the back – goal is to get all your gear down to the launch in one haul. We attempt to practice social distancing while launching but be prepared to wear your mask until on river.  Maintain 6 feet between the back of one kayak to the front of the next.

We will have a safety paddler on the water, teams of 2 will launch within 6 feet of each other with a few minutes between them.

Once we are on the Kaw, please remember to practice social distancing and to respect others preferences on the water, sandbars and at the get out.

 

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Get to Know the Dirty Girls: Stacy Hull


Another Dirty Girl who has been around since the beginning…Stacy Hull!! Stacy found out about Dirty Girl Adventures through her husband, who was friends with Denise’s husband, before it even started. Once she heard Denise had plans to start her business, Stacy was fully interested and the thought of hanging out with other women who liked the same things as her, sounded amazing! 

Stacy was not always an outdoorswoman. She was perfectly happy staying inside in the AC until DGA came into her life. Walking in town and participating in 5K races eventually started to become part of her routine, and once she heard about DGA, she was ready to take things to the next level and explore fitness in a different realm, hiking and kayaking. 

“Dirty Girl Adventures has changed this introvert into someone who gets out of her own head and goes outside with other like minded women,” says Stacy. Before joining the club, she was worried that no one would talk to her because she tends to be on the quiet side. However, that was far from the case. Stacy has made so many friends and learned to enjoy company and conversation more since she has been with DGA. 

“Having a group of like minded women in my life brings diversity and new experiences that I may not have had otherwise. This group has given me some great friends, and hopefully some more to come.” 

Stacy’s most memorable Dirty Girl Adventures event was the first eight mile hike on the Old Military Trail at Perry Lake. “I was in awe of Denise on how many times one woman could run back and forth on this trail,” she says. Since this was one of her first outdoor adventures, this outing made Stacy more comfortable being outside and began her connection with the outdoors. 

“The first hike was memorable to me because it was the first crack in my ‘introvert life’ and it opened me up to new people I would’ve never met. It was also a much different workout for me than my typical 5K on paved roads.”

A huge core value of Dirty Girl Adventures is to learn to adventure where you are. When we asked Stacy if she could adventure anywhere, she said she would love to explore more of her home state, Kansas. A lot of people put Kansas at the bottom of their adventure bucket list, but there are so many places in the sunflower state to explore. Stacy wants to hike the Flint Hills Nature Trail and the Elk River Trail. We love that she wants to explore more of Kansas. Stacy is a Dirty Girl at heart!

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Get to Know the Dirty Girls: Karen Stockwell-Withers

Karen is in the midst of her third season as a Dirty Girl Club Member and loving it. A few years back, she found out about Dirty Girl Adventures at a teaching conference. During this conference, she met another woman who was already involved with the club and was introduced to DGA. 

Throughout her life, she has always loved nature and the outdoors, but her love continues to grow for it as she gets older. “I think I fall more in love with the outdoors as I age because I’ve had issues with depression in the past. The outdoors provides me with so much peace and happiness. Also, the more I learn about climate change and the effect humans have on the environment, the more I see a need to protect nature.”

Since joining the club, Karen says it has provided her with a community of like minded women who all have a common love and passion for the outdoors, which has been hard for her to find.   “Before finding the Dirty Girls my only outdoor buddy was my husband, now I have a ton of people to do things with,” she says. Having a group of ladies to go exploring with is wonderful for Karen, and makes her realize that there are lots of other women that care about the outdoors as well. 

Her favorite and most memorable Dirty Girl Adventures event was during her first year of being a member. Karen and some other Dirty Girls did a weekend getaway to Camp White and hiked the Tallgrass Prairie. “I knew I found the perfect group during that weekend,” she says. 

Karen and her husband have lots of places on their adventure bucket list that they plan to check off. Currently, they are goal setting for their adventure in Iceland in three years. They are going for their ten year anniversary and plan on camping all over the country and seeing puffins while they are there. MCI started offering it as their first direct international flight, so this helped them choose Iceland as their anniversary adventure. “We watched a Discovery Channel episode on puffins and Iceland. Then, I started seeing tons of pictures of Iceland on Twitter from all of the outdoor accounts I follow. What made it a solid decision was recently on a hike in Glacier National Park. We met several people who have been to Iceland and they told us how gorgeous the country is, so we decided it would be the perfect place to go.”

They plan on taking their new puppy, Moose, on their future adventures with them. Bosco, their other dog has gone on many adventures, even kayaking. Moose will be going camping with them for the first time this summer. Pets make outdoor adventure all the more enjoyable! 

Karen is thankful for all that DGA has brought to her. She is inspired and excited for her future outdoor adventures with her fellow Dirty Girls,  her husband and puppies. 

She is also the leader of the Dirty Girl Adventures Book Club at Compass Point. Check our event calendar to join Karen in discussing some award winning stories!

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Get to Know the Dirty Girls: Julie Justus

Julie has been a member of Dirty Girl Adventures since the very beginning in 2013. She grew up and lived most of her life in California where she loved hiking, body surfing and camping.  “Adventure was in my heart,” says Julie. Life eventually took her to Kansas after her children were born and it was at this point that she lost her connection with the outdoors. 

“The bugs were scary and the weather was too extreme so I stopped and stayed inside most of the time.”

That all changed when she met Denise in 2005. When Julie’s son was six, they enrolled him in the local baseball program. Denise’s husband Marcus was the coach and Denise and Julie became immediate friends. Coming from California, Julie didn’t have much hope that there was any adventure in the fly-over state. However, Denise encouraged her to go outside and adventure with their kids through 4-H.

“Together we took our kids to every corner of the state through the 4-H geology program. She later took me hiking on local trails that I didn’t even know about.”

Over the many years Julie has lived here, she knows that although Kansas will hinder your adventure at times, if you are patient, there are many beautiful places to explore. “I love Kansas now and call it home. I know that Denise and I will continue to be good friends for a lifetime,” she says. 

Since Dirty Girl Adventures started back in 2013, Julie’s life has changed. She says she has met so many women that are from different backgrounds that she would not have met if it weren’t for DGA.  

“Dirty Girl Adventures has brought many different women into my life and has opened up the love to see people where they are. There is no judgement in this club. We all accept each other and bond with the common love of the outdoors.”

Julie’s favorite memory as a Dirty Girl member was the very first Ass Kicker. The Ass Kicker is an event where Dirty Girls kayak 20 miles of a section of the Mighty Kaw.  It was during this trip that she met many women who are now good friends.

“It was a memorable kayaking trip because it was our first tough adventure. We were in it together and we all finished with accomplishment. Firsts seem to always be more memorable than others.”

From the very beginning of this awesome club, Julie has been there to see it grow into the amazing community it is now. 

“Dirty Girl Adventures helped instill the love of the outdoors in my heart again and showed me that you can adventure anywhere you are.”

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The 2nd Annual Ass Kicker was a kick ass time!

Soooo, a month or so ago 27 Dirty Girls took to the River on a hot, dry, low water, slow moving summer day.  It was a glorious day for an adventure!  The toughest river adventure of the summer!  We started out at the 8th street boat ramp in Lawrence, where the water is relatively quick after going over the Bowersock Dam.  It was already feeling hot as we got ready to launch onto the Kansas River!
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Dirty Girl Kelly shared a special program with us – “I RUN 4”.  This program matches those that can with those that can’t – the best motivation to run, walk, hike, kayak is to do it for others!  All 27 Dirty Girls donated their 20 miles on the Kaw to Kelly’s partner Alie!
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Although it was 100*, it really doesn’t feel that hot when you are on the water.  This event was fun, but it was also a challenge.  An interesting combination of pain and pleasure, joy and despair!  Hopefully, the despair was short lived for most of us.  Usually it came when we realized that, once again, we would have to get out a pull our kayaks!
DSCF5269Mostly though, there was joy!  Joy in the day, the sky, the water and the sand!  Joy in the excellent camaraderie and fellowship of a gang of Dirty Girls!  Sand bars are awesome places of adventure!  Treasures are buried in the sand, interesting rocks, fossils, minerals and detritus of humans living along the river. I call them River Findings.  😀
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This big log was stunning!  We will camp here sometime soon!

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It wouldn’t have been an ass kicker if the water had been higher … and flowing faster!
Dirty Girl Knucklehead Pam helps out Dirty Girl Hot Foot Stacy with a ride to avoid burning sands.  What are Dirty Girl friends for anyway?!

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A quote from Dirty Girl Tina,  “I had such a great time yesterday! No way could I have done this a year ago! So thankful for the Original Dirty Girls and all the other Dirty Girls who inspire and motivate me every day! I feel there is nothing I can not accomplish if I put my mind to it!!”

DSCF5228Who doesn’t love pulling their kayak across the sand?

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A quote from Dirty Girl Dawn, Flying Fish Girl!   “Thank you for organizing such a wonderful day for us. I came home certainly feeling exhausted, but also exhilarated, strong, and accomplished. I’m looking forward to resting, cleaning some serious sand and mud out of my kayak and clothes from yesterday, showing off my shirt, and thinking back on today with a smile. And of course telling stories of sandbars, paddling hard, bald eagles and flying fish. Thank you again!!”

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It was a great day to spend with the Dirty Girls!
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I feel like I have wrestled with a bear this afternoon! BUT! What an accomplishment for me and my Dirty Girls! 20 miles weren’t easy. Hell, I think only 2 were easy! Big shout out to my Dirty Sisters that helped with the flooded tipped over kayak! That was a true difficult moment. Had it not been for the three of you, the kayak would still be on the bottom of the Kaw and I would be stranded on a sandbar with nothing but a soaked backpack.
This was a truly great experience for me. Things I forgot My body could do! We Kicked Ass on the river!!
Xoxo
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These Dirty Girls are a strong, determined and independent group of women!  So amazing!  Couldn’t choose a better way to spend the day paddling on the Kaw than to spend it with these women!
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WE DID IT!  This challenge was conquered!  It was fun, tough, sandy, fishy, sunny and fabulous!  The best part?  The amazing women who are adventurous, brave and willing to kick their own asses!  Thanks for coming out with the Dirty Girls!
xoxoxox
The Dirty Mutha!

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Hot Times were had by all!

Last Sunday a group of about 40 paddlers set out for a paddle from Lecompton to Lawrence on the Mighty Kaw.  The river was running low and slow so we were ready to paddle!  Happily, the day wasn’t incredibly hot and the wind was a breeze instead of a gale!
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This summer has been full of kayaking and getting to know sooo many new Dirty Girls!  It has been wonderful to meet and begin friendships with so many women who are energized and ready for Outdoor Adventure!
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Every trip down the river is a new and different experience.  The variables are constant — water flow, water level, people in the group, sand bars, fossils, wild life — each trip is a special event.
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Kayaking on the river brings a relaxation of both the body and the mind.  It is a great way to spend the day.

DSCF5116 DSCF5080 DSCF5100Every day is a good day with the Dirty Girls!