Thursday, April 20, 2017

Kayak launches added to Rez

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement.


Three kayak launches added at Barnett Reservoir

Three new kayak-dedicated launches have been installed and are open to the public giving paddlers access to more of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District announced this week.

The new facilities are located at Ratliffs Ferry on the upper river, Brown’s Landing on the north end of the main lake just off the Natchez Trace at Mississippi Highway 43, and at Pelahatchie Shore Park in Pelahatchie Bay.

They join the two-year-old kayak launch at Turtle Point in Pelahatchie Bay. “The existing ramp has become mighty popular with paddlers, and we are proud to add these new sites to give our users more options,” said Jack Winstead, President of the PRVWSD Board of Directors. “Kayaking is a fast-growing user group. Five or 10 years ago, it was rare to see a kayak on the reservoir; now, you see them daily.”

The sites include self-launch systems that are consistent with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The launches allow users to enter their kayaks and slide into the water at the beginning of the trip and an easy paddle up at the conclusion. Handrails are included. All of the new sites are located adjacent to large parking areas.

While most kayakers on Barnett Reservoir do so for exercise and pleasure, fishing from kayaks is gaining in popularity. The lightweight craft can navigate more shallow water that bigger boats simply can’t reach. While it’s true kayaks can be launched basically anywhere, including existing boat ramps, it’s good to have decided sites.

“It does take a kayaker more time to launch, because unlike a bass boat or a ski boat a kayak must be loaded with equipment after it has been unloaded from the vehicle or trailer,” said Brad Case, an avid angler and creator of the MSKayakFishing.com website. “We don’t want to hold up a line of people trying to launch at a ramp any more than they want us, too. Having kayak-dedicated sites is great.”

For more information on Barnett Reservoir recreational opportunities, visit the agency online at TheRez.Ms, or download the Apple-based The Rez app available for tablets and cell phones from the Apple Store.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish they would put one close to the Hwy43/ Tommy's Trading Post ramp. I understand they have just as much right to be there, and I have no problem with kayaks, but it is frustrating when Mr. Bobby Belhaven pulls up cross ways of a boat ramp in his Prius and takes 20-30 mins to get it situated and out of the way.

Anonymous said...

10:30 - "Mr. Bobby Belhaven". Ha! That is funny. And I have been at the boat ramps watching other people get impatient when someone takes more than 10 minutes to back in, launch their boat and pull away. So I can understand why 10:30 would want another kayak launch.

Bravo to PRVWSD on the improvements.

Anonymous said...

I like how the areas around the Rez are becoming friendlier to alternative forms of recreation. The bike trails in Rankin and Madison counties are nice and there are a good number of kayakers that are show up...not all Mr. Bobby Belhaven types (that IS a good one, though!)

Anonymous said...

Hopefully Fannie Fondren has a plan to keep her hemp socks dry.

Anonymous said...

If it takes you 10 minutes to back a boat trailer down a ramp - it's time to turn in your man card.

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine why there is a need for a "launch" for kayaks. I've never kayaked, but have been canoeing for over 40 years, including in the upper Rez above 43, and have never once used a "launch" or ramp, even when hauling duck decoys, dog, guns and gear. Just put it in the water and get in. All you need is a relatively open creek bank.

Jeff said...

6:00 - "If it takes you 10 minutes to back a boat trailer down a ramp - it's time to turn in your man card."

Amen.

Anonymous said...

Last night there was a sundown concert at Lake Shore Park on the Rez. It was rather pleasant, with bleachers, a beer vendor, and a crawfish trailer, and only cost $5 per carload. The Reservoir is really endeavoring to become more than just a fishing and skiing lake.

Next one is in two weeks on May 4.

Missed Opportunities said...

8:10 - Just wait til they get that doggie-park open. Then you'll see a true Southern Destination Venue.

The State has missed an opportunity for decades to turn this reservoir into a people-pleasing money maker. Instead of perpetually farting around with rule-making, restricting access and pissing people off, the right people in charge could have really made something of this gigantic asset.


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