PADDLING PREPARED

Micah Goodwin has faced off against waters all across the United States, but the Little Rock resident loves the local streams of the Natural State. He recently took us out to the Lake Norrell Spillway in Saline County, a class III-IV stretch of paddling excellence. Micah also gave us some insight into what makes a great kayaker kit.

Micah Goodwin, Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Attorney, PPGMR Law,  Little Rock

WHERE I PADDLE: “Everywhere—Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennesee, North Carolina and Georgia. Favorite spots in Arkansas are Richland Creek, the Ouachita River at Rockport and the Cossatot River."

THE KAYAK: Pyranha Loki, Pyranha Jed, Dagger Green Boat

WHY I PADDLE: "I’ve been paddling my entire life, and always feel called to the water. I love that whitewater kayaking really forces you to be in the moment at all times. After you plan a route through a rapid, you have to commit to that line and execute—although sometimes you may have to improvise a Plan B. Just as important, there is always a harder rapid to run so you can keep progressing even at the top end of the sport.

"I ALWAYS FEEL CALLED TO
THE WATER."

                 —Micah goodwin

THE KIT

1. Favorite BOAT: “Pyranha Loki. A river running playboat that can run Class V with the right driver. The Loki is that rare hybrid that does well in two entirely different disciplines.” 

Various prices.
pyranha.com

2. FOOTWEAR FANTASTIC: “Astral Brewers. I have suffered through some pretty awful paddling shoes but the Brewers have incredible grip thanks to Astral’s specially-engineered rubber. I’ll be using these forever.”

$100.
astraldesignes.com

3. PERFECT PADDLE: “Werner Sho-gun. Werner makes the best paddles in the business, hands down.” 

$350-450.
wernerpaddles.com

4. SUIT UP: “Drysuits are expensive. The only one worth buying is a Kokatat because they will repair your drysuit as needed, meaning one suit can hold up for decades.”

$800.
kokatat.com 

5. HEADSTRONG: The Shred Ready T Dub. Perfect for whitewater protection. 

$45-150.
shredready.com