Although Autumn just started this week, there’s plenty of warm summer weather and that’s a good opportunity to get in a lesson on the Clackamas River with Northwest River Guides.

We take students to an easy stretch of river where we teach basic skills. After a safety briefing and on-the-water stretching and warm up you’ll get instruction in basic reading of the water, bracing, edging, peel outs, eddy turns, and ferries. For those with Eskimo rolling experience we’ll let you practice that as well. If there are any small standing waves we might even get a little surfing in!

We teach a class Saturday 9:00 – 1:00 and Sunday 2:00 – 6:00. We’ll provide you with a boat and all the gear you’ll need. So give us a call at 503-772-1122 and register!

Whether you’re learning to roll for the first time, frustrated with your set up, or want to dial in your offside roll, Northwest River Guides’ kayak rolling lessons in Portland Oregon can set you on the path to success!

Let’s face it. Rolling a kayak is not an intuitive maneuver. You’re upside down, under water, and confined to a kayak cockpit. But don’t be discouraged. You can roll it! You’ll learn to be patient under water, safely get to your set up position and follow through. One fundamental truth in kayaking is that it is safer to roll than wet exit. So once you get your roll perfected, you’ll be very pleased and relieved – and proud!

Learn the critical elements necessary for a successful eskimo roll: The set up, sweep, hip snap and finish position. While each of these elements are individually important, you need to do each of them with adequate precision to roll. Northwest River Guides professional instructors will dramatically shorten your learning process! Our eskimo rolling classes are taught in indoor pools to ease students into the sport of kayaking.  The calm, warm water facilitates learning.

Pool sessions are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at USA Athletics, just off of 82nd Ave in NE Portland.  To register please call (503) 772-1122.