This is a message for anyone in the Paddling community looking to paddle the Sandy River this summer. ….

June 2010 Update

Portion of Sandy River closed at Dodge Park

A portion of the Sandy River located under the Lusted Rd. Bridge at RM 18 near Dodge Park will temporarily be closed to boaters and anglers for 24-hours a day during three separate weeks in July and August. The river closure is necessary while the water pipeline bridge next to the Lusted Road auto span is dismantled as part of the Sandy River Crossing (SRX) Tunnel Conduit Relocation Project.

The July river closure will occur on July 19 and run through July 23.

The river under the bridge will be unsafe for boats to float under because temporary supports will be placed under the bridge as the old conduits are removed and the span is dismantled. Boating from Dodge Park downriver is not affected by the river closures, and the public may continue using the boat launch area downstream from the bridge.

An SRX virtual open house featuring a four-minute video has been posted on YouTube. The link for the video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSsMP0hGybI

Kiewit Pacific Co., the contractor for the project, is coordinating the closure with the Oregon State Marine Board and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Call (503) 663-0261 for the exact dates of the river closure. The dates will also be posted on this webpage as soon as they are known.

Stay informed

To sign up for frequent e-mail updates and construction alerts, send me an email by clicking on my name below.

You also may call me at the numbers listed below.

Terry Black

Work: (503) 823-1168

Cell: (503) 823-8978

Just a reminder, some traffic controls will be necessary near Dodge Park during the first half of the year.

[Heather leading Steve Beres along Ross Island's shore]

Monday I helped guide a paddle with  Northwest River Guides and the Blind Veterans Association! There was certainly some trepidation amongst the guides as it was our first time working witn sightless paddlers! We hosted over 30 individuals who had been injured serving in the armed forces of the United States and Britain. Yes, there were two injured British vets amongst us.

Our nervousness stemmed from simple lack of experience/information on working with persons with visual limitations. How would they board the kayaks? How would they hold the paddle? How would they be able to keep the boats going straight, or turn? What would a rescue be like if someone flipped over? These thoughts went through my mind over and over.

[Guide dog "guiding" a raft to shore]

The group was comprised of vets with various levels of experience with their own disabilities and with boating. Some had been sightless for years and were well adjusted to their condition, while for many this was their first time ever trying a recreational activity since becoming blind. Through conversations with the vets I discovered that the brain adjusts when one of one’s senses is dulled or eliminated. Other senses grow more sensitive. The brain learns. The person compensates. Smell, feeling and hearing become ever more intertwined.

We had two groups of paddlers, one in rafts and the other in kayaks. It was perfect weather about eighty degrees and breezy.  The kayaks were arranged on the beach in Sellwood Park in Portland, Oregon, for a paddle to Ross Island, on the Willamette River. We introduced the veterans to the cockpits of the kayaks and their paddles. Foot rests and back bands were adjusted. Then we launched. I was asked to be very vocal and even ‘beep’ so they could follow. It turned out that the vets were very adept at steering their kayaks! We only had one capsize, which was at the shore. This is something that’s common with beginners anyway.

We reached Ross Island and disembarked for a brief meeting and talk about the paddle. Then, it was back to Sellwook Park. Again, these guys did a fantastic job paddling and steering their craft. Next up was a barbeque and then they were treated to a Willamette Jet Boat ride! That’s a great way to spend the day on the Willamette River!

Come On Out!! Kayak with us!!! On the Willamette River-Sellwood River Side Park.  Northwest River Guides and Sam Drevo are partnering with Andy Maser and Epicocity to take action on the water. Forming a floating 350, images will be captured just north of the Sellwood Bridge.  We will be speaking out for the Holgate Channel and celebrating paddle sports!  We have 20 whitewater boats, 12 rec and sea kayaks, and a few IK.  Bring your own boat, and tell your friends… this is a great, free opportunity to paddle around with the pros.  Paddle boards encouraged.  At Sellwood Park 6:30 on the water by 7pm… Images to be captured between 7:15-7:30pm!!! Come one come all!!! Come Kayak with us!!!!!  This probably isn’t for anyone under 10.  If you have specific questions call John Whipple at 419.601.1405

This Sunday August 9 take advantage of one of Portland Oregon’s best values! Take a beginner kayak lesson with Northwest River Guides and demo a kayak with Next Adventure!

That’s right. Sundays in Portland, Oregon, you can kayak the Willamette River from Sellwood Park to Ross Island, try out a Next Adventure kayak and even get an introductory kayak lesson! Starting at 9:00 a.m. you’ll meet up with NRG’s instructors and Next Adventure’s staff. There, you’ll get your Next Adventure Boat and begin your beginner kayak lesson! Together, we’ll introduce you to the parts of a kayak, proper stroke technique, entering/exiting a kayak, how to hold and use a paddle, safety, and more!

Then, it’s on to the Willamette River. We’ll launch and guide you to one of Portland, Oregon’s best Willamette River kayaking destinations. You’ll discover ospreys, blue herons, bald eagles, and maybe a nutria or beaver at Ross Island. You’ll also appreciate the giving back of Ross Island to the City by Ross Island Sand & Gravel works.

When the event comes to a close you’ll even be eligible for discounts on gear at Next Adventure. Such a deal!

To take part in this incredible program, call our office at 503-772-1122, visit Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand, or register via Next Adventure’s convenient online registration system!

See you out there!

Interested in buying a new kayak this summer? Want to learn a few pointers, and check out some wildlife while kayaking in Portland, Oregon this weekend? With Northwest River Guides and Next Adventure you can do both.

This coming Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in Sellwood Park you can try out a kayak from Next Adventure and get a beginning kayak lesson fron NRG. We’ll introduce you to the parts of the boat, how to hold and use your paddle, safety, and some basic strokes. Nervous about entering and exiting the kayak? We’ll go over that. There is nothing like trying a kayak for yourself – no two boats are alike. If you are thinking about kayaking this is the best way to check it out. You’ll quickly learn some boats work better for you than others. Along the way you’ll see ospreys and blue herons fishing and very likely Ross Island’s bald eagles!

So join us Sunday at 9:00 – 11:30 and let us introduce you to a lifetime of paddling. No experience necessary, all equipment provided. Bring a beverage and light snack. Important: You need to call in advance to reserve a boat and spot in the group. Call NRG at 503-772-1122, stop by Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand Avenue, or reserve a boat on Next Adventure’s online reservation system.

We’ll see you out there!

Join Next Adventure and NRG for world champion kayaker and award winning videographer Kent Ford’s The Call of the River at Hopworks Urban Brewery July 28th at 8:00 p.m.!

This must-see film follows the history of river running through the years. You’ll see vintage footage of WWII and cold war era influences on paddling, up-close interviews with whitewater pioneers and more! All thoughtfully captured, edited and brilliantly displayed in this epic tale.

Enjoy Hopworks brew and grub while watching this exciting movie!

Where:  Hopworks, 2944 SE Powell Blvd, Portland (downstairs)

Doors Open: 7:30 p.m.

Film Starts: 8:00 p.m.

Kayak Night at Next Adventure, Wednesday, April 15, SE Stark and Grand
7:15 Adventures in the Pacific Northwest

Hear great stories about whitewater adventures and multiday trips in some of the most remote areas of the Pacific Northwest.  Big waterfalls, remote canyons and the beautiful places captured by Sam’s photography will be the highlight of this presentation.  Learn several of the important lessons Sam’s received on these unique trips.

Attendees of this presentation can receive a 10% discount for NRG’s upcoming SWR Workshop (April 18-19).

We’ll then split up for two presentations, one for beginning paddlers and one for experienced paddlers.

7:40 All About Your Throw Rope w/ NRG Instructor Dave Hoffman
A throw ropes is the most basic tool of swiftwater rescue and a safety essential for every whitewater paddler.  Learn about the common usages, simple ways rescue your friends.  We’ll also discuss what length, material and type of throw bag is best for each types of whitewater enthusiasts.

7:40 Boat Buying 101 w/ Luke Spencer
For those looking to buy your first kayak we’re holding a first time kayak buyers clinic.  We’ll go over the basics of the different styles and uses of kayaks, from whitewater to recreational to multi-day sea-kayaks. You’ll also receive a 10% off coupon for the next boat you purchase!

Sam took this great photo of me surfing on the Deschutes River.  I really love freestyle kayaking, especially on the big waves of the Deschutes, and I’m looking forward to our kayaking and rafting trips coming up in June, July and August.  Big waves, warm sun and good food- that’s what Deschutes River trips are to me.   Check out our website for more info. -Dave

Dave Hoffman kayak surfing on the Deschutes River.

Take a rafting trip with Northwest River Guides.  We have whitewater rafting on everything from mild class 1-2 rivers to fun class 3 to wild class 4-5.  NRG rafts the North Santiam River, the Sandy River, the Klickitat River, the Deschutes River and other Oregon whitewater classics.  To register for a tip check out our website, northwestriverguides.com or call our office, 503.772.1122.

Good clean rafting fun on the North Santiam River with Northwest River Guides.

Northwest River Guides runs multi-day raft trips on the Deschutes River near Maupin, OR.  We usually have along a variety of river craft- rafts, IKs and kayaks. We even brought 2 surfboards on our last trip of the 2008 season!  The wide open desert canyon of the Deschutes River is what I like best.  There just aren’t other places like that so close to Portland and few places anywhere in the Northwest we you can enjoy good water levels at any time of the year.  Call our office at 503.477.3534 for more information on our Deschutes trips or check out our website.

This photo was taken during a Northwest River Guides trip on the Deschutes River in the Sept. 2008.  We had 18 passengers in rafts, inflatable kayaks and hardshell whitewater kayaks.  It was a great trip with some great folks.