Learning to Eskimo roll is an important part of whitewater kayaking. you may have heard that it is difficult or complicated but that is not the case when taught properly. Northwest River Guides teaches the foundations of the roll first, then progresses onward as you learn! Most students learn to roll in 1-2 lessons. After that it is on to learn to roll on your offside, back deck and hand roll. We also teach more advanced techniques such as sculling, draws and paddle dexterity drills during the class.
Call 503-772-1122 to enroll!
Where: USA Athletics, 8333 NE Russell St, Portland
When: 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Equipment: We provide the paddling equipment if necessary. But you should bring swim goggles and a nose plug!
Use and Maintenance Tips and Tricks
for Polyethylene Kayaks
Getting Acquainted with Your Sit Inside Kayak
Your kayak has decks on the front (bow) and rear (stern). It has a combing (a raised flange) around the cockpit. The combing deflects water but also holds the spray skirt (optional) and cockpit cover (optional).
Deck rigging – The lines on top of the deck (if present) are for securing gear.
Perimeter lines – If your kayak has perimeter lines running along the sides, they can be used as attachment points, safety lines or for holding on to the kayak while swimming beside it.
Seats
Most single person sit inside kayaks have seats with moveable backrests or back bands. You can store equipment behind the seat.
Some boats have seat bottoms which can be slid forward or backward.
Foot brace position (Kayaks without rudders) – The front foot braces can be adjusted using the tabs. To adjust, unlock the foot braces and slide along the track. Adjust so that you have a slight bend in your knee. You should be able to brace against them.
Foot brace position (Kayaks with rudders) – All kayak rudders are operated by pushing on moveable foot pedals. Some models have foot pedals that can be locked as braces and so that the rudder, when down, is in a fixed position. For use as braces, adjust as above. For moveable rudder pedals, begin by unlocking the tabs. Then, adjust the length so you have a slight bend in your knee, and tighten using the strap/buckles attached, so that the rudder is center-aligned when your feet are evenly extended. If you desire to use the rudder as a counter to wind or current for an extended paddle, you can lock the rudder at the angle you choose.
Flotation
Some kayaks include flotation pods under the decks and some have flotation in the deck pillars.
Some kayaks have one or more watertight bulkheads. When the hatch is closed the bulkhead provides flotation.
Whitewater kayaks require float bags. These are air-filled bags placed underneath the stern deck.
Carrying your kayak (Portaging) – Two persons can carry the kayak with one using the bow handle and the other using the stern handle. If it is light enough, one person can carry the kayak on their shoulder by hoisting the cockpit combing over the shoulder. If the kayak is loaded, don’t carry it using the toggles. Hold it by placing your hands under the bow or stern.
Car topping – We recommend straps with buckles. We do not recommend strings or ratcheting tighteners. Strings may not be strong enough. Ratcheting can cause pressure to deform the hull. It’s best to car top a polyethylene kayak on its side.
Getting Acquainted with Your Sit On Top Kayak
Seat – Attach the included seat(s) to the padeyes via the brass clips. Both left and right sides of the seat have fore and aft brass clips. Adjust the aft seat straps as you feel is comfortable.
Foot position – Some SOTs have molded-in foot wells. Select the foot well that gives you a slight bend in your knee. You should be able to brace against it. If the kayak has foot braces adjust so that you have a slight bend in the knee.
Perimeter lines – If your kayak has perimeter lines running along the sides, they can be used as attachment points, safety lines or for holding on to the kayak while swimming beside it. Note – perimeter lines are not for carrying the kayak.
Carrying your kayak (Portaging) – Two persons can carry the kayak with one using the bow handle and the other using the stern handle. Do not carry the kayak with the perimeter lines. They are not intended to carry the weight of the kayak. Most single-person sit on top kayaks can be carried by one person if they sling the optional thigh strap over their shoulder.
Car topping – We recommend straps with buckles. We do not recommend strings or ratcheting tighteners. Strings may not be strong enough. Ratcheting can cause pressure to deform the hull. We recommend that the seat(s) be removed before car topping. You can use ropes with correct knots.
Care and Maintenance
Rudder/skeg system – Avoid situations where your rudder/skeg may become clogged with mud or sand by raising it. Do not beach your kayak with the rudder/skeg down. This will expose the working parts to elements (e.g. sand, mud or seaweed) which may clog the working parts.
Short term storage – The kayak may be stored on its side or vertically. Never store a ruddered kayak with the stern down-you can damage the rudder. Empty any water inside and let the kayak ventilate. Try to store it in a shady place.
Long term storage – Follow short term storage. Clean your kayak and look for wear. If possible, store your kayak out of direct sunlight. Do not store your boat long-term by leaving a tarp directly over it. This will create an “oven effect” that can damage or deform. A tarp suspended over the boat will protect the boat from ultraviolet sunlight.
Cleaning – wash with mild soap and water. To beautify exterior surfaces, use a vinyl protectant product. Do not use car wax on any surfaces.
Light hull deformation – Leave your boat out of sunlight for 48 hours. In time it should return to normal.
Small dents – Place the boat in sunlight with a black plastic bag over the area for 2-3 hours to heat the plastic. Passing a hair dryer over the area to heat the surface also works. The heat should cause the plastic to soften and return to its original shape. Applying pressure to the opposite side of the dent (if possible) should help it return to shape. DO NOT leave the kayak in with a plastic bag applied for long term storage. Another trick is to pour hot water into the inside of the kayak where the dent is. The hot water will help soften the plastic so it can be pushed back. For more severe dents, please see Repair, below.
Repair
Deep dents – If the polyethylene became sharply dented, use a heat gun to soften the plastic and allow the material to return to its original shape. Pass the heat back and forth over the area to heat the material. Do not allow the plastic to become too hot to touch. Apply pressure to the opposite side of the dent (if possible). You can also use hot water on the inside of the dent to warm the plastic.
Light scratches – Pass a heat gun or hair dryer back and forth over the area to lightly melt the surface. The scratch will disappear.
Leaks – Determine the source of the leak by filling your kayak with water. Examine the kayak for leaks. Many pinhole hull leaks can be repaired by lightly melting the plastic with a heat gun.
Considering whitewater kayaking? The summer heat getting to you? Time to take a beginner kayak lesson on the river with Northwest River Guides! Whitewater kayaking is an incredible sport. In whitewater kayaking, you’ll discover the THRILL of riding waves, punching through holes, throwing loops, blunts, and maybe a Pan Am someday. That someday can come sooner with a beginner river kayak lesson from Northwest River Guides! We’ll introduce you to kayaks, paddles, equipment, and get you in the boat, and on the river – starting with an easy stretch.
As you progress with whitewater kayaking, you’ll also witness incredibly beautiful rivers, gorges, birds, and wildlife at different times of year. You can eventually take your whitewater passion to exotic destinations overseas!
Our introductory lessons take place on the Clackamas River here in Portland, Oregon. We teach on an easy section of the Clackamas River where you’ll build confidence. We’ll show you peel outs, eddy turns, ferries, and if you are doing well, even rolling in current. You’ll learn proper outfitting, a few things about river scouting and safety. The lessons run four hours. Saturdays 9:00 – 1:00 and Sundays 2:00 – 6:00.
To register call 503-772-1122 and we’ll get y0u set up with gear that fits!
If you’re pondering taking up the sport of kayaking, there’s no better way to sample this activity than trying out a boat and taking an introductory paddling lesson! We’ll show you basics like the parts of the boat, entering and exiting, seat adjustment, etc. Then some paddling theory. We’ll go over some foundations of paddle strokes and show you the parts of the paddle. And of course a safety seminar.
Then it’s on to kayaking the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon! Starting from Sellwood Riverfront Park, we’ll head north to Ross Island, where you’ll check out ospreys, blue herons, and probably catch a glimpse of nesting bald eagles!
To take advantage of this incredible offer, call our office at 503-772-1122, stop by Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand, or sign up using their convenient online reservation system.
Northwest River Guides teams up with Next Adventure this Sunday morning from 9:00-11:30 for a beginner kayak lesson in Portland, Oregon, and the opportunity to try out a kayak from Next Adventure! We meet at Sellwood Park for an introduction to kayaks, paddle strokes, safety and how to hold the paddle.
We’ll then head out for a paddle up to Ross Island, one of Portland, Oregon’s best kept wildlife and paddling secrets. You’ll experience the rise and fall of the river, gentle waves, check out house boats, and at Ross Island listen to and watch hundreds of nesting birds including herons, eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, and more! If we’re lucky we’ll see a beaver or nutria.
This is a great way to get a value priced beginner kayak lesson in Oregon and test out a kayak. At the conclusion you’ll receive discount cards for purchases at Next Adventure! You need to reserve a kayak. Call 503-772-1122, stop by Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand Avenue, or use their handy online reservation system.
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.
This July NRG is offering an amazing deal on our world-class, professional swiftwater rescue instruction : $150 for 2 full days of the best safety education available. This is $100 off of our regular price of $250.
NRG’s Swiftwater Rescue Workshop focuses on simple, effective rescues that are practical for recreational kayakers and rafters. We focus on accident prevention, risk assessment, preparation & organization for rescues and skills development
NRG’s 2-day SWR Workshop is a hands on two-day customized class for recreational kayakers and rafters who want develop and hone their swiftwater rescue skills. Each day is broken up into a classroom module and an experiential component. Day 1 starts with rescue theory and hydrology. We will introduce several different types of ropes and teach the minimalist approach to hardware, knots, and other tools. We will introduce foot entrapments / bow pins, contact rescues, wading rescues, and swimming in rapids. Day 2 focuses on group management, victim behavior, and preemptive safety. We will teach you how to build and pick proper anchors, and elaborate on mechanical advantage from a minimalist standpoint. Finally, we will recreate real life scenarios that will test all the knowledge you have learned and help you to build judgment that will save lives.
To register for the course, please call the NRG office at 503.772.1122 or email northwestriverguides@gmail.com
Prerequisites: None – paddlers of all skill levels will benefit from this course.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, July 25-26
Time: 9 am – 6pm
Location: Clackamas or Sandy River (water level dependent)
Cost: $150!!! – $100 off of our regular price of $250
