Willamette River Kayaking | Northwest Paddling

December 4, 2009

Drink for River Stewardship Dec 10th!

Filed under: Conservation, Events — Tags: kayaking portland, oregon kayaking, oregon paddling, Willamette River, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 6:41 pm

Head to Pizzicato Pizza’s new sustainably-built restaurant at SE Division & 21st and ask them to pour you a pint of Fish Brewing’s organic Willamette Riverkeeper Paddler Pale ale! This eatery was constructed of recycled materials.

Enjoy gourmet pizza & cold organic ale! All proceeds on December 10th benefit Willamette Riverkeeper’s efforts to restore Oregon’s Willamette River. There’ll be a special get together from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Pizzicato at SE 21st & Division (across from New Seasons)

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October 26, 2009

350.org River of Action Success

Filed under: Conservation, Events — Tags: 350.org, oregon paddling, Paddling Oregon, River of Action Day, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 9:26 am

350bigger

Saturday the 24th over 100 paddlers assembled on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, to make a statement. As part of International Climate Action Day, we made a huge “350″ of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at the waterfront. This planetery event cries out for action. In over 150 countries in hundreds of places, participants spelled out the number 350. 350 parts per million is the amount of CO2 the Earth’s atmosphere can hold without catastrophic consequences for our climate.

We are already at 387. The idea was to get the attention of a climate conference upcoming in Copenhagen, to get those attending to take action immediately!

puttingthenumbertogether

We lucked out on the weather, it was a golden fall day, and a lot warmer than I anticipated. I turned out to be over dressed for temperature and under prepared for sun! As bullhorns blared out instructions and walkie talkies were crackling, we tried to coordinate out three numbers. The slow current of the Willamette was enough to push the group into the Burnside Bridge three times, causing us to re-create the number. At least we got it right one time!

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August 20, 2009

Demo a Kayak and Take a Beginner Kayak Lesson on the Willamette Sunday

Filed under: Instruction, Kayaking- Flatwater — Tags: beginner kayak lessons portland, Kayaking Oregon, kayaking portland, Next Adventure, oregon kayaking, oregon paddling, Paddling Oregon, Portland Kayaking, ross island, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 10:00 am

NA Kayak Trips

This Sunday August 23 try one of Portland’s best dynamic duos – Try out a kayak from Next Adventure and enjoy a beginner kayak lesson from Northwest River Guides at the same time! And you’ll also get a guided beginner kayak tour on the Willamette River in Portland Oregon – we’ll take you from Sellwood Park to Ross Island!

Meet at Sellwood Park at 9:00 a.m. We’ll introduce you to kayak nomenclature (bow, stern, cockpit, foot rests, etc.). Then we’ll get you outfitted with a life jacket (these days known as a PFD, or personal flotation device). You’ll get an on-land lesson on kayak paddles, how to hold the paddle and paddle strokes. Then we hit the water and enjoy a two-and-a-half hour paddle to Ross Island! You should be able to check out ospreys, blue herons, nesting eagles, and perhaps kingfishers.

This lesson and demo also qualifies you for a 10% discount on your next purchase at Next Adventure.

To take part in this incredible opportunity you’ll need to register and reserve a kayak. Call 503-722-1122, stop by Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand Ave, Portland, or use Next Adventure’s online reservation system.

See you out there!

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August 18, 2009

Paddling with Blind Vets and Team River Runner on the Willamette

Filed under: Events — Tags: blind veterans association, Kayaking Oregon, Northwest River Guides, nrg kayaking, oregon paddling, Paddling Oregon, ross island paddling, team river runner, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 5:57 pm

Heidi leading vet

[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 with raft

[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.

Rod with vets

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!

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August 13, 2009

Paddle the Willamette Sunday to Ross Island with Next Adventure

Filed under: Instruction, Kayaking- Whitewater — Tags: beginner kayak lessons portland, Kayak Instruction Portland, kayaking portland, kayaking willamette river, Next Adventure, oregon paddling, Paddling Oregon, paddling willamette river, Portland Kayaking, willamette river kayaking, willamette river paddling — Rod @ 9:27 am

NA Kayak Trips

This Sunday, try out a kayak from Next Adventure and enjoy professional beginning kayak instruction from Northwest River Guides!

If you are interested in learning to kayak, need to brush up your skills, want to try out a kayak or all of the above, this is a great way to get started! Sunday at 9:00 we meet at Sellwood Park in Portland, Oregon. There, you’ll pick up a demo kayak from Next Adventure and then learn some introductory skills about kayaking! We’ll bring you face to face with your kayak. You’ll learn about the cockpit, seat adjustment, bow and stern, and then we’ll show you how to hold the paddle, and some necessary safety tips!

Then we launch and go kayaking on the Willamette River towards Portland, Oregon. We’ll explore the shore of Ross Island. You’ll get to view birds such as blue herons, ospreys, and if we are quick enough, catch a glimpse of nesting bald eagles in the lagoon! You’ll get a few extra pointers on paddle strokes on the way.

As an extra bonus you’ll qualify for a 10% discount on purchases at Next Adventure! You need to register in advance.

To register call NRG at 503-722-1122, visit Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand to check out their kayaks, or register via Next Adventure’s website!

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August 5, 2009

Demo a Next Adventure Boat and Take a Beginner Kayak Lesson with NRG

Filed under: Instruction, Kayaking- Flatwater — Tags: beginner kayak lessons, kayaking portland, kayaking willamette river, Next Adventure, Northwest River Guides, paddling portland, Portland Kayaking, ross island kayaking, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 10:00 am

NA Kayak Trips

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!

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July 28, 2009

Paddle the Willamette to Ross Island with Next Adventure

Filed under: Instruction, Kayaking- Flatwater — Tags: beginner kayak classes portland, beginner kayak lessons portland, Kayaking Oregon, kayaking portland oregon, Next Adventure, oregon kayaking, oregon paddling, Paddling Oregon, portland oregon kayaking, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 9:00 am

NA Kayak Trips

Take a beginner kayak lesson and demo a kayak at the same time! Next Adventure teams up with Northwest River Guides this Sunday morning.

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.

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July 19, 2009

Willamette Riverkeeper Paddle 7/25

Filed under: Conservation, Events, Kayaking- Flatwater — Tags: Kayaking Oregon, oregon paddling, Paddling Oregon, willamette river kayaking, willamette river paddling, willamette riverkeeper — Rod @ 12:00 pm

NA Kayak Trips

I’ll be paddling with Willamette Riverkeeper Saturday July 25 to take in a section of river near Salem, Oregon. Willamette Riverkeeper’s sole mission is to protect and restore the river. Members believe good water quality and abundant wildlife are a basic public right.

Join Willamette Riverkeeper as we explore the river between Salem and Mission Bottom on Saturday, July 25. This reach provides numerous scenic vistas and lots of wildlife. We’ll paddle about 12 miles, and we’ll stop along the way for lunch and to stretch our legs.

We will meet at Salem’s Wallace Marine Park and provide a shuttle from our take-out at Willamette Mission State Park back to our put-in. Shuttle service may take some time depending on our group size. You are welcome to arrange your own shuttle if you are not prepared to wait.

We would like to be on the water by 10 sharp! If you are using one of our boats, we ask that you be at the park no later than 9:20 to sign in and select gear. If you are using your own boat, please be ready to go by 9:50. We should be off the water by about 2:00, but please allow one additional hour if you are using our shuttle.

**Directions to the put in at Wallace Marine Park:
The park is on the west side of the Willamette. From the I-5/downtown Salem, cross the river on the Marion Street Bridge (OR-22). From the bridge, exit right to OR-221/Wallace Road NW. Follow OR-221 about a half mile, then turn right at the stop light onto Glen Creek Road NW. Follow Glen Creek Road into the park, past the ball fields, under the railroad trestle, and to the boat ramp next to the Marion Street Bridge. For the record, there are several coffee shops just before you get to the park!

For registration and further details, contact Kate at info@willametteriverkeeper.org or call 503-223-6418. Feel free to join us in your own kayak or canoe, or request one of our canoes. Prior paddling experience is encouraged but not required.

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July 16, 2009

Sunday Morning Willamette Paddle with Next Adventure

Filed under: Instruction, Kayaking- Flatwater — Tags: beginner kayak lessons portland, Kayaking Oregon, kayaking portland oregon, Next Adventure, oregon kayaking, portland oregon kayaking, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 6:32 pm

NA Kayak Trips

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.

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July 8, 2009

Demo, Lesson and Ross Island Paddle with Next Adventure

Filed under: Instruction, Kayaking- Flatwater — Tags: beginning kayak lessons portland oregon, kayaking portland oregon, kayaking ross island, Next Adventure, Northwest River Guides, portland oregon kayaking, ross island kayaking, willamette river kayaking — Rod @ 8:30 am

NA Kayak Trips

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!

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