Water-based activity: This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt). To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group.
Narrative:
The Willamette River is now at winter levels and Willamette Narrows contain currents and eddies. Using this venue, this class will focus on entering and exiting eddies and ferrying across currents. We will put in at Willamette park and investigate the mouth of the Tualitan River which may have current for practing ferries. We will then move up the west side of the river to Rock Island. At that point we will look for features that produce safe eddies on which to refine skills and play.
We are calling this a level 3 paddle because it is not a class for people that have no experience with currents and eddies. It is to refine techniques for currents and eddies.
Meeting Time:
9:15:00 AM
Launch Time:
10:00:00 AM
Type of activity:
Class
Put in:
Willamette Park in West Linn
Take out:
Same
Route Alternative for bad weather:
If the narrows is above 60 feet we will find an alternative site.
Required equipment:
Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection:
Drysuit
Primary Organizer:
Jay Nutt
Assistant Organizer(s):
Fred Harsman
Has organizer paddled here before?
Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before?
No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current?
Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers:
Six
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:
Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:
42
Estimated Water Temperature:
42
Estimated Water Time:
3-4 hours
Tide times & heights:
NA
Current information:
4 knots
Hazards:
Wind strength:
Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size:
Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state:
Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types:
Level 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5'
Currents:
Level 3: Up to 4 knots: paddlers must sprint to move forward
Total distance:
Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing:
Level 1: No open crossing
Overall rating:
Level 3
Rating Comments:
level 3 because this class is not an introduction to eddies and currents but is aimed at refining skills in currents and eddies.
