Currents and Eddies Class

Full Name: Jay Nutt
Email address:  nuttj@ohsu.edu
Phone:  503-224-3870
Activity Title: Currents and Eddies Class
Date of Activity:  2/25/2017
Narrative: The Willamette is at an optimal level for currents and eddies in the Willamette Narrows. We will use this venue to practice ferrying across currents, entering eddies and exiting from eddies. We will put in at Willamette Park and paddle to the mouth of the Tualitin River to practice ferrying across currents. We will then proceed up the west side of the river to little Rock Island. At that point we will search for eddies on the est side of little Rock Island and then ferry across the river to explore eddies for practice. 
The class will focus on angles to cross currents and to enter and exit eddies and the edging or leaning of the boat in anticipation of the force of the current on the boat.
This is a level 3 paddle and is not appropriate for people who have no experience in currents. The class is to refine skills. You must have a boat that you can comfortably edge and lean as well as a spray skirt. 
Meeting Time:  9:30:00 AM
Launch Time:  10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Class
Put in: Willamette Park (West Linn)
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: Cancel if the weather or river conditions are bad
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? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: 
Maximum number of paddlers: Eight inclusive of two instructors
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Time: Four hours
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: 3-6 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 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
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
Paddling Environment: 
Overall rating: Level 3
Rating Comments: Rating is class 3 because of the river currents
Location (Optional): 
Photos (optional):