Calling all Oops paddlers!
This first-ever Oops Resue Rodeo is for Oops member paddlers who are:
- Wet-exit certified
- Able to do the prerequisite rescue skills listed below for the Session they choose
And who would like to:
- Refine their rescue skills
- Become more rescue-competent AND have fun practicing real scenarios.
Please note – we will review but are not teaching how to perform these rescues. You should come in with the core knowledge. This event provides an opportunity to exercise your decision-making and your ability to perform these rescues if and when needed.
Here’s a bit of information about what to expect and what to bring.
Morning session:
Arrive in time to be suited up with your prepared boat at the water by 8:45 for the shoretalk and instructions. Note that the parking lot is some distance from the water. Bring wheels and allow time for this. We recommend arriving by 7:30, or earlier if you tend to need a bit more time.
Please be ready to launch by 8:45 so you don’t hold everybody up!
Plan to be on the water from 9am – noon.
Lunch: We hope you’ll bring your lunch (can be left in your vehicle), and join the full group for lunch (noon-1:30) on the beach after your session.
Afternoon session:
Arrive in time to be suited up with your prepared boat at the water by 1:15 for the shoretalk and instructions. Note that the parking lot is some distance from the water. Bring wheels and allow time for this. We recommend arriving by noon, or earlier if you tend to need a bit more time.
Please be ready to launch by 1:15 so you don’t hold everybody up!
Plan to be on the water from 1:30 – 4:30.
Lunch: We hope you’ll bring your lunch and join the full group for lunch (noon-1:30) on the beach before your session. If doing so, we recommend arriving by 11am, with time to have your boat prepared and at the water before lunch time.
Location details:
Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park -Website
9612 NW Lower River Rd., Vancouver, WA 98660
45.67719138166444, -122.76704736790163
See: Satellite view
There are bathrooms. There’s plenty of parking – car parking is $3. See the park website (link above) for additional parking pricing/payment info.
It’s summer - expect lots of people. There is a very long beach. We’ll create an “Oops area” where we can. Look for the Oops canopy. Respect others and be aware of possible fishing lines reaching out into the water.
Attire
Immersion gear is required. This can be
-
a full drysuit with insulating inner layer,
-
a full wetsuit, or
-
a farmer John/Jane wetsuit+something to cover arms available as needed (thin neoprene top or a splash jacket).
Expect to be in and out of the water. The water is below body temperature and without immersion wear you will get undesirably cold during your session. We'll make sure you're in the water enough that you won't get too warm if that's a concern. If you are using gear that is new to you, try it ahead of time to be sure it will work for you.
If you’re not sure whether something is acceptable, ask us (see contacts below).
What to bring:
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Immersion wear as described above
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PFD
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Sprayskirt
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Sun protection
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Strap to secure any glasses you expect to wear
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Water, a snack bar you can access from your boat if you like
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Fully-enclosed single-seat kayak with perimeter lines
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Paddle
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Paddle float
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Bilge pump
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Sponge
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Short tow/long tow lines, if you have them (optional)
Family members:
You are welcome to bring your family member(s) if you choose. They would be on their own – we are not programming family activities. They also must be self-supervising, meaning while you are participating on the water you will not be able to watch your kids at the same time.
What to expect during your session.
Participants will be split up into pods of about 8 paddlers, each with a pod captain and assistant pod captain. The 3 ringleaders will provide guidance and general oversight, and will circulate amongst the pods. We’ll work through a variety of realistic scenarios that allow paddlers to practice rescues. While there may be opportunities to tow, the event will not specifically include towing.
Questions: Ask us
Lori Stole – loristole@outlook.com
Robert Nissenbaum - robert@rnissenbaum.com
Jon Light-Powell – trips@oopskayak.org
