CANCELLED: Willamette Falls skill building - L2 - T2542

When
May 12, 2025
5:30 PM
Location
Sportcraft Landing
Spaces left
0
Registered
8 registrants

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name: Steve Blackwood
Narrative: The water temperature is rising—we're above the 60-degree mark in the Willamette! That means it’s time to get out and paddle. Wendy Luo and I are heading up to Willamette Falls for some fun, and you’re welcome to join us for some play in the fast water below the falls.
If you're looking to test your skill level, this is your chance. We'll launch at the Sportcraft Landing Marina boat ramp, near the 205 bridge construction, and then paddle across the river to a spot where we can practice our rescue skills. Everyone will be getting wet—don’t worry, we’ll all get back into our boats! If you haven't been practicing assisted rescues, this is the place to start. If you want to try some self-rescues, now is the time.
After that, we'll paddle up to the falls and work on crossing eddylines. This is a great opportunity to learn how to enter fast-moving water. The challenge is up to you, but you're encouraged to push beyond your comfort level. And if you end up in the water—no problem, someone will help you get back in your boat.
Since the water is still a bit cool, we’ll all be in dry suits, so adjust your underlayers accordingly. If you get cold easily, wear a heavy layer; if you’re more of a polar bear, a lighter layer will do. If you're unsure, go heavy—because everyone will be taking a swim! A helmet is a must, and bring a tow belt if you know how to use it.
NOAA is predicting a change in the weather on Monday—it'll be considerably cooler and possibly showery. We’ll be putting in during the evening so folks who work can join us if they can get off early. Sunset is at 8:30 p.m., so we should have plenty of time to play!

Meeting Time: 5:30:00 PM
Launch Time: 6:00:00 PM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Sportcraft Landing Moorages https://maps.app.goo.gl/sCbH8ZNeuTPgkjqX6
Take out: Sportcraft Landing Moorages https://maps.app.goo.gl/sCbH8ZNeuTPgkjqX6
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Steve Blackwood
Co-Organizer(s): Wendy Luo
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: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: mid 40es
Estimated Water Temperature: mid 60es
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hrs
Tide times & heights: Low 2:55 PM .09 ft
High 7:05 PM 1.96 ft
Current information: Posable 3+ kts
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered 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: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Challenge by choice
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sCbH8ZNeuTPgkjqX6
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: Morison Street Bridge
Link to map of route (Optional)

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon