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Willamette Falls skill building - L2 - T2548

  • May 27, 2025
  • 5:30 PM
  • Sportcraft Landing
  • 1

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Reminder: if this is a mentored trip, Trips should ask the mentor to file a post-trip report including answers to the standard questions about the provisional organizer
Timestamp 5/17/2025 20:12:02
Full Name: Steve Blackwood
Email address: steveblackwood@msn.com
Phone: 503-347-7463
Activity Title: Willamette Falls skill building - L2
Date of Activity: 5/27/2025
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 I-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.
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: 60es
Estimated Water Temperature: 60es
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hrs
Tide times & heights: Tue 27 May
12:18 am 0.66ft

5:19 am 3.81ft

2:30 pm -0.16ft

6:21 pm 1.9ft

Current information: 1kt to 4kt
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: It is always challenge by choice
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sCbH8ZNeuTPgkjqX6
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: All participants of this trip must be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: Morrison Bridge
Link to map of route (Optional)