Oregon River Sports is proud to host a very active flatwater paddling club, which has been exploring the waters of Oregon since its inception in 1999. Over the years more than 450 people have joined, and right now we have over 100 active members! The club is a great way to meet other paddlers, learn new skills, and to get out and explore some of the many excellent waters our area has to offer. Our trips range from beginner level to advanced (although most are oriented for the beginner/intermediates), and we do day trips, overnight trips, and multiday expeditions. We also offer a variety of clinics, from on-water classes on paddle strokes and rescues to indoor classes on boat outfitting, kayak design, clothing for cold weather paddling, efficient kayak loading and packing, and a variety of other subjects. We work hard to maintain a safe, friendly and inviting atmosphere, so whether you've been paddling for a long time or you've never set foot in a canoe or kayak, the club has plenty to offer. We have members ranging in age from 22 to 78, with the average age probably somewhere around forty plus.

We meet the last thursday of every month at ORS at 6:30 pm to plan outings, recap the last month and socialize. We'll generally go on at least two trips and hold at least two clinics every month of the year, and some months even more. We also hold a Christmas party, and have a variety of other social events. Club membership dues are $35 per year, and after that most trips and clinics are free. Exceptions would be times when we have to offset a direct cost, like renting the pool for a rescue and rolling clinic, in which case we charge a very minimal fee (usually around $5). Members get 50% off boat rentals used on club trips, so if you're looking for a boat it's a great way to try out a variety of them and narrow down your choices. Also, when you become a member we keep track of your store purchases, and once you have spent $300 we give you 10% off of all future purchases (except boats rentals) for as long as you remain an active member. So come join us! The club is a great way to get into the sport (which can soon become a lifestyle if you're not careful!) or become more active in it, or simply meet a bunch of fun people. Non-members are welcome to come to a meeting or join us on a trip as a way of seeing what it's all about, before actually joining the club. Send us an email, call, or stop by the shop if you have any questions, or to sign up. We send out a monthly newsletter and various reminders and updates to members via email; scroll down to see this month's newsletter, which details the outings we'll be going on.

APRIL 2008 NEWSLETTER:

Hey Paddlers, Well! ! ! March ended with a Big Roar with the weather being cold, wet and white on occasion. We are planning a movie night where we will be showing: "Sea Kayaking Around Tasmania" in Australia and "Sea Kayaking Into the Altiplano" in and around Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Hopefully soon - will let you know. Every Wednesday Evening ~ Kayak Roll Session (Remember the nose plugs!) Let's continue to practice our roll. Please sign-up for this class - we want at least 4 people! The cost for a club members 1st Roll Session is$36 and any additional Roll Session are $20.00 per person ~ boat provided. Meet at Willamalane Pool. The class starts at 7:45PM and ends at 9:45PM. Saturday, April 5 ~ McKenzie River Trip: Finn Rock - Silver Creek This will be a whitewater paddle for those whitewater adrenaline seekers. We will meet at ORS (carpooling) at 10AM and put in at Finn Rock no later than 11:30 AM. Bring something to eat on the river. This will be a paddle trip as well as some instruction on the water as you paddle your hard shell kayak or inflatable kayak. Please sign up SOON . . . This time of the year we watch the water levels on the McKenzie - because it can raise with rain and snow melt. Safety first! Saturday, April 12 ~ Cold Water Rescue Clinic In this clinic you will get to practice your rescue technique for recreational or touring kayaks and canoes in cold water. Cost ~ free. There is a cost if you are in need of a boat. Meet at Dexter Reservoir at 10:30 AM or at ORS for carpooling at 9:30 AM (1 1/2 - 2 hours Clinic). Please sign-up ahead of time - we would like to have at least 6 people. Let ORS know ahead of time if you are in need of a boat for this clinic (fee for boat is $10 single or $15 for tandem). We will delivery the boat to the site. Drysuits or Wetsuits are recommended - if you need to rent a drysuit the cost for this class will be $10 or $5 for wetsuit. Saturday, April 26 ~ Lower Umpqua River: Flatwater Trip A member of the club has suggested a section on the Lower Umpqua River. We are doing some research on this section and will update you with details later on . . . Stay tune! Thursday, April 24 ~ Paddle Club Meeting - - Come join us at 6:30pm and see what we have planned for May. Oregon River Sports UPCOMING EVENTS

ORS Canoe and Kayak Demo Day APRIL 13, 2008 - 11AM to 4PM This free event takes place in Alton Baker Park on the pond south of BMX track.

---

Click HERE to go back to the ORS Homepage

As with all of our trips and clinics, please sign up in advance if you'd like to participate. If the Paddling Club sounds like something you're interested in joining, please call or email us or stop by the shop. Hope to see you there!