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.

Hello Dippers, Wednesday,  February 17th ~ Wet Exit Clinic If you need to just practices or need to learn to exit your kayak and went to practice in a warm comfort pool here's your opportunity. You can join us on Wednesday night at Willamalane Pool at 7:45PM - 9:45PM. Meet at 7:30PM at Willamalane Pool across from McKenzie- Willamette Hospital on the corner of G Street and Mohawk in Springfield.   Cost $5.00 per person - Please sign-up for this clinic. Sunday, February 21, 2010 ~ O’dell Lake Paddle Some of you may think we are crazy - but paddling when there is snow along the shoreline is beautiful.  The air is crisp and fresh.  So get off the couch and come paddle with us. Bring your own lunch.  We will stop for hot chocolate at the lodge afterwards.    Meeting at 8:30AM at ORS!   Please call to sign up for this trip. Sunday, February 28, 2010 ~ South Slough Paddle We will explore the South Slough channels. We will put in at the boat yard to the north of the bridge.  Meet at 8AM at ORS Thursday, February  25, 2010 ~ Next Paddle Club Meeting at ORS ~ Time : 6:30PM Paddle. . . ORS 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! Click HERE to go back to the ORS Homepage