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.

JUNE 2008 NEWSLETTER:

Hey Paddlers, In June we have some clinics and some fun paddles - so get off the couch and into your boat a join the club on these paddles. Don't let the weather stop you from paddling Ðyou can enjoy paddling here in Oregon year around with the proper gear and clothing. Tuesday, June 10 ~ Loco Motion Clinic This clinic is a great one for anyone; beginner or advance paddlers. You will be working on improving your forward stroke while utilizing torso rotation. We encourage you to take this clinic; and you will avoid bad habits, avoid injury and be able to paddle longer distances with ease. Sign-Up ahead of time, so the clinic will not be cancel due to lack of interest. We would like to have at least 6 paddlers. The clinic will take place behind Autzen Stadium. We will put in on the canal and paddle back to the small pond just south of the BMX bike track (yes - where we held our demo day). Meet behind Autzen at 6:00pm. Clinic will last about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Wednesday, June 18 ~ FULL MOON Float on Fern Ridge. Meet at ORS at 6:30 PM for a potluck. Then go paddling on Fern Ridge until the moon rises. If you have never done a moonlit paddle before it is a lot of fun. Saturday, June 21 ~ Blue River Reservoir Paddle. We will be paddling on Blue River reservoir, which has a couple of coves to explorer. Blue River Res. is off the McKenzie Hwy just past the turn-off for the town of Blue River. I plan to camp out at Blue River (Friday night) and do some dutch oven cooking. My favorite two dishes are Shrimp Feta Bake with pasta and Blueberry Cobbler for desert. Paddle will start between 10 and 10:15 AM Thursday, June 21 ~ Paddle Club Meeting @ 6:30 PM SPECIAL NOTE : There is talk about a January/February 2009 trip on the Sea of Cortez Oregon River Sports UPCOMING EVENTS

ORS Canoe and Kayak Demo Day JULY 6, 2008 - 11AM to 4PM This free event takes place in Alton Baker Park on the pond south of BMX track.

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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!