FEATURES OF THIS YEAR’S TRIP...

Great Gear

• "Perfect 10" organic t-shirts, designed by Meat
  
  
• Keen OTL lunch totes
  
  
• Nightly Outdoor Research gear raffle

Opening Ceremony Featuring

• Esther Stutzman, Kalapuya Storyteller, and traditional drummers
  
  
• 29' Spirit of Eugene Peace Canoe

Outstanding Performances

• Swing Papillon
  
  
• Dave Chiller's Common Pulse
  
  
• plus impromptu river jams and a talent show

Special Presentations

• Travis Williams, Riverkeeper and Executive Director
  
  
• Willamette Valley Vineyards wine tasting and Salmon Safe presentation
  
  
• Star party led by Heart of the Valley Astronomers
  
  
• International Plastic Quilt Project
  
  
• "Rock Smashing" identification clinic with former USGS geologist Janet Brown
  
  
• Stand Up Paddle Board demos with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe

And much, much more!

Monday August 16th to Friday August 20th, 2010

Paddle Oregon Registration:  $620 Adults  |  $570 Youth (17 and younger)
Early registration (must be postmarked by May 1st):  $595 Adults  |  $545 Youth

Registration includes delicious northwest cuisine, daily baggage shuttle, safety paddlers, camping accommodations, showers where possible, entertainment and educational opportunities, t-shirts, reusable lunch bags, ACA insurance coverage and logistical support.

Payment should be made in full and submitted with your registration.

Additional Options
Shuttle: $30/per person
Massage: $20 for 15 minutes
Beer & Wine: available each evening for an additional charge

Refunds, less a $100 processing fee, will be issued to those who submit a written or verbal cancellation by July 19th, 2010. From July 20th to August 2nd, written cancellations will be accepted less a $200 fee. NO refunds will be granted after August 3rd, 2009 for any reason.

ITINERARY  Aug 16–20, 2010

Although the Willamette River is primarily calm this time of year due to lower water levels, sections of the river have considerable current that require paddlers to have the skill to maneuver their boats in moving water and dynamic current. These skills include familiarity and experience with basic strokes and maneuvers such as forward and reverse paddling, turning in current, paddling upstream, and ferrying. Paddlers also need to have an understanding of river features such as reading the flow (where is the main current moving? where is it too shallow to pass?), eddylines (how they work, how to move across them safely), and recognizing hazards like obstructions or strainers (such as woody debris).

In addition to basic skills, we recommend practicing rescue techniques prior to the trip, and encourage that participants have recent experience paddling 10 to 20 miles per day to assure one’s stamina is adequate to enjoy the trip. The upper river has slightly more gradient, resulting in a decent current that will assist us as we paddle down river (although there is always the possibility of a headwind).

All participants are required to meet two of the following:

• Paddling experience on moving water (strong river currents, eddies, etc.) within the last two (2) years.
• Moving water paddling instruction within the last four (4) years.
• Previous participation in Paddle Oregon.

Additional Requirements for Participants 17 and Under

• All minors need to have had wet rescue training/experience or will be required to paddle with an adult.
• All minors need to know how to swim.

We strongly recommend that your boat be at least 14 feet in length. Paddling a boat that meets this minimum length recommendation will make it easier for you to paddle the long distances that some days require.

If you have questions about these requirements, give us a call and we will be happy to talk to you about whether or not your experience is adequate or a class is appropriate. Ask for Kate.

Canoes and kayaks can be rented for an additional fee through local paddling shops. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe and Sportcraft Marina have a special rental offer; $150 includes canoe or kayak, life jackets, paddles, and transportation of the boat. Call for details and payment arrangements.

*When renting a boat, we strongly suggest that you test paddle your rental boat prior to committing to paddle it for five days on Paddle Oregon!

Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe (503) 285-0464 Portland
Sportcraft Marina (503) 656-6484 Oregon City

You are welcome to arrange for your own transportation or, for an additional $30, on Monday morning, August 16th, you can arrange for WRK’s one-way-shuttle to pick you, your gear, and your boat up at the take out (Willamette Mission State Park) and shuttle you to the put-in (Marshall Island Access).

Limited parking is available for the week at the take-out (Willamette Mission State Park). There is NO FEE for parking, but reservations are required (see registration form). We cannot guarantee the security of your vehicle for the week. Please do not plan to leave any valuables in your car. Please note that there is no parking available at the put-in at Marshall Island Access, and there is no shuttle back to the put in at the end of the trip.

*Both Parking & Shuttle options may be indicated on your registration form.

Paddle Oregon arranges all camping and amenities for participants. Camping locations and types vary from large gravel bars to grassy fields, on private property or state, city and county parks. Sleeping pads are highly recommended. Amenities at each campground include port-a-potties, permanent restrooms, or both, hand-washing stations, showers where possible, trash receptacles, and communal tables and chairs.

In order to ensure safety and foster camaraderie on the river, paddlers will be grouped into “pods.” Paddlers choose pods based on paddling pace, daily departure times, and special interests. Your choice simply helps us to place you in a group. If you are interested in more than one option you are welcome to change pods during the trip. Each pod will have a maximum of twelve boats and two Pod Leader volunteers.

Pod Leader volunteers are experienced paddlers, and not necessarily professionally trained guides/rescue technicians. They are present to help make decisions on the water, keep the pod together, and assist with rescues when necessary. Therefore your safety is equally your responsibility. Meeting the necessary skill requirements and listening to the directions of your pod volunteer are essential to having a safe trip.

Catered breakfast, lunch, evening appetizers and dinner will be provided for you, starting with breakfast at the put-in on Monday and ending with lunch on Friday. Participants will select lunch items at breakfast each day and will be provided with a personal Paddle Oregon lunch tote to pack lunch for the river. Breakfast and dinner will be served buffet-style, with a variety of delicious items to choose from. There will be both meat and vegetarian options. Our exceptional caterer is happy to work with you if you have food allergies or other restrictions. Beer and wine will be available each evening for an additional charge.

After a long day on the river, nothing feels better than a massage. Licensed massage therapists will be available most evenings to soothe those aching muscles! There is an additional charge for massage, generally $20 for 15 minutes. Outdoor Yoga sessions lead by a professional instructor will be held most mornings and evenings to help us stretch, relax, and enjoy. Be sure to pack your favorite yoga mat!

Your camping baggage will be loaded onto a truck when you arrive, then shuttled and unloaded from campsite to campsite each day. Baggage that is to be shuttled needs to be no more than 2 reasonably sized duffel bags, each weighing 40 pounds or less. You should pack a separate waterproof bag to take with you on the river to hold extra clothes, jackets, sunscreen, etc. For ideas on what to pack see the Equipment Checklist.