Logistical Support Team
The secret to a successful paddling event is not necessarily on the water. Logistical support volunteers help with baggage shuttles, campsite set-up, caterer and amenity crews, and other logistical aspects. These volunteers get a behind-the-scenes look at how Paddle Oregon is organized and carried out. Required skills include; ability to drive a moving truck or van with trailer, strength to load and unload luggage, and willingness to assist participants. In return for volunteering free meals and camping accommodations are provided.
Pod Leader — Safety
For safety on the water, participants are assigned to Pods, or groups of less than 12 paddlers who are accompanied by two Pod Leaders. A pod leader’s responsibility is primarily safety and providing general guidance on the water. Required skills include; demonstrated proficiency in paddling, conducting rescues in moving water, and river reading skills. You must also have the ability to give clear direction (be a good communicator) and take a leadership role in the group. First aid and CPR certification is also strongly encouraged! Specific Willamette River experience is a plus. Free meals on and trip fees are provided in return for volunteering.
*Pod Leader applicants are required to participate in our overnight pod leader training trip weekend, May 15th-16th on the upper Willamette!
Pod Support
For those who attend the Pod Leader training trip weekend, but cannot be accommodated as a Pod Leader, you are invited to participate as a Pod Support paddler. Pod Support paddlers help assist the pod leaders in fulfilling safety tasks on the water and contribute to maintaining a cohesive group. In return for volunteering, discounted meals and trip fees are provided.
Special Interest Pod Assistants
Special Interest assistants help with the educational aspects of the trip. Skills include canoe and kayak instruction, Willamette Valley naturalist, birder, historian, ecologists. In addition to previous paddling experience on moving water and confidence in current paddling skills. In return for volunteering discounted meals and trip fees are provided.
If interested in volunteering for 2010, you must complete a Pod Leader application and waiver form. You can download the PDF file and fill it out electronically using Adobe Reader, or print and fill out the application form along with the waiver form. Once completed, print out your form and be sure to sign where indicated, then mail to us along with your payment.
Questions and forms can be sent to Kate Ross by e-mail, or call 503-223-6418. Or you can send materials by postal mail to:
Willamette Riverkeeper
1515 SE Water Ave #102
Portland, OR 97214
