WHAT: LGBTQIA+ community and allies, join Oregon Paddle Sports and Willamette Riverkeeper as we celebrate Pride with a sunset paddle in Eugene and Springfield in the Whilamut Natural Area on the Canoe Canal, and for those who are feeling up to it, we'll portage to the Willamette River and paddle downstream back to the Alton Baker beach to take out near the DeFazio Bridge. We'll have two groups; one for flatwater only, and the other will paddle a loop including both flat and whitewater.
WHERE: Please come to Alton Baker Park in Eugene, off Country Club Rd. and MLK Blvd. Go over the Canoe Canal bridge and park in the lot directly to your left, across from the restrooms on the right, and closest to the Pre's Trail entry kiosk. You will see the canoe/boat trailers parked at the Canoe Canal. We strongly recommend arriving early to avoid too many folks staging at once. We'll have someone in the parking area to help carry boats and direct people down to the staging area at the canal.
WHEN: Thursday, August 25th from 5:30 - 8:30pm
Please arrive early if possible, so we can get you set up as quickly as possible with a watercraft if you are borrowing one from us!
DETAILS: For those without their own watercraft, we will provide a boat and paddling gear at no charge. You must indicate your reservation on the registration or we will assume you are paddling your own boat. PFDs and helmets for skirted boats are required. You must register with a paddling partner if you are reserving a tandem boat.
We will be leading two groups with safety boaters provided. The flatwater group will stick to the Whilamut Natural Area in the Canoe Canal as an out and back paddle. The Up to Downstream group will paddle the length of the Canoe Canal into Springfield and finish with a portage and downstream paddle through several small rapids to Alton Baker beach, just upstream from the DeFazio Bridge. ALL SKILLS LEVELS WELCOME - including beginner whitewater enthusiasts!
WHAT TO BRING: Please pack along water, weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra clothing in your car (in case you take an unexpected swim) ...and your pride gear of course! Flags and flair strongly encouraged! Participants should be comfortable paddling for at least 2 hours.
QUESTIONS? Email event organizers Michelle Emmons at [email protected] or Chance Rey at Oregon Paddle Sports at [email protected].
