What we’re about
WELCOME ABOARD!
This group is for organizing social events on the water. Primarily using inflatable watercraft.
If you are just considering getting an inflatable - this group might serve you well too. We might lend you a kayak/spot in one for an outing and share our experience. Any watercraft is welcomed if you believe you will keep up/not be bored with our pace.
• Events are tiered: \
Tier0 - for completely novice paddlers. Often not even touching the water. All are welcome \
Tier1 - easy paddles a couple of hours in length open to anyone \
Tier2 - more involved, longer or technical paddles where organizers will be much more selective of participants. \
Tier3 - overnight events. All the participants will be selected from the wait-list by the organizer(s)
To get accepted into Tier2&3 events we expect you to attend Tier0-1 events and establish yourself as a dependable, active and fun participant who shares our values (primary one of which is inclusion and acceptance of people regardless of their gender, age, views, religion, etc). Wait-lists for those events are not lines, organizers will be selecting people from waitlists based on their judgement of participants being the right fit for event. We strive to not be sexists, racist etc, and acknowledge that our biases will be affecting our decisions, while working to minimize that impact. \
Important note: this is not the right group if your primary focus is seeking romantic relationships. There are better places for that.
It sure is possible to meet people here, but please don't use it for prawling. Read the vibe, both verbal and non-verbal communication, respect people's boundaries. Don't even consider writing probing messages to members you haven't met in real life or haven't even had a conversation with in real life. You'll be banned and reported to Meetup for any predatory behaviors. Safe environment for our members is a very high priority. If you encounter any questionable behavior - please report to organizers.
Check out this video for guidance on buying a kayak:
https://youtu.be/5U8u_rkNTSY
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Our vision is to have peaceful 1-3 hr outings, larger trips, and kayak camping. This group is not for competitive paddling, our goal is to have nice time on the water together, bond and share our passion for enjoying water and nature in the most accessible way.
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Disclaimers:
-This group's name is intentionally silly. Results have been surprising.
-We don't discriminate against any watercraft. Hoping that one day someone brings a bathtub to one of our paddles. Yet if you are paddling an inflatable/folding kayak you might fit the best into this group by speed and and the amount of fun to be had. There are plenty of groups for hard-shell kayaks. This one was the response for the niche to serve inflatable kayak enthusiasts, but don't worry if you want to join us with any other craft. Ideally reach out to event organizer first though.
-Your safety is your responsibility. We are making our best effort to ensure we aren't putting people in harm's way, however you should assess your skills and comfort level and not participate in activities that entail unreasonable risks for you. \
-We are not affiliated with any commercial enterprises, so any gear judgments are our personal ones.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Tier 2: Willamette Falls from Clackamette ParkClackamette RV Park, Oregon City, OR
IMPORTANT: We are NOT meeting at the Clackamette Paddle Boat Ramp or in the paved parking lot next to it. Turn left before the parking lot, go past the RV Park, turn left again onto the dirt road and park between the RV Park and the Willamette river. Look at the location map; the pin is pointing to the exact spot.
IMPORTANT: This is a tier 2 event, which is for experienced kayakers with dependable equipment. The current close to the falls is very strong, so please make sure you can handle it before you sign up.
Let's paddle to the 2nd largest (by volume of water) waterfall in the US! The best way to describe this event is paddling through a post-apocalyptic scene from Mad Max to a place of great natural beauty. We will meet in the area between the river and the RV Park (see the location pin on the map) around 10:00, inflate the kayaks, and get on the water by 10:30. We will paddle as close to the falls as we can, turn around and come back. If we have extra time, we might then go a bit downstream on the Willamette or even try going up the Clackamas river. I expect to be out of the river and all packed up around 1:00. Those of us that survive might go grab a lunch nearby.
More info about the falls:
Willamette FallsSUP's and hard-shell kayaks are welcome.
What to bring:
- A kayak or SUP
- Waterway Access Permit if your vessel is 10' or longer Info here
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and whatever else you need to keep safe
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sun protection
- Water and snacks
Please support our group: Consider helping us run the group by making a small (~$10) donation once per season, more if you are using our equipment. All collected funds will be used for the annual Meetup fee and for purchases of loaner equipment. To donate, please give cash to the event host, or send it via Venmo to @JackBaikov (if it asks for last 4 digits of phone number, they are 7191). Thank you!
A quick reminder that Meetup organizers are unpaid volunteers and claim no special expertise or knowledge. We will paddle as a group but ultimately you are responsible for your own experience, safety and decision-making.
- Tier1: Paddle and dinner picnic on a tiny islandWillamette park boat launch, Portland, OR
Add this event to your google calendar
Lets have an easy paddle and a picnic on the tiny island I somehow have never set foot on.
I love tiny islands, yet I havent explored this one yet. Let fix it.Place to gather: We are meeting on the lawn near the bathrooms of the Willamette park (not the one in West Linn, PORTLAND ONE).
These coordinates will take you exactly to the lawn:
45.475183, -122.669489 (copy/paste into google maps)
Parking is free after 5pm.The vision: We paddle up by Ross island, maybe check out it's northern tip, then go to the tiny island and have a picnic on it.
Then we paddle back.
It should be a pretty easy paddle, hoewever there is boat traffic in this part of the river. We'll try to stay towards the Ross island shore where there are fewer boats.What to pack:
- Kayak (SUP, canoe, bathtub) and all the accessories (seats, skeg, paddles, pump, PFD)
- Sun protection
- Water
-Blanket to sit on
- Food for picnic (you can have a meal to yourself, or food to share or both)
- Wearing a bathing suit might be nice in case we swim, change of clothes
- TowelIf you need a watercraft or have any questions feel free to message Jack.
Supporting this group:
We are happily accept donations for running of this group. All the money goes towards the meetup fees and loaner gear. To donate, please give cash to the event host, or send it via Venmo to @JackBaikov (if it asks for last 4 digits of phone number, they are 7191). $5-10 suggested, $20 if you are using our gear.
Thank you!Meetup organizers are unpaid volunteers and claim no special expertise or knowledge. We paddle as a group but ultimately you are responsible for your own experience, safety and decision-making.
