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 1: Hagg Lake Paddling Adventure & PicnicElks Recreation Area, Gaston, OR
IMPORTANT: There is a $7 daily parking fee ($5 for 55+ or veterans) payable at the fee booth as you enter the park. Cash and credit cards are accepted. See the event picture for the fee booth location (#37).
NOTE: You might not have cell phone reception, so please remember that we are meeting at Elks Recreation Area, which is the first parking lot right after you cross the dam.
The extended forecast currently calls for partly cloudy skies and a high of 86 on Saturday, which to me looks like perfect kayaking weather. We will gather around 10:00 AM in the grass right next to the parking lot of Elks Recreation Area. It is a large lot; we will go to the western end away from the dam. We will inflate the kayaks and hopefully hit the water before 10:30. The plan is to paddle around and explore for 2-2.5 hours, perhaps landing at another site to stretch out legs for a while. We should be out of the water between 12:30 and 1:00, and all dry and packed up just in time for an optional picnic.
Here is more info about the lake:
Lake infoPlease let me know if you have a tandem and can take another person. Shoot me a message if you don't have a kayak and need a seat.
SUP'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. Layers!
- Water and snacks
- Sun protection
- Camping chair or picnic blanket
- Optional: Picnic foods and beverages. Sharing is welcome.
Please support our group: Please consider helping us run the group by making a small ($5-$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 Meet-up leaders 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.
- Tier 3: Kayak Camping at Albert Philippi ParkLe Page Park, Wasco, OR
Please note that this is an adults-only event.
LOCATION:
Albert Philippi Park was established in 1972 to provide facilities and recreation opportunities to boaters on the John Day River. Each year, 13,000 visitors dock at this boat-in park to cast a line, grill lunch, set up camp, take a swim, or just relax with friends and family.We will be overnight parking and launching at Le Page Park; the drive is about 2 hours from Portland. The fee to overnight park at Le Page is $5 per day. Everyone needs to pay for their own vehicle, cash or card.
Please follow this google link to find LePage Park:
LePage ParkAnd here is the google location of Albert Philippi:
Albert PhilippiFor more info and photos:
Opal FoundationJoin us as we explore this interesting boat-access-only camping location!
ATTENDEES:
This is a Tier 3 event, which is meant for experienced kayakers with dependable equipment and a solid history of attending events with our group. Everyone goes on the waitlist to start with, and the organizer will evaluate each person's kayaking abilities before moving them to the going list. Please only sign up if you are serious about going, and keep your RSVP updated if something changes. If you want to bring a non-member guest, please contact the organizer.NO-SHOWS and LAST MINUTE CANCELATIONS:
If you do this, make sure to provide a very good explanation to the organizer, otherwise you risk being banned from future camping events.SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 11th: We will meet in the parking lot at 3:00PM, hitting the water with fully loaded boats at 3:30PM. Should be a fun paddle to the campsite. Be prepped for potential wind! We will land at the boat dock, unload our gear, find first come-first serve spots for all of us, and then set up camp!Saturday, July 12th: Weather should be warm! There will be swimming, card games, yard games, possibly fishing (you need a license if you plan to fish). We might try a paddle further up the river and see what we find! In 2022 we had water skiing, wake boarding, and other powerboat festivities. This is a possibility if Michael attends and brings Nauti Buoy.
Sunday, July 13th: We are going to be hitting the water when everyone is ready, probably right after lunch, but this is subject to change. Others are free to head back early if they need to. Paddle back, unload, and hit the road! We might continue our annual tradition and stop for a meal and a refreshing pint at The Rivertap in The Dalles.
CAMPING INFO:
-Please pack everything you would need for a weekend camping trip. REI has a good list on their website: REI Camping List
-You won't necessarily need everything on this list, but it is a good place to start. You will need to waterproof your gear for the paddle, there are drybag options at outdoor stores, but trash bags also work pretty well. Please remember to pack clothing and a sleeping setup specifically based on the weather for the trip!! And bring a headlamp!-There will be bathrooms, picnic tables, warm showers, potable water, and they even sell ice! There will also be a camp host on site. No fires allowed because of the surrounding desert climate. We might try to bring a safe propane firepit. Highly suggested to bring cash to donate (or online here Donate) to keep this amazing campsite open and maintained.
-With our trip happening during summer, please bring anything you need to prevent dehydration, bug bites, and sunburns.
-For the paddle, please remember your PFD, whistle, and easily accessible water. (and your actual watercraft/paddle, too)
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and if you need to borrow any camping/kayaking equipment.
DISCLAIMER:
Meetup leaders are unpaid volunteers and claim no special expertise or knowledge. By attending this meetup, you agree that you are responsible for your own health, safety, and decision making and that the organizer(s)/host(s) will not be held liable for any injury or health issue you sustain while in attendance. We will participate as a group but ultimately YOU are responsible for your own experience, safety, and decision-making.
