About us
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
2
Tier 3: Kayak Camping at Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park Campground, 100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR, USIMPORTANT: Once you are on the going list, you need to pay your $40 camping fee (instructions below) within 48 hours, otherwise you will be moved back to the waitlist. Please do NOT pay if you are on the waitlist. This is based on 9 people going, 3 people and 2 cars at each site. If more people are able to carpool, the per person cost will go down, and I will either issue refunds or use the extra money for firewood.
Please note that this is an adults-only event. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
This is just a placeholder to get it on people's calendars. I have camped at Fort Stevens many times, but this will be my first time kayaking from there. I will post paddling options after I do more research. If anyone has suggestions, please message me. In addition to kayaking there are many other possible activities in both the park and in nearby Astoria.
Please follow this link for more info about the park:
Fort Stevens SP infoATTENDEES:
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. We have 3 sites reserved. Please let me know if you are carpooling and sharing a tent; this will allow me to increase the number of attendees.
If you don't make it onto the going list, please keep your eye open for other camping opportunities. I will be posting them as campgrounds open for reservations.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. Camping fee is non-refundable unless I manage to replace you with another paying member.TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
TBD. Please check at a later date.CAMPING INFO:
-Please pack everything you would need for a weekend camping trip. REI has a good list on their website. Camping listPAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Your $40 camping fee is due within 48 hours of being moved to the Going list. Please do NOT pay if you are on the waitlist. This covers camping only. You will need to pay additional $10/night parking fee directly to the camp when you check in, even if you are parked at the camp site. Please pay via Venmo to:
@Martin-Simer (if it asks for last 4 digits of phone number, use 7262)
If you don't use Venmo, please message Martin for an alternate payment method (PayPal, Zelle, and cash are all accepted).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.6 attendees
Tier 3: Kayak Camping at Albert Philippi Park
Le Page Park, Wasco, OR, USPlease 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 17th: 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 18th: 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!
Sunday, July 19th: We are going to be hitting the water when everyone is ready, probably right after breakfast, but this is subject to change. 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.6 attendees
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