What we’re about
This group is for events for social events on the water.
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. Folding kayaks/SUPs are welcomed as well. We won't discriminate against hardshells either.
• Events are tiered: \
Tier0 - for complete novice paddlers. All are welcome \
Tier1 - easy paddles 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. 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. \
Having a profile picture that shows your face would help build trust and get into events.
\
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
\
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 inflatables.
\
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.
Welcome aboard!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Tier 1: Paddle Estacada LakeTimber Park, Estacada, OR
For those with Monday off, let's paddle Estacada Lake! Estacada Lake is a narrow reservoir located at the town of Estacada, an easy 45-minute drive southeast of Portland. During our paddle we’ll pass under a bridge and might see a few small waterfalls along the way!
Note: There is a parking fee. We will be parking and launching from the kayak launch area in Timber Park. Restrooms are available.
Timber Park InfoI hope to make it all the way to Faraday Dam so we mqy hustle a bit. Estimated at a 5 mile round trip.
We’ll be arriving, parking, and getting our boats ready at 9:30AM... on the water at 10:00AM.
SUP's and hard-shell kayaks are welcome.
What to bring:
- A kayak or SUP
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and whatever else you need to keep safe
- Weather-appropriate clothing. Layers! It might be cool in the morning.
- Water and snacks
- Sun protection
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.
- Tier 3: Kayak Camping at Sand IslandBoat Ramp, St Helens, OR
IMPORTANT: Once you are on the going list, you need to pay your $15 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.
Please note that this is an adults-only event.
This will be our group's first time camping and paddling at Sand Island. We are very excited to explore a new location.
Please follow this link for pictures and more info about the park:
Sand Island InfoUSEFUL INFO:
- There are restrooms on the island. Showers are available on the mainland and can be accessed by either the shuttle or kayaking over.
- Bonfires are allowed most of the time, unless there is extreme drought. If that changes, we will look into bringing a propane fire pit.
- You will need to transport your own gear from the shuttle to the campsite. There is a cart, but it might not always be available.
- Our campsite has room and suitable trees to hang one hammock. Please message Martin if you intend to bring a hammock.
- Kayaking is best on the protected side of the island, facing the town of St. Helens.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. The camping fee is not refundable without giving at least 48-hour notice.TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Friday, August 9: Check-in begins at 1PM, and the organizer will be there at that time. Arrive anytime after that and either kayak to the island or take the shuttle (runs 10am-8pm in the summer). If there is no one at the booth, call 503-793-9461 and let them know that you need the shuttle. You can also send just your gear via the shuttle and kayak over. Set up camp and spend the rest of the day socializing with the group. There are opportunities for kayaking, swimming, horseshoes, corn hole, disk golf, and other games (these can be borrowed from the camp host).Saturday, August 10: We will have breakfast, then get the kayaks ready and go paddling on the river. Other possible activities: Same as above, or explore the town of St. Helens. In the evening we will gather around a bonfire for dinner and social activities.
Sunday, August 11: Have breakfast and start packing up. Check-out time is 11AM. Possible other activities TBD.
CAMPING INFO:
-Please pack everything you would need for a weekend camping trip. REI has a good list on their website.
REI Camping ListPAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Your $15 camping fee is due within 48 hours of being moved to the Going list. Please do NOT pay if you are on the waitlist. 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.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.
