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: Evening Paddle on the Tualatin River from Cook ParkCook Park Boat Ramp, Tigard, OR
Forecast calls for a beautiful sunny day with a high of 81 degrees. Let's take advantage of the nice weather with an evening paddle on the scenic Tualatin river. We will gather around 5:30 PM at the boat ramp of Cook Park in Tigard (Cook Park Info), inflate the kayaks, and hopefully hit the water by 6:00. Please note that as of a couple of weeks ago the dock has still not been replaced. If it's still not there, we will have to use the ramp, which requires getting your legs wet up to the knees. We will go upstream as far as we can make it in an hour, turn around and float back to the dock. We should be out of the water by 8:00, and all packed up before darkness descends upon the Earth.
Anyone up for a drink after the paddle?
If you don't have a kayak/SUP and need a seat, or if you need any other equipment, please send me a message.
SUP's and hard-shell kayaks are always welcome.
What to bring:
- A kayak or SUP
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and whatever else you need to keep safe
- Sun protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and snacks
- Waterway Access Permit if your vessel is 10' or longer Info here
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 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.
