Lots left to learn in life, and we decided to take a basic kayak course. The store Portland Kayak Company has a basic course, so we signed up and went there for a three hour group lesson. Part of the reason to do this was to learn what one needs if you have a kayak, which we might use to explore rivers and lakes back in NC.
We were each equipped with a 14 ft kayak, personal flotation device, double-ended paddle (it floats!) and traveling wheel set for the kayak. We walked our kayaks down to the Willamette River through Willamette Park. There were about a dozen of us, plus two instructors. We launched ourselves and instruction began. Learned strokes, bow and stern ruddering, how to move the kayaks sideway and that we must push against the foot peg on the side of the kayak where we’re making our stroke. Push with your left foot if you are stroking forward with the paddle in the water on the left side. Seemed strange to Jim, but it worked better that not pushing or pushing on the other side.
We crossed the Willamette River safely, despite tourist boats, a ferry and jet skis. Practiced some more and observed how to remount the kayak if you fall out (one of our party did so). After three hours on the water, we were glad to have brought water bottles, sun screen, long sleeves and a hat. Back to the Company to turn in the kayak.
Surprisingly, we didn’t learn any safety or rescue skills, like how to get back into the kayak by yourself. That was one of the first things Jim learned when sailing small boats like Finns and Lasers. Besides those skills, we’d also like to learn how to traverse rivers like the Haw and Deep, which have many rocks and mini rapids. We’re negotiating with the Company for a more advanced class. We’ve been looking at all the kayaks on all the vehicle roofs around here to get a feel for what’s available. If we do buy a kayak, we’ll probably do that here where many are available used on Craig’s List.
