Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Three Items

Photos and story by James Hill

These Paddle Classes will Help You Float By

Do you ever wonder how it would feel to paddle through waterways and open lakes on a canoe or kayak? Forget the Discovery Channel and allow Portland Community College to fulfill your dreams with this non-credit three-part series.

• Introduction to Paddle Sports ‘ Get a brief introduction by instructor Ken Barker to the world of canoeing as well as flat water and sea kayaking. This will introduce you to paddle equipment, clothing and prime paddle locations on Oregon and Washington waterways. This is recommended for anyone planning to participate in the upcoming canoe and kayak trips. The class runs from 8 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19 at Morrison Park, located at 803 S.W. Morrison.
• Canoeing ‘ Students will learn to efficiently propel their canoe along our various types of water bodies. It will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 24 at Hagg Lake, located on Highway 47 south of Forest Grove. At a cost of $40, Ken Barker will teach basic forward, backward and steering strokes.
• Beginning Sea Kayak ‘ Explore the Columbia River near Clatskanie while learning basic techniques like paddle strokes, turning and safety. A 15-minute lesson by Ken Barker will be given to first-timers, and the class will go, rain or shine, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. There will be a second session (same time) on Sunday, Aug. 27. Students will quickly become comfortable in the sea kayaks and individual instruction will be provided upon request as the tours progress. The $70 cost includes all sea kayak equipment, guide fees and transportation. Students will meet at Sunset Transit Center garage, located at S.W. Barnes Road and Highway 217, on the ground level by Shari’s coffee shop (need to enter garage).

For more information on any of the following offerings, contact Ann VanOrman, Community Education manager at the Rock Creek Campus, at 503-614-7308.