I'm willing to do some newby patrol on the Deschutes (like a mother duck) in the coming weeks or months if other people are interested. Another especially good river for beginners is the Klickitat.
The truth is that I don't really want to LEAD or ORGANIZE such a trip, but I would like to be a member of the party. It is not very easy for one good kayaker to carrol a beginner who is swimming and all of their gear. So on a trip like this, it could be good to have at least 2 or 3 experienced kayakers.
There are an infinte number of ways to get into white water kayaking, and there is arguably no best way. It would be too bad if there are people in our community who need somebody to lead them down a river like the Deschutes and pick up the pieces when they swim, but can't find anybody to do that.
I got into the sport 17 years ago. I drove up to Spokane one February day and bought a kayak. Then I had a friend teach me how to roll in the Richland Marina. Then I did roll practice for a few montrhs mostly by myself before and after work while I did other hobbies on my days off. I also spent time at the irrigation return across from the 300 Area going behind the water fall. Then the same friend who had taught me to roll took me to the Deschutes in about late May, and lead me down the river. I kept going to the Deschutes until I was ready for something different. By then I had a mentor that took me down progressively harder rivers as I became ready for them. The Deschutes has always been a river where first time beginners and experienced kayakers can both have fun because the rapids challenge the beginners and the experienced kayakers enjoy the play spots.
I understand where you're coming from Bob. When I first started I practiced out on the Columbia all the time during PIP and by myself. I constantly nagged folks to take me down rivers (Jimbo!) and drove just about every time during that first year. I looked at it as an investment. I knew that for me to get into it I'd have to nag folks to take me down the "easier" rivers, which were still intimidating to me at the time. I guess as a beginner you almost have to have more drive and initiative to get on it.
I think it takes a certain amount of drive to become a WW boater in the Tri-Cities. Lots of time on the road, lots of individual practice times. I know I owe a lot to Jim, CB, Ron, Pat, Krista, Roj, Jarred, Allen, and the list goes on.
I think it's important for folks to take the initiative to ask whether than just wait for someone to offer. I'd be more than happy to join you on a beginner trip on the Deschutes if the timing works out. Right now I have a lot going on in life, but if schedules work out I'd be more than happy to attend and help out.
Unfortunately, great resources (R.I.P. Beer Falls) are lacking around the area, but like you said, folks can paddle out to the turbulent waters around the spills into the Columbia to practice more hectic rolls. Once you get comfy on some class III the Umi is also a great place to get your chops.
I think that is a great idea. Aaron, you up for getting in your hardshell sometime? Laura, want to be on the other side of a beginner trip? The next couple of weeks are busy, but things will calm down after that.
I'm down. I could definitely stand to get back out on some actual river water (as opposed to the eddies) in my hardshell. My roll even cooperated today. Like Krista, I'm pretty busy the next couple of weeks. Might be able to swing the 17/18th. Otherwise not till the very end of the month.
Deschutes beginner trip
Posted - Jun 25 2010 : 1:52:57 PM
