Local kayakers have as many reasons to enjoy their sport as they do trip destinations. They turn to kayaking for outdoor exploration in natural and undeveloped environments, to learn technical skills and to challenge their individual strength. It can be a serene experience on Oregon’s lakes or an unbelievable thrill ride down the white-water rapids of the state’s many rivers.
“Kayaking is an incredible sport. It takes you so many places, and you get to experience so many things that most people never even dream about,” said senior Karl Moser, who started the University’s Club Sports Kayaking Club four years ago with his friend Trip Jennings. “Kayaking allows each
individual to push their limits, and it offers endless adventure.”
Though water often has a mind of its own, and kayakers need to acquire many skills, the sport isn’t as difficult to learn as it seems. Any student can pursue it with the right amount of training and enthusiasm.
“Kayaking is a sport that everybody can enjoy. Oregon has thousands of rivers, all of varying difficulty, and paddlers can always find rivers that match their skills,” Moser said. “That being said, kayaking can be a dangerous sport. The risks that paddlers take are 100 percent up to the individual. The sport can be very safe and enjoyable as long as you paddle with friends, carry the necessary
safety gear and learn the requisite skills
before you take on too much of a challenge.”
Instructor and six-year kayaking veteran Annie Dochnahl said students need to learn how to read the water, navigate rapids, roll a kayak and take care of their fellow kayakers before they challenge open water.
Luckily, University students have plenty of opportunities to acquire these skills.
The Kayaking Club welcomes individuals of all skill levels, provides free access to boats and gear, and connects students with fellow kayakers. Their training schedule follows Oregon’s rain patterns.
In the fall, they meet at Gerlinger Pool to learn basic skills and prep for Eugene’s rainy season. Winter term finds team members in cold winter waters for advanced freestyle and creeking trips. In the spring, they take several trips to the Willamette and McKenzie rivers. They also enter an annual kayaking competition on the Clackamas River near Portland at a spot called Bob’s Hole.
The Outdoor Program also provides students with the opportunity to discover kayaking. In the program’s series of kayaking pool sessions, students can learn and practice the sport’s basics. While a staff member is present to offer informal tips, there isn’t a formal instructor for the class. Outdoor Program
Director Dan Geiger suggests bringing along an experienced friend to help teach
kayaking skills.
“New kayakers must learn how to Eskimo roll, or at the very least, how to safely wet exit, before attempting to paddle on the river,” Geiger said. “This takes practice and hands-on assistance, as the roll is not very intuitive and difficult for some to master. Most new kayakers learn in the pool, as it is warmer and easier to practice than on a quiet stretch of river or lake.”
With the right knowledge filling their heads, and a hard helmet protecting them, students can then
discover Oregon’s outdoor kayaking opportunities.
“When there is actually rain in Oregon, thousands of rivers, creeks, and waterfalls start running, and Oregon is turned into a paddling paradise,” Moser said.
Moser recommends the canal by Autzen Stadium and the Cotton Candy wave just upstream of Knickerbocker Bridge as two beginner-friendly spots just close enough to campus for students to get in a paddle session
between classes.
Some of Dochnahl’s favorite kayaking routes are on the Umpqua, Rogue and John Day rivers. These locations prove kayaking can be practiced in a
variety of settings.
“Each of these Oregon rivers has its unique atmosphere, from lush, dense forest to the
feel of high desert canyon,”
Dochnahl said.
While locations are accessible, equipment isn’t as easy to come by. Kayaking is a costly sport. A new boat alone goes for $1,200, Moser said. Students also need a personal floatation device, a paddle, a helmet and warm clothes. Still, students who use their resources can find kayak rentals or join the Kayaking Club and enjoy free use of its equipment. The OP rents out a hard-shell kayak package for $20 a day.
The sport of kayaking is about as eclectic as a sport can be. Everyone has a unique reason for liking it and a favorite location
for practicing.
“The best part of kayaking is that each person can push their limits and expand their skills as far as they want,” Moser said. “Whitewater can always get harder and more challenging, so there is no limit to the sport. That and you’re dealing with water, so if you tip over, the worst that happens is that you get your head wet.”

[email protected]