Portland, Oregon's Waterfront Kayak Shop
Serving Pacific Northwest Paddlers Since 1991
Two Great Waterfront Locations

Macadam Avenue Location
Sales ~ Rentals ~ Instruction ~ Trips ~ Demos

6320 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97239
503-459-4050
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RiverPlace Marina Location
Guided Tours ~ Rentals
On the Docks at RiverPlace
Downtown Portland, Oregon


 


                                                      Kayaking Classes and Clinics

 

 

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Nigel Foster explains the nuances of boat control during one of his "Directional Control" clinics
We have four weekend clinics scheduled with Nigel in 2008 - see below for details


"That was an awesome class this weekend. Greg did a great job on Saturday. He is an excellent instructor- he was clear in his instructions, explaining what we were going to do then demonstrating what needed to be done and then following up to be sure we understood. His positive attitude and his praise for accomplishing tasks successfully was really helpful and made learning so many new things in such a short period of time so much easier!! I have never been in a kayak before but am now hooked! Thanks again- it was a great session. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has never done it before! I am thinking of signing my daughter up as a birthday present when she gets home from college this summer!" Lisa K. Croft

View our calendar for scheduled dates. Don't hesitate to call or email if you would like to inquire about scheduling a class, clinic or lesson on a particular date that we don't  have on our calendar...we are often able to oblige special requests.


Essential Kayaking - 4 hours on the river / 2 hours in the pool                $125
Offered every weekend: Saturday 9:00-1:00 (river session), Sunday 5:00-8:00pm (pool session)
This is a two part course, including a four hour river session and a two hour pool session. The river session is an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of kayaking. The pool session allows you to safely learn and practice wet exits, partner rescues and self rescues. Limited to four participants.
Calendar
~ T
his course fulfills the prerequisite for our rental program
~ Advance reservations required

Essential Kayaking II - 4 hours on the river                                                $60
View our Calendar for scheduled dates
This is a great follow up to our Essential Kayaking course. Our focus is on edging, bracing, and refined strokes. These skills will enhance your ability to maneuver efficiently and build a foundation for learning to handle wind, waves, and current. Limited to six participants. 

~Essential Kayaking" or equivalent experience is a prerequisite 

Introduction to Kayaking - Paddling Clinic - 4 hours on the river         $60
View our
Calendar for scheduled dates
An introduction to basic strokes, boat control, and the fundamental elements of kayaking. Limited to twelve participants with two instructors.
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A combination of Intro to Kayaking and our Rescues Clinic fulfills the prerequisite for our rental program

Women on the Water - Paddling Clinic - 4 hours on the river              $60
View our Calendar for scheduled dates
An all-women introduction to kayaking. Limited to twelve participants with two instructors.
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A combination of  Women on the Water and our Rescues Clinic fulfills the prerequisite for our rental program.

Women's Paddling Clinic: Part II - 4 hours on the river                            $60
View our Calendar for scheduled dates
We will review basic strokes but spend the majority of the time working on edging and bracing, efficient boat control, and learning some additional strokes. The prerequisite for this class is having previous wet exit and deep water reentry practice.

Rescues Clinic - 3 hours on the river                                                      $50
View our
Calendar for scheduled dates
Learn and practice wet exits, partner rescues and self rescues. Gain confidence in recovering from a capsize and know that you can help your paddling partner back into his or her boat.

Rescues Clinic: -  Pool class Sundays  5:30 - 7:30 pm                                $60
View our
Calendar for scheduled dates
Learn and practice wet exits, partner rescues and self rescues. Gain confidence in recovering from a capsize and know that you can help your paddling partner back into his or her boat.  

Rolling Class: Pool class Sundays 5:30 - 7:30 pm                                   $60
Learn the art of the Eskimo Roll. The ability to roll your kayak after a capsize is a skill that will greatly increase your confidence in all aspects of paddling. Two to one student/instructor ratio ensures plenty of individual attention. These clinics are taught in the RiverPlace Athletic Club pool. Call to reserve your spot.

Private Lessons - 3 hours on the river  $110 one person / $55 each additional person
Customized, private individual and group Lessons available per request.

Kayaking for Kids - 3 day camp, 5 hours each day                                $175
August 4th - 6th, 2008

Ages 10-13.  This camp is  scheduled Monday through Wednesday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.  If only adults could learn as fast as this age group! We've been running this camp every summer for the past 10 years. We're continually amazed at how quickly the kids learn. Our instructors have almost as much fun as the campers!

Kayaking for Kids - 5 day camp                                                                 $320
July 14th - 18th, 2008
August 11th - 15th, 2008
4th,5th, and 6th graders.  This camp is run in conjunction with the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and is scheduled Monday through Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm.  Campers will learn kayaking fundamentals in the pool at the MJCC and on the Willamette River from our Macadam location.  Basic Strokes, directional control, rescue techniques and safety will all be covered.

Kayaking for Kids - 5 day camp                                                                  $260
July 7th - 11th, 2008
7th and 8th graders. This camp is run in conjunction with the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and is scheduled Monday through Friday 12:00pm - 5:00pm.  Campers will learn kayaking fundamentals in the pool at the MJCC and on the Willamette River from our Macadam location.  Basic Strokes, directional control, rescue techniques and safety will all be covered. 

Nigel Foster Clinics
We are pleased to host a number of paddling clinics throughout the year with one of the world's most innovative instructors. Nigel's contributions to the evolution of kayaking are evident in his boat designs, writings, expeditions, instructional DVD series, gear design, slide presentations and his continued eagerness to share all that he has learned. reserve early!
Learn more about Nigel Foster at www.nigelkayaks.com 

Directional Control with Nigel Foster & Kristin Nelson
  
April 5 and 6, 2008  9:00-4:00         $175 per day / $300 both days
This popular clinic will teach you more about boat control than you ever thought possible!  Where: our backyard waters on the Willamette River in Portland.

Deception Pass with Nigel Foster & Kristin Nelson
June 28-29, 2008                                      $350 two day clinic
We are excited to travel up to Nigel's home waters to learn and play in the dynamic currents and spectacular scenery of North Puget Sound.

Directional Control with Nigel Foster & Kristin Nelson
July 26 and 27, 2008  9:00-4:00        $175 per day / $300 both days
This popular clinic will teach you more about boat control than you ever thought possible!  Where: our backyard waters on the Willamette River in Portland.

Coastal Paddling with Nigel Foster & Kristin Nelson                        
October 4-5, 2008                                  $350 two day clinic
A truly unforgettable experience exploring rock gardens, archways, caves, and playing in the surf and swell along a pristine stretch of the rugged Oregon Coast.



photo by Joel Rogers


photo by Joel Rogers

 

 


photo by Joel Rogers

 



photo by Joel Rogers

 



 

 


 

 


photo by Joel Rogers

 

 


photo by Joel Rogers

Portland Kayak Company
6320 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97239
paddle@portlandkayak.com

503-459-4050 / 888-238-2059