Kayak series comes to Outdoor Pursuits

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What kind of wonders might be hidden in Pacific University’s backyard? The answer: An abundance of white water.

According to Outdoor Pursuit’s Assistant Director Sam Morrison, the area surrounding Forest Grove is a ‘White Water Mecca.’ There are roughly 25 white water rivers near Pacific, most of which are only a two-hour drive away, just waiting to be explored.

Outdoor Pursuit’s goal for its coming White Water Kayak Series is to grow the kayaking culture at Pacific so more students are able to take advantage of all of the water the area has to offer.

Beginning in March, the White Water Kayak Series, will teach participants all they need to know about kayaking, with the hope that once the series is complete, participants will be able to go out and explore more rivers on their own.

Students partaking in the series will attend theory based classes, three technical pool sessions and spend two days on either the Wilson River or Clackamas River.

Some of the skills participants will learn include paddle technique, how to navigate eddies and how to ferry against the current.

Students will also learn how to roll the kayak, because first time white water kayakers are likely to end up capsized. Accomplishing the role is an exhilarating and rewarding experience for any beginning kayaker.

Since the Outdoor Pursuits leaders will teach participants all they need to know, no kayaking experience is necessary to sign up. Morrison emphasized the receptiveness of the series, when she said “Even if you’ve never been on a river before, even if you’ve never been in a kayak, this is the course for you.”

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