The Strokes and Maneuvers class, held on sheltered water, provides the student with a repertoire of useful strokes and boat maneuvers. The key cause and effect relationships involved in boat control are introduced and students learn to perform paddle strokes and maneuvers safely and efficiently. The class covers efficient forward and reverse paddling, a wide variety of strokes for turning, the use of edging to assist turning, rudder strokes for maintaining a course and draw strokes for moving sideways. We also refine and practice low and high brace strokes for preventing capsize.
We spend most of the class on the water.
We will meet at Alder Creek, get geared up, and get right to work!
Classes meet at the Jantzen Beach store in N. Portland.
Classes meet at the Jantzen Beach store in N. Portland.
If you are un-able to bring the items listed below please let us know as we can provide them if needed. We typically provide immersion wear in the form of either a neoprene wetsuit or nylon drysuit with latex gasket seals and neoprene boots.
Only in the hottest summer months do we run courses without some form of immersion wear. The water is cold year round so you will need to bring layers to wear under the suits provided.
- Lunch
- Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- NO COTTON Synthetic top and bottom layers (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
- Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit for warmer days
- Hiking style wool or synthetic socks
- Water bottle
- LUNCH small enough to pack into the boats
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home
Optional Gear:
- Water proof camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- River shoes or booties
- Tow belt
- Rescue gear
- Spare Paddle
- Bilge Pump
Strokes & Maneuvers classes meet at the Jantzen Beach store in N. Portland. 200 NE tomahawk Island Dr, Portland OR 97217 take exit 308 off I-5
We can provide all gear needed upon request. We will provide high quality coaching and practice time.
Gratuity: It's NEVER expected but always appreciated. If you feel your coaches / guides have done an exceptional job and made your experience a memorable one, then you can certainly show your appreciation by giving a tip. The amount is totally up to you. Many people believe that anyone in a service type of job (like restaurant and hotel employees, hair dressers and dog groomers, etc.) should get between 10-20% of the total cost of the service. That is not to say that’s what we suggest, but that’s what most people tip when they do tip. So, for instance, if your trip was $200.00, and your guide made your experience a memorable one, a $20-$40 tip would be generous and greatly appreciated!
If your coach / guide was so exceptional that you want him or her to be your guide on all future trips, simply request them at the time you make your reservation. While we cannot promise he/she will be available, we will do everything in our power to accommodate your request.
We do not include food. Please bring a lunch
The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run/fun rain or shine. All programs are conditions dependent and may change at any time at our discretion. In order to keep our programs affordable a minimum number of participants may be required. If we are unable to fill a program to a minimum requirement level we reserve the right to cancel the program. A full refund will be provided in the event of a cancelled or re-scheduled activity upon request. Please allow 48 hour notice for any cancellations or changes in your reservation. Give us a call at 503-285-0464. Cancellations within 48 hours of the program are NOT refundable. To re-schedule a class you have cancelled within the restricted 48 hour period we will gladly credit you 50% towards the rescheduled class. Thank you for signing up! Please let us know if you have questions about this or any other policy here at Alder Creek.