Interested in supporting Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s on-water events in 2023? Join our Paddle Team! This group of volunteers helps to set up and lead our on-water events on the Slough!

This training will be held in person and is required for all Paddle Team volunteers who are new, missed the April training, or didn't attend training in 2022. Anyone seeking a refresher is also welcome to join! To attend this training, you must watch the Webinar Orientation and submit background checks. Details for both are available on our Paddle Team page on our website. If you have questions, contact Kenny Symonds at kenny.symonds@columbiaslough.org.

As a reminder, previous paddling experience is not necessary. By the end of the training, all participants will walk away with knowledge of how to load/unload boats, assemle bimarans, how to give a safety talk, how to be safe on the water, radio protocols, how to fit life vests, how to get in/out of canoes, and more!

Getting there: Meet us at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park! Free parking is available. Public transportation is encouraged! Bus #75 stops at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd. Walk north on NE 47th Ave about 0.25 miles, and Whitaker Ponds Nature Park will be on your right. Restrooms will be available throughout the training.

What to bring: Come dressed for the weather, we will be training rain or shine, and outside as much as weather permits. Pack along water and any extra snacks that you might want. 

Columbia Slough Watershed Council will be providing soda/soda water throughout the evening, as well as dinner. We plan to spend ~1 hour paddling on water using Columbia Slough Watershed Council boats and PFDs. If you prefer to bring your own PFD, you are welcome to, however, please do not bring your own boat.

If you plan to attend, you must register by end of day Wednesday, June 7.