Rowing the Clackamas

[Spooled]

I am a novice rower and was thinking of rowing on the Clackamas tomorrow. I realize fishing won't be good, but would still like to practice. I was told the drift from Carver to the Safeway hole would present no real problems. Any input would be appreciated. Also, will the higher water/flow cause any problems? Thank you in advance.

[ZaQ]

Might try to go from River side to the mouth. I think all that water from barton down is easy to run. Go for it, and be careful!

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Fish this!
ZaQ

Most of the Clackamas from Feldheimer's (just a ways up from the mouth of Eagle Creek, but accessed from the south side) down to the mouth near Oregon City is relatively easy driftboating water. Not so with the McKiver Park ramp on down stretch of river. There have been reports of fresh catches of steelhead from Carver to Riverside Park (Safeway) and that is a good section to learn rowing skills on. The level was 12.58 (or 2.58 by thte old guage) earlier this evening and that is a good level to boat and fish. However, it should come up more overnight. If it goes above 13.75 I would suggest it would be better to wait for it to drop back down some. Access Oregon river levels at http://kayak.physics.orst.edu/~tpw/k...gi/Oregon.html If you are a novice you should have an experienced rower along the first time; and always were a life jacket because anything can happen, even on milder stretches. - RT

[This message has been edited by RT (edited 12-22-2000).]

[Pete]

There is little on earth more satisfying than pulling the sticks in a drift boat. But it is important to keep in mind how quickly you can tip the can. When I got my first boat I received advice from a good friend who ferried me in his drift boat for years. He gave me three rules which I am still reluctant to violate. 1) Never drift water you haven't drifted with someone who knows the water. You should have the intention of learning the water, not just going along to go fishing. 2) Don't drink and boat. 3) If it doesn't feel good, stop! Drop your anchor or pull to the side, scout the water, understand what doesn't feel right before continuing.
To all that I add two rules. a) Know whether your passengers know how to swim, and b) It's supposed to be fun!

[Boondoglin]

Spooled, Pete has some great advice, with the exception of don't drink and row. I've been drinking and rowing for years and find it quite enjoyable. The key here like everything else is moderation, and knowing your limitations. A couple of beers never ruined a good day. I guess that rule is to protect the average idiot who doesn't know the difference between 2 and 20 brews.

The best advice I can give you on rowing the clack is 1. don't go today because it's blown and 2. read the book Guiding Elliot by Robert Lee and pay close attention to his advice "Face your danger and row your Ass away from it!".

Goodluck..Boondoglin

[Steve]

Spooled, Between the Powerline hole and Barton there is a section of river that was diverted into a straight line at the bottom is a shute with standing waves in the middle hit either side but not the middle there is a monolith monster that likes boat bottoms and Jet shoes...left $250 of scrap aluminium on it....I would suggest going with one or the other Tolman Bros. the first time and take notes...cheap insurance

[Spooled]

Thanks everyone for your help. I took Pete's advice and waited until an experienced friend could go.
We went yesterday, Christmas Eve. I really am glad I had Nick along. We floated (well Nick floated, I rowed) from Barton to Safeway. Only had trouble twice. Once at a sharp bend and whirlpool right before Carver, and at another bend, a right hander this time again with whirlpool, just after the Geology Hole. I never hit the bank, but sure got an adreneline rush when I was in the whirlpools. As busy as I was on the oars, Nick was calm giving me directions.
If one of you out there was in the sled that saw me come through the second whirlpool, thanks for the words of encouragement. I said I was learning to row, and you said I looked like I was doing fine. If fine means a 360 into the whirlpool only to back out and nearly hit the high bank then I guess I was doing fine. It seemed more like a NASCAR (just want to see if Hey_Yall is reading this) move in the boat. I never gave up the oars but sure thought about it after the Carver incident. Hope everyone on the bank enjoyed the show. All in all I am home safe for the holidays. Thanks again for the advice. Merry Christmas
Troy

[ZaQ]

Here's another rule that I learned on my own. When your above a class 3 rapid, oaring back so as to read the rapid, make sure passengers stya in their seats. I was above the wreck rapids this year, reading it, and my right passenger leaned over to look at the rpaid. Next thing I knew I was backwards above a class 3. I spun about and made it perfectly, but had to change my pants right after it. Tell em to stay put!

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Fish this!
ZaQ

[chuck 'n' duck]

Spooled:

You did the right thing by taking an experienced rower with you. My first real drift was on the Siletz last winter from Moonshine to Twin Bridges at 7.0ft. I did not have an experience oarsman with me, but I did call somebody to talk me through it the night before. That way I knew what channels to take and what to avoid. Needless to say I was a bit aprehensive through the drift. We took a little water over the bow, but everything turned out okay. I have since rowed that drift many times and each successive time, it becomes easier. Within the next two weeks, I think I am going to give the Minefield a try (Wilson).

Just invest alot of time, and your skills will greatly improve. And always heed the words: if you are facing trouble, point the bow at it and backrow like hell.

Good Luck,

Chuck 'n' Duck

[RW]

Spooled; Way to go, you made it. We all have stories from early rowing experiences and will have more to add. I friend of mine taught me to row. As I put his g loomis rods in the bushes he just calmly stated, "this is not good, this is not good", "keep rowing, you can't stop rowing". We made it through it. I hope I have a chance to teach someone to row someday. It is one of my favorite things to do. RW