Paddler Safety
* Weather and River Conditions
* River Safety
*Dragon Boat and Outrigger Certified Steers
... and more
Area Weather and Conditions

Click on the Weather, Wind, Rain or Sun logo to toggle live views of the Portland area
Willamette River near OMSI
NW River forecast data provided by NOAA
Provided by USGS - Oregon Water Sceince Center
Provided by WillyWeather.com
Nehalem Bay
NW River forecast data provided by NOAA
Provided by USGS - Oregon Water Sceince Center
Provided by WillyWeather.com
River Safety
We paddle through the entire year, rain or shine. Sometimes conditions are beyond our control.
Adverse Air Temperature Safety Consideration:
- Air temperature below 40 F is reason to seriously consider cancellation of on-water activity in club owned equipment.
Adverse Wind Speed Safety Considerations:
- At wind speed above 30 miles per hour all on-water activity in club owned equipment is canceled.
- Wind speed above 20 miles per hour is reason to seriously consider cancellation of activity.
Adverse Water Flow or Speed Safety Considerations:
- At a rate of flow at or above 4 feet per second all on-water activity in club owned equipment is canceled.
- A rate of flow at or above 3 feet per second is reason to seriously consider cancellation of activity.
Adverse Water Temperature and Lightning Safety Considerations:
- Water temperature below 40 degrees F is reason to seriously consider cancellation of activity.
- Lightning in the area or on the horizon is reason to cancel activities. No boats should go out for 30 mins after last sighting and, if already on the water, make haste to return to the dock.
Adverse Air Quality Safety Considerations:
- An Air Quality Index above 150, considered unhealthy, is cause for cancellation of activity.
Wind Chill Chart
(Click Wind Chill Chart to Enlarge)
Wasabi Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Policy Statement
At all times of the year, regardless of water temperature, all participants using Wasabi owned equipment (paddlers, steerspersons, coaches, callers, guests, etc.) shall wear an approved Coast Guard type I, II, III or V PFD.
All non-swimmers will wear an inherently buoyant (not hybrid or not belt type) PFD when paddling on club equipment.
All visually impaired paddlers will wear an inherently buoyant or hybrid (not belt type) PFD when paddling on club equipment.
All Steerspersons (when steering) will wear an inherently buoyant or hybrid (not belt type) approved PFD.
All paddlers using an inherently buoyant or hybrid PFD shall demonstrate to a coach or other designated official that they can properly adjust and “fit” the PFD.
All paddlers using an inflatable Belt Style PFD, regardless of type, will demonstrate the ability to inflate the PFD and fit it over their head to a coach or other designated club official.
All PFDs shall be worn in accordance with the manufacturers labels and instructions.
At race venues this PFD policy is suspended in favor of the prevailing race event PFD policy or requirements.
Small Boat, OC1/OC2's: Weather Guidelines
Wasabi maintains small boats for use by club members after their completion of OC certification and huli testing. Individuals using small boats are likely to be directly affected by adverse weather conditions including cold air and water temperatures, high wind, and high flow rates. Wasabi has general weather guidelines in place for OC6/12s and dragon boats. Small boat users must abide by those guidelines and additional guidelines listed for OC1/2 use.
Overview: Rearming and Repacking an Inflatable PFD
Cold Water Imersion Facts
Dragon Boat CPR
Certified Steers
Chase Boat Certified Members

Dragon Boat Certified Steers
OC Certified Steers


