Resources
SAFETY FIRST
Instead of repeating what is already out there on the topic of safety we are going to provide links to websites and articles we like with excellent resources on safety.
BASIC SAFETY TIPS FOR BOATING AND KAYAKING
from the Seattle Yachts website.
This site has good information on topics like staying within your skill set, what safety gear you need and much more including making and sharing your float plan with someone who will notice you are gone within a reasonable amount of time. Don't miss the section on additional resources. I is a list of many links to more details one particular topics from all over the web. I especially like the section on kayaking with kids and beginners. I think this is very relevant and useful.
The Golden Rules of Cold Water Safety from Tsunamirangers.com
In the Inland Northwest it is important to understand cold water safety. People drown every year right here in the Spokane river.
1. Always Wear Your PFD
2. Always Dress for the Water Temperature – No Exceptions!
3. Field-test Your Gear
4. Swim-test Your Gear Every Time You Go Out
5. Imagine the Worst That Can Happen and Prepare for It
While this is useful online book knowledge most years the club offers a couple of professional training sessions for both white water and sea kayaking. This is a good chance to spend a couple days on the water with local people who have been in the sport for decades and love helping people enjoy the sport as much as we do and be safe while doing it.
SCKC CLUB
Liability Waivers
SCKC Waiver PDF: Please sign the liability waiver when you join the SCKC group on Opensports. This is a one time requirement and will cover you as long as you are a member. If you have not joined Opensports or signed a waiver it would be helpful to print and sign the pdf prior to showing up to your first event.
Trip Shuttle Guide
Spokane and Coeur d'Alene Area
Passes and Licenses
Washington Discover Pass: Needed for Riverside State Park
Idaho Invasive Species Boat Stickers: Anyone who will launch a boat in Idaho waters must buy an Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker from Idaho Parks and Recreation. Remember to Clean, Drain and Dry your boat. Note: You do not need a sticker to transport your boat, only to launch it.
Stewardship
Spokane River Forum: All things Spokane River
Spokane River Keeper: This is your river. We protect it.
Clubs
Coeur d'Alene Canoe and Kayak Club: Educate - Advocate - Recreate
Spokane River Rowing Association: Amateur rowing in the Inland NW
Northwest Whitewater Association: Our goal is to promote whitewater boating, safety, and conservation
Spokane Mountaineers: The Spokane Mountaineers is an organization devoted to the conservation and enjoyment of the out-of-doors
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary: Auxiliarist's assist the Coast Guard and local agencies in non-law enforcement programs by operating safety patrols on local waterways, conducting search and rescue missions, assisting with Waterway Watch and environmental protection
Cascade Canoe & Kayak Racing Team: The fifth largest Olympic sport, Canoe/Kayak racing combines skill, teamwork, endurance and strength in single, double and four-person boats. With this life-long sport, we strive to help you develop your physical capacities, as well as learn important life skills such as love of sport and exercise, goal setting, discipline, and passion for life. Lifelong friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and character is built.
PNW Region Outfitters
Bend Whitewater Park: Located in the Deschutes River near the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon, this in-water amenity offers a variety of river recreation opportunities including tubing, kayaking, and surfing
Kelly's Whitewater Park: Since 2010, Kelly’s Whitewater Park has been provided an outdoor haven and river playground for rafters, kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and family fun seekers
Olympic Outdoor Center: Shop, Rent, Learn and Adventure
Alder Creek Kayak Canoe: Alder Creek Kayak is your source for kayak, canoe and SUP sales, instruction and rentals. We are the premiere paddle sports store and instructional center in Oregon, with our retail location on Jantzen Beach, and four rental locations within 30 miles of downtown Portland. We have the knowledge, product and world class instructors to serve all of your paddling interests.
Paddle About: Spend Less Time Searching For Kayak Equipment And More Time On The Water
Central Idaho River Shuttles: Shuttles for whitewater rafting adventurers seeking quality auto transport services from point A to point B
Columbia River Kayaking: Our mission is to provide our clients with safe and enjoyable experiences
that emphasize place-based education, skill development, and adventure
in the contexts of paddlesports and the great outdoors
SUP Board Guide: Whether you’re a beginner or experienced SUPer, our goal is to help you find the best stand up paddle board, improve your SUP skills, and discover the coolest SUP locations from the US to Australia.