Sharing the following from the Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club:

We've gotten to the darker cooler portion of the year, and water temperatures have dropped enough that PFDs are again required to be worn on DragonSports outrigger canoes at all times.

As a reminder the DragonSports Safety Rules & Guidelines permit the use of inflatable waist PFDs (please ensure that they are in working order) on the OCs only. Vest-type PFDs are required on the dragon boats.

As always, in fall, winter and spring, weather can be unpredicable. Please exercise caution and good judgment when going out on the water.  

We have also made some changes to the launcher on the dock.  It now has rollers to make the process require a little less muscle, but you need to pay attention to what you are doing to keep the canoe on track as you pull it up the ramp.

Please email Andrew if you have any questions.

DragonSports is happy to report that we have reached an agreement to continue housing our outrigger canoes at the current downtown location.

Due to the increase in marina moorage, our rental fees for the canoes will be
raised to $15 per 90 minute practice.

The increase in moorage rates is still quite significant, so DragonSports will be evaluating the sustainability of the program as well as potential alternate locations. The program still depends upon the canoes being used to continue to exist at this location, so start scheduling practices!

The new rates are effective 7/1.

The Q3 schedule will be available soon, please email outrigger@dragonsports.org if you would like to schedule any practice times.

We will be hosting a steering training class in July.

It is with great regret that we have to inform you that the Outrigger program will be put on hold at the end of the month. In April, DragonSports, was informed by the marina management that our moorage fees would be raised in May. We evaluated our options and determined that the required increase in rental fees to meet the increased moorage fees would be prohibitive to our members. We attempted to negotiate more manageable moorage fees with the marina management, but were unable to reach a cost point that would allow the Outrigger program to continue.

As a result, June will be the last month that our boats reside at the marina. DragonSports is actively looking into alternative locations to house our canoes and continue the program. Until a new location is found, the program will be on
hold.

It is important to note that this decision was made by the marina management, not the harbormaster. Please continue to treat the other marina residents and staff with the same respect and courtesy that you have shown them over the past years.

Take advantage of the warm weather and our last month at the marina and schedule some practices. Our Q2 schedule is up to date, so find a spot that you would like to use, email outrigger@dragonsports.org to schedule.

Speaking of warm water, water temperatures have been steadily over 60. For the rest of this month, wearing a PFD is optional. Remember, there must be a PFD on the boat for each paddler and optional PFDs are at the discretion of the steersperson.

If you have any questions or information regarding potential locations for our canoes, please contact outrigger@dragonsports.org.