We are excited to welcome you to our 2025 Paddle Team in-person training, thank you for being here!
This training will be held in person and is required for all new Paddle Team volunteers.
To attend this training, you must have watched the 2024 informational webinar and are in the process of submitting your background check form. Please note that Volunteers who attended the 2024 in person training are not required to attend, but are welcome to join if they’d like a refresher.
If you have questions, contact Valeria Villanueva at valeria.villanueva@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, assemble 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 in warm clothes and prepared for the weather. We will be training rain or shine, and outside for the entirety of the training. Pack along water, maybe a thermos of something warm to drink, an extra set of clothes in case you take an unintended swim from a boat, and any extra snacks that you might want. 

Columbia Slough Watershed Council will be providing: morning coffee, lunch and soda/soda water throughout the day. For the ~1 hour that we will be spending on water, we will be 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 the end of day March 29th.