FunKidsActivities
Wasabi Paddling Club

Wasabi Paddling Club

1515 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA

Overview

Category:Kayaking for Kids
Location:Portland, OR

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Wasabi Paddling Club focuses on comprehensive skill development for paddling (including dragon boating and outrigger canoe) from beginner to advanced levels, fostering a strong, welcoming community with opportunities for competitive racing and unique river experiences. It's described as a place to learn proper techniques, get a great workout, and make friends.

Key Highlights

  • Dedicated, kind, skilled, and hard-working coaches and volunteers support the club.
  • Offers instruction on essential proper paddling methods, starting with the basics.
  • Provides opportunities for competitive racing, described as a 'winning adventure' with successful teams.
  • Cultivates a positive energy and welcoming environment with 'fun people'.
  • Offers opportunities to paddle around the world for those interested in advanced competition.
  • Provides a 'great paddle workout' and a fun way to exercise.
  • An excellent place to make great friends and build community.
  • Allows participants to 'see the river like no one else does'.
  • Conveniently located right next to the river, easy to get to, and has good access to parking.

Standout Features

  • High-quality coaching from dedicated, skilled, and kind individuals.
  • Structured learning environment for proper paddling techniques.
  • Opportunities for competitive racing in dragon boating and outrigger canoe, with a track record of success.
  • Strong, welcoming community fostering friendships and positive interactions.
  • Potential for international paddling experiences.
  • Convenient riverfront location with easy access and good parking.

Perfect For

Suitable for children and teens 'just starting' out, as they teach the basics and proper methods.
Ideal for 'teens' who are interested in competitive paddling, as the club has racing teams specifically for this age group.
Appropriate for kids and teens who want to 'take paddling to the next level' or 'work/play hard', suggesting it caters to those seeking more than casual recreation.

Ideal For

Children and teens who are beginners and want to learn paddling correctly.
Teenagers aspiring to join competitive racing teams in dragon boating or outrigger canoe.
Kids looking for a fun, social, and active outdoor exercise on the river.
Families seeking a supportive community and a welcoming environment for their children.
Children interested in developing specific sports skills with dedicated coaches.
Parents looking for an activity with convenient logistics (easy access, good parking).

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • If your child is new to paddling, this club is highly recommended as it explicitly teaches 'the basics and proper paddling methods'.
  • Consider this club if your teen is interested in competitive paddling, as they offer successful racing teams for 'teens'.
  • Be prepared for an active experience, as reviews mention a 'great paddle workout' and 'work/play hard'.
  • Encourage your child to engage with others, as the club is noted for its 'welcoming environment' and 'great people' for making friends.
  • Families will appreciate the 'easy to get to' location and 'good access to parking' for convenience.

Things to Consider

  • No specific concerns were reported in the provided reviews; all feedback was universally positive.

Price & Value

Pricing details are not mentioned in the provided reviews, making it impossible to assess specific value or hidden costs. Potential participants should inquire directly about membership or session fees.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • The venue is described as 'easy to get to', but no specific accommodations for special needs or accessibility features beyond general ease of access are mentioned.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • No information regarding food and drink policies is available in the reviews.

🚗Parking Info

  • The club offers 'good access to parking' and is 'easy to get to', suggesting convenient parking options for visitors.

👥Crowd Levels

  • No information regarding typical crowd levels or busy times is available in the reviews.

🛡️Safety Features

  • While 'skilled' coaches are mentioned, no specific safety features (e.g., life vest requirements, supervision ratios, first aid stations) are explicitly detailed in the reviews.

When to Avoid

  • No specific situations to avoid are mentioned in these highly positive reviews.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Short-Term Registration

$50

Duration: per month

Full Club access to all teams/crews. Dues and participation may be started or stopped on a monthly basis. Economical for participation less than 6 months in the calendar year.

Includes:
  • Full Club access to all teams/crews
  • Dues and participation on a monthly basis
Ages: All Ages (except Kraken members)

Associate Registration

$40

Duration: for the full calendar year

Non-Paddling access to all teams, intended for dragon boat callers and steers. Also for members who are not active but want to 'keep in touch' and receive team and Club email.

Includes:
  • Non-Paddling access to all teams
  • Team and Club email
Ages: All Ages

Standard Registration

$325 (paid in full) OR $350 (monthly installments)

Duration: for the calendar year

Full Club access to all teams/crews. Dues may be paid as a single payment or as equal monthly installment payments for the calendar year. Prorated dues automatically applied for new members after April 1.

Includes:
  • Full Club access to all teams/crews
Ages: All Ages

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Bring A Group / Private Experiences

Available upon arrangement

Not specified; private experiences

Arranged outings for groups seeking a unique experience, perfect for work team building events, family gatherings, or community groups.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Club has a Safety Officer (Larry LaMarsh).
  • Committed to securing a safe space for non-motorized water sports on the Willamette River through collaboration with other users.
  • Visually Impaired Paddlers (VIP) team includes fully sighted members who provide essential guidance for safe practices.

📅Booking Policy

  • Try Us: Offers three free paddles to explore different teams and crews.
  • Group Bookings: Private experiences for groups can be arranged.
  • Registration for 2025 is available with Short-Term, Associate, and Standard options.
  • New Member Join Fee assessed to new registrations.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 13, 2025

Photos

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What People Say

What's Great

  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Diana Stuart

Diana Stuart

5 years ago

This is an amazing organization and club. Dedicated kind skilled hard working coaches and people who volunteer to keep this club going. If you want to take paddling (dragon boating or outrigger canoe) to the next level or you are just starting this is the place to come. Lots of great opportunities to paddle around the world if you want and work/play hard!!!! An D.C. place to make great friends and see the river like no one else does.

Emily Neve

Emily Neve

4 years ago

Positive energy, a ton of fun people and welcoming environment. They’ll teach you the basics and give you a great paddle workout! So nice to get on the river!

Joshua Otchis

Joshua Otchis

6 years ago

A great club to learn all the paddling essential proper paddling meathods! Racing with them has been a winning adventure! With teams from the teens to the masters !!

Tricia Kleine

Tricia Kleine

2 years ago

Love this paddling club so much. Great people and a great way to get out on the water and exercise doing something fun!

Jennifer Eidson

Jennifer Eidson

7 years ago

Best paddling club in all of Portland! Easy to get to, good access to parking, right next to the river.

Contact Information

1515 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA

View on Google Maps

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.6
Total Reviews14
Recent Reviews5