Presidents Corner

September 2025

By Brenda Bunce

Hello, fellow rafters!

 

After a long summer break from club gatherings, we’re excited to see everyone at the upcoming gear swap at Willamette Park on September 7th.  Bring your used boating and camping gear that you no longer use. Buy, sell or trade your gear or donate your gear to other club members. There will be no formal speaker for this social gathering. Bring yourcamp chair and enjoy Flying Pie Pizza, refreshments and relish the time to reconnect with club friends.

September is also our annual Wilderness First Aid class – September 26 – 28.  Look for sign ups coming soon on our website. If you have never taken this class or have taken it many times, like I have, you can never learn or remember enough.  Investing in your safety—and the safety of your fellow rafters—has never been easier. Our Wilderness First Aid course is highly subsidized for club members, costing just $85, butthe benefits go far beyond the price.

This course teaches you how to recognize, treat, and prevent common outdoor injuries, from sprains and fractures to hypothermia and heat exhaustion. Paddling rapids, hiking and launching to a remote put-in, or camping overnight, you’ll gain the confidence to respond calmly and effectively when accidents happen—often before professional help can arrive. 

Plus, it’s not just about emergencies. Knowing first aid helps you make better decisions in the back country, improves your awareness of potential hazards, and can turn a scary situation into a manageable one. You leave prepared, knowledgeable, and empowered— and for only $85, it’s an investment in your skills, safety, and peace of mind.  

I’m grateful for each of you who makes this club more than just about rafting. We’re a  community—on and off the water—and that’s what keeps us paddling forward.

See you onthe river or at the gear swap!

 

See you on the water!

Brenda Bunce

President