On this 2023 Lower Clackamas trip, a hardshell paddler in our group swam three times, a broken and splinted paddle floated off, and I was the one who noticed and got it back. It's one of my favorites.
Video: Lower Clackamas chills and spills By Jacob Linkhart 2023 on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Disclosure: SOLWYRX Paddle Gear sells Sawyer gear, and I earn money when you buy it here.
What happened
I was in my AIRE Lynx. On the first swim, the hardshell paddler's paddle broke. It got splinted on the spot with a stick and yellow tape, and we kept going. A couple swims later, I noticed the paddle had stopped following us. I remembered where I'd last seen it, went back, and recovered it when nobody else knew where it had gone. I finished the run in the hardshell.
The takeaways
- Keep a head count of gear, not just people. People come first, always, but the paddle that floats away is the one someone needs for the next rapid.
- Remember where things happen. Noticing and remembering "it was right there" is a huge part of river awareness.
- Carry a spare. A splint works, but a breakdown spare like the Sawyer Cross Cut 2-piece IK paddle is a lot better than a stick and tape.
Big thanks to Jason Davis for running the second camera and sharing photos for this one. For the mindset that helps on days like this, read Don't Flinch: Be Proactive, Not Reactive.
Personal trip report: flows, wood and hazards change, and what worked for me that day isn't a rule for your boat or group. Check current conditions, scout, and boat within your training.
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Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
