R1 means one person paddling a raft, and R2 means two. These are my R1 and R2 runs: the Lower Clackamas, the McKenzie in 2025, the Washougal R2 with my dad, and the Upper Clackamas in 2026. Looking for an R1 or R2 boat? See Merlin vs. Rogue.
Disclosure: SOLWYRX Paddle Gear sells SOTAR gear, and I earn money when you buy it here. SOTAR also sponsors me as an athlete.
I Paddled R1 on the Lower Clackamas
I paddled R1 on the Lower Clackamas in a 10.5-foot raft. It's goofy, chill R1 fun.
Video: I paddled R1 on the lower Clackamas on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
What R1 means
R1 means one person paddling a raft by themselves; R2 is two people, and so on. It's a hard skill because one paddler has to do the work of a whole crew, so it's best learned once you're already solid in whitewater. I break down all the terms in Picking Your Boat.
Why the Lower Clack is a good place to try it
The Lower Clackamas is mostly Class II (American Whitewater), so you can work on R1 strokes with lower consequences than harder runs, though Class II still has real hazards like wood and cold water. A short raft makes it a lot easier, too. If you're shopping for an R1 boat, read Merlin vs. Rogue: What Size SOTAR Raft for R1 and R2? and check out the SOTAR Lance.
Want to R1 with a group? Come to R1 Fest on the Upper Clackamas.
Source: American Whitewater, Clackamas River
The McKenzie River 2025: R1 and SOTAR SL
The McKenzie River in 2025: the main attraction is R1 in my 10.5-foot raft, with some SOTAR SL kayak clips mixed in.
Video: The McKenzie River By Jacob Linkhart 2025 on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Filmed: 2025
The McKenzie is a classic Oregon river, cold and clear and full of fun, readable whitewater. It's a great river for R1 because the rapids reward good strokes and good angles without being punishing.
Why R1 is so fun
Paddling a raft solo makes you do everything: steer, power, brace and read the water. It's like kayaking a raft. If you're new to the term, read Picking Your Boat. Shopping for a small raft built for R1 and R2? Start with Merlin vs. Rogue and the SOTAR Lance.
The SL clips
The SOTAR SL shows up too, and the McKenzie is a great river for it. Want to R1 with a group? Join us at R1 Fest on the Upper Clackamas.
The Washougal River 2025: R2 With My Dad, Rapids Backwards
The Washougal River in 2025, paddling R2 with my dad in a 10.5-foot raft, and running some rapids backwards.
Video: The Washougal River By Jacob Linkhart 2025 on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Filmed: 2025
R2 means two people paddling a raft. It's a lot of fun with the right partner, and there's nobody I'd rather boat with than my dad. You have to communicate, time your strokes, and trust each other, because neither of you can do it alone.
Why run it backwards?
Partly because it's fun. But running a rapid backwards also builds real skill: you learn to read the water over your shoulder, use back strokes for power, and stay calm when the boat isn't pointed where you expected. When a rapid spins you for real, you'll already know what to do.
New to the terms? Read Picking Your Boat. Looking for a raft that's great for R2? See Merlin vs. Rogue: What Size SOTAR Raft for R1 and R2? and the SOTAR Lance.
R1 on the Upper Clackamas 2026
Paddling R1 on the Upper Clackamas in my 10.5-foot raft in 2026.
Video: R1 on the Upper Clackamas 2026 By Jacob Linkhart on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Filmed: 2026
The Upper Clackamas is my home river, and R1 on it is a blast. Rapids like Hole in the Wall, Carter's Bridge and Toilet Bowl (Oregon Kayaking) feel totally different when you're the only paddler in a raft. Every stroke counts, and so does every angle.
Try it with a group
I'm hosting R1 Fest, a casual community R1 day on this exact river. Non-R1 paddlers are welcome too. New to the terms? Read Picking Your Boat. Looking for an R1 boat? See Merlin vs. Rogue and the SOTAR Lance.
Source: Oregon Kayaking, The Upper Clackamas
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 31, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
