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.
Disclosure: SOLWYRX Paddle Gear sells SOTAR gear, and I earn money when you buy it here. SOTAR also sponsors me as an athlete.
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 R1, R2, C1: What the Terms Mean.
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
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.
