Slow-motion footage of my tan SOTAR SL inflatable kayak in huge water at Rock and Roll Rapid on the Upper Clackamas.
Video: the upper Clackamas kayaking in Slo-mo. by Jacob Linkhart 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.
Rock-n-Roll sits below Carter's Bridge on the Upper Clackamas, and it's a spot where boats often spin and get ends (Oregon Kayaking). At high water it's big, and slow motion shows exactly how the SL handles it: how it rides up the face of a wave, how it sheds water, and how much control you keep through the hits.
Why I love the SL
The SL was my mom's tan SOTAR 11' SL, handed down as my main kayak. It's stable without feeling dead, it tracks, and it's tough enough to take the abuse. If you want one, check out the SOTAR SL kayaks in the shop, and read What to Look For in a Whitewater Inflatable Kayak to see why the details matter.
For more SL action, watch Project AIRBORNE and The OLDGROWTH project.
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 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
