The coach will check the weather/water conditions prior to launching the boat for practice. In addition to monitoring the conditions below, the coach will check for visibility of at least 100 feet before leaving the dock.
Paddlers should dress for the weather and must always wear PFDs that are Coast Guard approved. (See What to Wear/Expect)
Links to Conditions (as close to our practice area as possible):
Guidelines for Weather/Currents
Lightning
If there is lightning forecasted or present in the immediate area, NCPC boats are not allowed to go out and boats that are on the river must return to the dock. If the boat is a significant distance upstream or downstream from the cock, the tiller should evaluate whether there is another closer nearby dock where the boat may be safely docked, and the team/crew may take cover, until the storm passes. The boat should wait for 30 minutes after the last evidence of lightning before going back on the river to complete the route.
Fog/Reduced Visibility
A minimum of 150 yards of unrestricted visibility must be available for NCPC boats to go out. The dragon boat tiller is responsible for determining whether there is enough visibility to safely conduct a practice. Extra care should be exercised in the presence of any fog or similar reduced visibility conditions. Teams/crews caught on the river during a sudden fog should proceed with extreme caution, stopping often to look and listen for other boats.
Extreme Temperatures
During extreme temperatures (either high or low) practices will be held at the discretion of the caller or steersperson/coach. During hot weather, make sure to stop for hydration more than usual.
Wind
If strong winds are forecasted, the minimum number of paddlers in a dragon boat must be increased to correspond with the increased wind resistance. If winds are forecasted between 11 and 17 mph (10 to 15 knots), the minimum number of paddlers must be increased to at least 16 and preferably should be increased to 18. If winds are forecasted between 17 and 23 mph (15 to 20 knots), the minimum number of experienced paddlers must be increased to at least 18 and preferably should be increased to 20. If winds are forecasted above 23 mph (20 knots), all teams/crews must not go out. Please refer to the wind speeds posted by WindAlert for specific data.
| Wind Speed (MPH) | Wind Speed (KNOTS) | # of Paddlers |
| 0-10 | Can have 14 or fewer | |
| 11-17 | 10-15 | 16-18 |
| 17-23 | 15-20 | 18-20 |
| 23 or higher | 20 or higher | Do not go out |
Current
Because the John Day River is a tidal-influenced river, it is difficult to calculate the rate of the current. For this reason, we do not practice during the off season (October through February). Because flows are tide-dependent, we have a minimum number of paddlers that is higher than what may be allowed in other venues. The general rule is that If flows are greater than 2.5 fps, the minimum number of experienced paddlers must be increased to at least 14 and preferably should be increased to 16. We will always paddle with at least 14 paddlers. We pay attention to the direction of the tide (ingoing or outgoing) and plan practices accordingly.
Generally, If flows are measurable, and are greater than 3 fps, all teams/crews must not go out. Please note that even if strong currents subside, practices may remain canceled if dangerous large debris is present.
Guidelines for River Hazards
Debris
Generally, debris is not moving fast enough to do serious damage or cause injuries. Nonetheless, contact should be avoided. Debris that accumulates against docks, barges, etc., on the upstream side poses the greatest danger because the water can flow through the debris, but a boat or person cannot. These are known by most boaters as “strainers” and they can be quite dangerous as swimmers can be pinned under or against the debris by a strong current.
Keep an eye out for logs or stumps that have come from upriver after heavy rains.
Wakes
Wakes can swamp a dragon boat if taken directly on the side or the bow. In addition, some dragon boats may capsize. It is best to head into or away from wakes at a 30 to 45 degree angle.
Other Boats
- Dragon boat callers and tillers should be aware that they can block visibility of the bow and stern lights. If running on lights after sunset, when another boat is approaching, the tiller should turn the dragon boat somewhat so that its lights are visible to the other boat.
- Be aware of fishing boats, Jet skis, ski/wakeboard boats, and other speed craft that are exiting the John Day River County park dock.
- Power boats can create big wakes. Nuisance boaters may be reported (be sure to get a hull identification number) to the Oregon State Marine Board. If you have a mobile phone with you, and it is safe to do so, you may call the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit at 503-325-8635 (Dispatch: 503-325-2061)