The Torch

Issue date: 6/4/09 Section: Sports

When the weather permits, people in and around Eugene descend to Westmoreland Park for games of disc golf. Disc golf courses can also be found in Dexter and Corvallis. Photo by JB BOTWINICK/The Torch

Eugene is a haven for many outdoor sport activities. With summer right around the corner there's a wide variety of sports to choose from.

Disc golf is rapidly growing in popularity among the college-aged and family crowd.

All year-round teams and individuals compete in tournaments throughout the Northwest.

Eugene is home to the Westmoreland Park, located off of 19th Avenue and Chambers Street. In it is a nine-hole course with a range of 300-400 feet each hole.

"Regularly a couple hundred people will show up throughout the day," Dave Battaglia said. Battaglia is the City of Eugene's athletic manager and avid disc golfer since 1979.

"You don't need a group to come play … Bring your dog or a friend," Battaglia said. "It's a good way to meet people."

There are four courses in Eugene's immediate area: one in Eugene, one in Dexter and two in Corvallis, with many more throughout Oregon.

"Give it a try, when you first start, go with a lighter disc maybe at 150 grams … There is a fast learning curve and you'll be having fun," Battaglia said.

Eugene also has a flourishing kayaking community that makes for many water sport opportunities.

Oregon River Sports offers a wide variety of classes ranging from recreational kayak paddling to rescue skills. There's also inflatable kayaking.

In addition to classes, Oregon River Sports has a full schedule of boating trips, which include visits to Waldo Lake or Coos Bay along with many more sites.

"No two days are alike. As you step up in experience, the predictability goes out the window," Oregon River Sports manager Frank Armendariz said. "Any form we teach you must be practiced."

When getting out into nature, Armendariz encourages bringing a camera. "After trips, a big part is discussing and sharing our experiences with one another," Armendariz said.

To contact Oregon River Sports call (541) 334-0696, or visit the website at http://oregonriversports.com.

For individuals interested in scuba diving, LCC offers diving classes to become certified. Eugene's Skin Divers Supply also offers services including watercourses, trips and rental equipment.

An individual must be certified to dive with the Skin Divers. Those without certifications can kayak or snorkel.

A few scheduled trips include visits to the Canadian Vancouver islands, the south Pacific Caribbean twice each year and southern California's Channel Islands three times each year.

"Challenge yourself, come give it a shot and see if you like it," Assistant Manager of Eugene's Skin Divers Supply John Temple said. Temple has 27 years of scuba instructing experience.

A big trip normally has around 30-40 people attend. "Most of us have made our entire lifestyle out of diving. I like it because it's not competitive and at the end of the day we're all happy," Temple said.

Eugene Skin Divers supply can be reached at (541) 342-2351, found at 1090 West 6th St., or online at http://eugeneskindivers.com.

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