Paddle Your Wallet: Oregon’s New Permits Are Making Waves!

Oregon is making headlines with a surprising new requirement for outdoor enthusiasts—yes, you’ll need a permit to use your kayak, raft, or stand-up paddleboard starting January 1, 2026. The Oregon State Marine Board says it’s all about fighting invasive species and educating the public. You can grab one of these permits for just $6 for a week or $20 for the whole year. But if you think you can sneak in some paddle time without one, you better reconsider; the price for that adventurous gamble is a $120 fine! Yikes!

On a recent episode of “The Jake and Spike Show,” hosts Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill expressed their concerns that this could be a slippery slope towards more taxes disguised as regulations. With permits for paddle craft, Jake fears Washington State might soon follow with similar fees. After all, if there’s a chance to squeeze dollars from water lovers, you can bet someone’s taking it. It makes you wonder, when did getting outside and staying healthy need a price tag?

While the fees are relatively small, they might still deter casual paddleboarders who just want to enjoy a sunny day on the water. They believe that hiking fees could ultimately keep families from enjoying outdoor activities together. It’s a classic case of “if we can tax it, we will” wrapped in a friendly educational bow. What do you think—is this just another tax in disguise, or is it a necessary step forward in preserving our waterways?

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