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Trip Leader's Responsibilities |
- A trip leader is a trip organizer and a volunteer, not a guide. Trips are a cooperative effort.
- The trip leader can cancel the trip if conditions warrant such action at any time.
- The trip leader can examine each participant's qualifications, equipment, clothing, food, and water and can refuse participation to those who are unqualified or improperly equipped trip.
- The trip leader can set and vary the pace and the route, as needed, and to turn the party back short of the trip objective, if conditions warrant such action.
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| Paddlers' Responsibilities |
| Commitment |
- If you say you will attend a trip, don't be a no show.
- If you do have another commitment come up, notify the trip leader right away.
- Don't leave the trip leader and the rest of the group wondering if you are late or a no show.
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| Be Honest About Your Abilities |
- Check to see if you possess the skill level (see Trip Levels under TRIPS on website), gear or attire to complete the trip safely. Do not sign up for a trip that you are not capable of completing. You will endanger yourself and the entire group.
- The scheduled difficulty level of the trip is the difficulty level of the trip under normal circumstances. The weather can push a Level 2 trip to a Level 3 trip.
- If you feel uncomfortable with the agenda, sea conditions, or have a health problem say something either privately to the leader or to the group.
- If you say nothing, then the assumption is everyone is fine.
- If the trip looks like it's more than you can handle, it's OK to bail out or lobby for a change.
- Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your concerns.
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| Day Paddle Checklist |
- PFD (required to be worn on the water)
- Whistle - required
- Visual signaling device (mirror*/flare) - required
- Water (required) & snack/food
- Spare paddle
- Paddle float
- Bilge pump
- Spray skirt
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Spare clothes
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| Sunset Paddle / Night Paddle Checklist |
- Same list as the Day Paddle
- Headlamp/flashlight - required
- Coast Guard approved navigation lights
•360 degree visible white light (required)
•Red / Green navigation light (required)
- Emergency strobe light (recommended)
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Cold Water Paddle Checklist
(When the water gets cold, hypothermia becomes a real danger.
Cold water saps heat faster than cold air. Proper thermal protection is required) |
- dry suit with fleece or polypro underneath
- head wear (a fleece or wool hat, neoprene hood)
- hand protection (neoprene gloves, poggies, etc)
- a change of warm, dry clothes stored in a dry bag
Submersion in cold water can cause a paddler to inhale water and drown instantly.
Submersion in cold water for a few minutes radically reduces a paddler's ability to
assist in their own rescue and can disorient a paddler even if they can roll.
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Be On Time |
- Time and tide wait for no man. Try to arrive 30 minutes before the put-in time.
- The put-in time is the time you and your boat should be ready to hit the water.
- It's also the time the when the trip leader will do a head count, review the trip and assess the group and any concerns.
- Being early will give you time to meet others in the group and to lend a hand to help others with their boats and gear.
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| During the Paddle |
- The use of alcohol and drugs on club paddles is prohibited
- Stay with the group. We paddle together to enjoy each other's company and support each other in case of a mishap.
- Personal responsibility - each participant is responsible for his/her own safety. Never blindly follow anyone into a situation you are not sure is safe.
- Know how to rescue yourself and to assist others in a rescue.
- a change of warm, dry clothes stored in a dry bag
- In an emergency situation, the person performing the rescue is in charge. Give them space and do as they say.
- If you are having trouble, inform the trip leader
- Look out for others in the group. Look for signs of sunburn, fatigue, seasickness or dehydration and help out when you can.
- If you choose to leave the group, tell the trip leader.
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| Don't Forget To Thank the Trip Leader |
- They have given their time, organized the trip, fielded phone calls and answered e-mails and tried their best to make it a good time.
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* Mirrors can be substituted with an old CD or DVD.
Frank Durante's Tip:
If you are skilled recording a copy of your own CD on your PC, create a text document with your name, address, and medical condition/history on it (i.e. diabetic, asmatic,etc...) and record it to the CD. Label the CD accordingly with a permanent marker too. If you are found unconcious and the CD is present to the rescue team, it will be very helpful.
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