GUIDELINES FOR SAFE & RESPONSIBLE

TRIP PARTICIPATION

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The guidelines below are for your consideration as a responsible kayaker.  Anyone wishing to attend any  paddle posted on the message board should consider these issues before launching on any paddle trip.  These guidelines should be used along with sound judgment .
 
1.  Acknowledge that those posting trips are simply organizers and are not professional or trained guides. The trip organizer is not necessarily trained in First Aid or CPR and may not carry first aid equipment or other such devices necessary for performing rescues.  
 
2.  Realize that you are responsible for your own safety on the trip.  Educate yourself about the trip and obtain a map of the area you intend to paddle. How long of a trip is it? What type/length of kayak is most suitable? Is it right for your physical condition and your skill level? Do you need to bring a lunch? Is there any special equipment/ skills that you need to have? What potential conditions or obstacles might you encounter?
 
3.  Realize that you are responsible for your own navigation on the trip.  Paddlers should familiarize themselves with the area they are paddling.  This includes, the type of water, currents, level of boat traffic and any other potential obstacles to safety along the route.  Paddlers should also be aware of the intended route and distance of the trip they plan to attend and should have their own maps and navigational aids. In summary, paddlers should be able to navigate their own way to the takeout or back to the launch site in the event of separation from the group.
 
4.  Contact the trip organizer and inform them of your intention to attend the trip. Be sure to ask any trip related questions to help you decide if the trip is right for you.  
 
5.  Trip organizers may suggest a paddler not participate if they believe the paddler does not have the correct equipment, skills or conditioning to make a safe trip.
 
6.  Proper equipment must include a kayak with sealed compartments or floatation bags, adequate paddle, USCG approved PFD (to be worn while on trip), a sound producing device (whistle, bell, horn), any other equipment required by the USCG for the particular trip (check with the trip organizer for specific requirements) and adequate hydration. Recommended equipment would include spray skirt, spare paddle, paddle float, bilge pump, navigational maps and/or device (compass, GPS), snack, and sunscreen.  
 
7.  Be on time.  
 
8.  Cooperate and be flexible: Help others launch their kayaks. Be aware that the trip organizer may need to alter the plan due to the weather, the needs of one paddler or the needs of the group as a whole.  
 
9.  Communication is important: Alert the trip organizer if you are having difficulties with things like fatigue, sickness, or equipment problems.  Alert the trip organizer if you are having trouble handling the paddling conditions, are anxious or are having difficulty keeping up with the group.
 
10.  Stay with the group: No paddler should break away from the group. If you need to leave the group for any reason, notify the trip organizer or another paddler in the group. Paddlers should be able to navigate their own way back to the launch site if they need to leave the group.
 

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