Our main goal whenever we set out on a canoe excursion is to have fun and be safe. With that in mind, we have certain guidelines that we like to follow to make sure we can all have a fun day on the water.
With both our river training sessions and canoe excursions (schedule) beginning this week, here is a check list to show how everyone can pitch in to help make each outing run smooth:
- Make sure you are familiar with OSSCC Rules.
- When we get to the put in site, make sure you assist with unstrapping and transporting the canoes to the launch area as much as you are able.
- Pick out the correct size paddle for yourself. Ensure that you and your partner have secured an extra paddle and bailer to the canoe as well as obtained a throw rope and sponge from the canoe trailer.
- Secure your dry sack and personal belongings to the canoe.
- Don’t forget to put your PFD on! (No PFD = No Canoeing!)
- Carry the canoe to the water with at least one other helper. (Four makes it even better!)
- Place the canoe correctly in the water – no bridging (canoe must be floating completely on the water)
- Keep low when entering and leaving the canoe and keeping your weight centered – see video
- Make sure you and your partner stay between the lead (first) and sweep (last) canoes.
- When on the water, don’t crowd other canoes. Stay at least a generous canoe length behind another canoe when moving down the river.
- Read the river as per training!
- Be in control of your half of the canoe.
- Always communicate with your partner if you need to change position so you don’t catch them by surprise (and cause a potential dunking:)!
- Work together with your partner at all times and take whatever opportunity you can to practice canoe maneuvers and strokes learned in your canoe lessons.
- At the end of the excursion, help to transport canoes back to canoe trailer and strap them in (as you are able), and/or return paddles, bailers, sponges and throw ropes into the canoe trailer.
- Bring extra cash……we always stop for a treat at the end of a canoe excursion as a reward for a job well done:)
- Don’t forget to give a little something to the driver if you are carpooling. (General guideline – $5 for short trips, $7 for longer trips)
If you happen to take any pictures…..please share! We’d love to include them in the OSSCC gallery.
If you have any questions, insights or suggestions, please share them in the comments section below!!
Have a great season!
When we go on any of our canoe excursions, whether they are for training or fun, someone always forgets something. Here is a checklist that should help you remember what to bring: