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. 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 as outlined in this handbook.
- 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! It must be zippered and buckled up. (No PFD = No Canoeing!)
- Carry the canoe to the water with 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 keep your weight centered – see video on blog!
- 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. No need to race!
- Read the river as per training!
- Be in control of your half of the canoe. Know your strokes!
- 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, $10-15 for longer trips)