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Participation Safety Suggestions |
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1. Arrive early, if the shuttle is to begin at 8:00 arrive in plenty of time to unload your boat and gear, so you can be in line to shuttle by 8:00. 2. Take the leaders cell phone number with you. Some of the put-ins are in secluded spots that may be hard to find. 3. Sign the waiver and let the leader know if you have any medical conditions (diabetic, heart condition etc.) 4. It is always a good idea to put an emergency number on the form and to have a emergency contact number in your phone (ICE). Some people even carry a laminated emergency card in their pfd pocket. This is a wonderful idea. 5. If you are an inexperienced paddler let the group leader know so they can provide extra guidance. 6. Dress appropriately for the water temperature not the air. Wet suits or dry suits are recommended. The air may be 80 but the water temperature can still be 50. If you are not sure how to dress, e-mail the trip leader. 7. NO COTTON or jeans. Cotton shirts and jeans hold water. Cotton holds water cooling down your body and it takes forever to dry out. Blue jeans become heavy and make it hard to swim. A hat can keep your head cool when the sun is high. Wool keeps you warm and dries quickly. 8. You will want to have a dump bag with extra (skin down) clothing just in case. Most people carry an extra set of clothing in their car just in case they need them at the end of the day. Pushing yourself to try new maneuvers can help you become a better paddler but it can mean you get to swim. Be prepared. 9. Bring a lunch, snacks for along the way and enough water to stay hydrated. For a day paddle at least 2 quarts per person. If it is cold out bring a thermos of coffee, tea or hot chocolate to warm you up. Store these within reach such as a day hatch. 10. Make sure you have your pfd, safety whistle, bilge pump and any other safety equipment handy. If it is a night paddle flashlight, deck lights, and/or glow sticks. If you will be in rough water remember your skirt. 11. You will need a sea worthy vessel for the trip. Extra paddles are not required but should be considered. 12. Keys and cell phone should be stored in a water proof box or bag secured to the boat or in a hatch. Sunglasses should be tethered to you so you don’t lose them. We all have a few pair of our favorite sunglasses at the bottom of some river. 13. If you are bringing a camera tether it to the boat or your pfd even if it is waterproof. You can even purchase a little floatation jacket for your camera. They are bright orange and keep your camera above water so you can grab it. Be aware that in rough water it may be hard to keep up with your camera as it goes down stream. A tether is always the best way to go. Many cameras have been lost because they were stored in a pfd pocket. When you swim so can they. We want to enjoy your pictures so keep your camera secure. 14. Alcohol and water don’t mix. It clouds your judgment and put you and the group at risk. 15. From experience drinking soda before or during a trip can be a problem. There may be limited areas where we can get out on dry land. Carbonated drinks tend to dehydrate you making your need for rest stops more frequent.
DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNSCREEN AND SUNGLASSES. You will be on the water all day, during the worst time of day for sunburns.
It is not necessary to know the body of water you are paddling. The leader will go over obstacles and known hazards. The other participants will guide you along the way, just ask. They may not be aware of your experience so ask. For example when you come to a rocky set of rapids, asking if you should stay right or left helps us help you.
BE SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR TIME ON THE WATER WITH FRIENDS!
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