Pre-Trip Readiness
1. Skills - Ensure you have the necessary skills considering the anticipated duration and expected degree of difficulty.
- Event Leaders do not have the capability to assess your skills and readiness.
- It is solely your decision to participate.
- You are encouraged to take formal training. Several companies offer Paddle Canada certification courses.
- Consult with the event leader if you are unsure.
2. Boat - Your canoe/kayak/paddle board should be appropriate for the anticipated conditions. See Types of Boats (hyperlink)
3. Equipment - Make sure your equipment is in good repair, fits you well, and complies with law.
(hyperlink to laws)
4. Incase of emergency
- Have a loud whistle accessible, preferably attached to your PFD.
- Carry a waterproof "In Case of Emergency (ICE) card with you, preferably kept in your PFD pocket. Ideally it should include information regarding your medical concerns, drug allergies your health card number, and two emergency contact names with their phone numbers.
- Carry a first aid kit with any items you may need in case of emergency.
- If you have an emergency location/signalling device, bring it with you. Event leaders may not have one and there may be no cell service
5. Apparel - Dress for the possibility of water immersion. In cold water, cold shock/gasp reflex and hypothermia can set in rapidly.
6. Capsizing - It can happen. Practice wet exit and self and assisted rescues regularly. Bring a spare set of clothes, warm underlay, mylar warming blanket, high energy bars and a towel in a dry bag in your boat.
7. Other activities - If there are other activities involved, such as portaging or swimming, bring suitable footwear/apparel or swimsuit and towel.
8. Self-reliance - In general, be able to manage whatever circumstances you encounter.
On the Trip
1. Arrive on time - so that you and your equipment are ready to launch by the time stated for the event. Be on shore for the "Introduction and Instruction" period.
2. Interact with companions - Introduce yourself and especially help new members feel welcome - we are not just paddlers - we are a club; we are welcoming and supportive.
3. Listen attentively - The trip "Introduction and Instruction" meeting by the event leader at the outset of a trip contains critical information. Make sure you understand it thoroughly. Ask questions if you need clarity.
4. Share concerns/knowledge - Paddling is a group activity and it is helpful if all participants have similar information. If you find your concerns are not addressed to your satisfaction by the event leader, withdraw from the trip.
5. Follow instructions of the event leader.
6. Communicate - As circumstances change, advise those around you in particular the event leaders if possible.
7. Stay together - It is a group paddle. You should be able to hear the person in front and behind you
8. Expect the unknown - The event leader may have outdated information about the route and there may be unknowns such as fallen trees, current, strainers waves or other conditions differing from what is anticipated. ?Your skills need to be adequate to enable you to manage these safely.
9. Stop participating - If you feel there is a safety risk. Let the event leader know if you are withdrawing from the activity.
10.Confidentiality - Do not disclose the names of individuals who are injured or experience a medical emergency, except to emergency personnel or the injured person's emergency contact.