Trip Information Guide
For each trip, you will be sent a more detailed trip information sheet, which will give you details of the accommodation, which rivers we plan to paddle and timings for the weekend. Here’s an example trip information sheet:
Please read and understand all points. Please discuss any points you are unsure of in advance of joining the trip.
Pre trip information
Trip notes
This should provide with all the trip information including, suitability, dates, accommodation, local area i.e. shops. Please note due to changing conditions plans do change. So make sure you keep up-to-date.
River Grade
We normally give the river grade, which is explained in full in most river guide books. To make this easier the Club will advertise a trip as one of the following, beginner / novice, intermediate and advanced. All you need to do is ask one of the committee members for advice if you are unsure of your ability. Please remember river grades can change due to levels meaning a trip may not be suitable at the very last minute. Where possible an alternative is found.
Consent form
This must be filled in, signed, and handed back in at least three days before the trip please, as well as the deposit for the trip. The form is vital so that we know of any medical issues that you may have as well as contact details of Next of Kin, just to be safe. We’ve never had to use them though.
Borrowing club equipment
It’s perfectly fine borrowing club equipment. That’s what it’s there for. However we ask that you let the trip organiser know what kit you need again at least 3 days before the trip. You may even find it useful outfitting a particular boat for a particular trip on the river session on Wednesday prior to the trip as a lot of tools will be at hand unlike outfitting next to the river. However that is up to you.
Own fitness
Any problem with your fitness could put you and your group at risk. Please make sure you keep a reasonable level of fitness and if you have an illness consider how suitable the trip will be. Please let the organisers know if in any doubt.
Conduct
Please make sure you respect the local population when parking, paddling and in the evenings. You are representing the club so please reframe from inappropriate behaviour. Please leave River ACCESS objections to the group leader to deal with as in some areas these agreements are very sensitive.
A General Student Day structure for a River Trip
Timings
Due to the time of year we normally paddle with limited amount of day light. Due to risks associated with the sport we must allow time to deal with incidents and complete our journey in day light. Please do your bit by using your time efficiently when preparing, changing, having lunch and doing the shuttles.
Meeting point
Please make sure you know where and what time you are expected to meet. Please do everything you can (safely!) to prevent being late!
Change and sort boats
Pack lunches etc. into boats. Please ask if you are unsure what you should be taking.
Shuttle at Start
In your groups you need to have a plan, which will mean buses/cars are placed at both the start and finish points. Please listen and assist as required. If your bus/car is not at the finish point then please be sure to put dry clothes in a bus/car that is.
Briefing
This is done in the small group you will be paddling after all other jobs are done and just before you get on the water. Group tactics and dynamics and current river conditions will be discussed.
Trip
You will paddle in different group paddling styles depending on river terrain and conditions. This will go from an informal relaxed appearance to a very strict formation as instructed by the leader. Please let the leader know if you want to stop and rest, stop and play on a feature or practice a specific technique.
In case of incident
If some one in your group is in difficulty, alert the group, leave any rescue to trained members of the group, get to the side and make yourself safe even if this means getting off the water. Once you are safe wait for instruction.
Shuttle at Finish
Please remember the person whose bus/car is at the start! Be swift in getting them back to their bus/car even if this means leaving putting the boats on until later.
MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP IS SORTED AND DOES NOT NEED ANY HELP BEFORE LEAVING.
Accommodation
The Club will usually arrange group accommodation. Details will be in the trip information sheet. Please consider ALL other members of the group when moving around the accommodation.