Congratulations! You’ve completed your OPP safety skills and are able to perform basic kayak strokes. Check out this Participant Guide!
This page outlines what it means to be a good trip participant when going on a club paddle.
Be a courteous participant: Please register via the Calendar page for an announced paddle if you plan to attend. To register for a paddle, click on the paddle listing in the calendar, and then click on the “Register Now” button on the event page. The POC will know of your intent to join the paddle and this enables them to easily communicate any change of plans. If you decide not to attend, notify the POC—or the group may be unnecessarily held up waiting and/or wondering if you are late or a no-show. You can find the POC contact info on the event listing.
Assess your skill level before registering: If you are unsure of your skills for any of the club’s paddles, discuss your concerns with the POC, because they want you to be safe on the water and enjoy your paddling experience. Therefore, do not be afraid to speak up and voice your concerns if you feel uncomfortable with the itinerary or the conditions, for whatever reason.
Make a checklist: Check out the club’s Recommended Safety Equipment, and use it for the basis of your own personal list of those items you do not want to leave home without. Keep your list with your boat and gear so it is readily available when getting your gear ready to load. Using a checklist ensures that you will arrive at the launch site with all needed equipment/gear, and avoids the possibility of you having to stay ashore because you forgot a critical item.
“Timing is Everything”: The POC and the group expect everyone to be on time. Check the paddle announcement closely to be sure of the announced time and plan accordingly. Try to arrive at the launch site a little early, if possible. It will allow you to calmly go about unloading boat and gear and getting ready to launch rather than being in a rush and forgetting things.
Self-Rescues: Paddling with the group allows you a greater degree of safety, but don’t totally rely on being rescued by another should you capsize. It is your responsibility to know how to self-rescue and/or know your part in assisted rescues. Use the club’s warm, water pool sessions to learn how to rescue yourself and to assist others in a rescue.
Club paddles are group paddles: Therefore, become a responsible member, stay with the group, and do not wander off on your own. One of the reasons we paddle together is to enjoy each other’s company and support each other in case of a mishap. Should you need to leave the group for any reason, be sure to let the POC know of the change. It may be unsafe for you to paddle away from the group alone. The POC may assign another paddler to accompany you back to the launch site.
Remember To Thank The POC: Our POCs are all volunteers who love to paddle. They generously give their time to organize the trip, answer phone calls and emails, and try their best to make it a good time for all who attend their paddle. Be sure to let them know you appreciated their efforts.
Minimum gear / equipment / skill requirements to attend an OPP club paddle: The list below will help you prepare for an OPP club paddle. The POC will go over this list as part of her/his Pre-Launch check. Please have the following minimally required items with you for every paddle:
- Kayak and paddle in good condition
- Static perimeter lines
- Wet or Dry suit
- Protective footwear
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
- Whistle
- Spray skirt for kayak (unless your kayak is a sit on top)
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Paddle Float
- Bilge Pump
- Drinking Water
- Lunch and Snacks
RECOMMENDED OTHER GEAR:
- VHF radio
- Spare Paddle
- Throw or two rope
- Personal first aid kit
- Dry bag with extra clothes
- Float Plan. Someone needs to know where you are and when you will return. NOTE: On the Float Plan page, scroll down to the ”Create and Share Float Plan” link to access the form.
- Realistic assessment of your paddling skills
- Ability to perform wet exit and assisted rescue
- Ability to perform basic kayak strokes