How to join a river trip

A club trip comes to life when a member volunteers to lead a trip. That trip leader handles signups, trying to make sure the trip has sufficient skilled paddlers to support the newer and less experienced boaters. He or she generally limits trip size. (The typical maximum is 8 to 10, but this may vary depending on many variables.).

Monitor the club events calendar for upcoming trips. If there is a trip you would like to go on all you need to do is contact the trip leader and let them know you’d like to be on their trip. Trip leader contact information is on the trip schedule and their names and contact info are also on the club roster. Please contact the trip leader as soon as you know you’ll be joining the trip.  Trip leaders need advance notice in order to finish their trip planning.  It’s important to make sure the group has the right experience level for the river conditions and that camping and logistics are set for the group size.  Please don’t just show up at the put-in asking to join a trip.

Try to sign up for a trip that you think is within your skill level rather than too challenging, particularly as you are just starting out. The trip leader will be able to help on this, but it is difficult to judge how people will react to moving water and real-time decisions. When in doubt, remember, you can always do the easier run this time, and sign up for the other run the next time it’s offered. If you have any special physical or time constraints, explain these when you first call.  If the leader doesn’t know you or your paddling skills they will ask you a few questions about you paddling background to make sure they feel comfortable with your skills for the particular conditions expected on this river.  For your and the group’s safety it’s important that your skills fit into the group’s skill levels and the expected river conditions.

The trip leader will let everyone know the meeting place and time a few days before the trip.  This is usually done via phone or email.