If you're going to the river in someone else's vehicle, please offer to pay a share of the gas and tolls. There will be a lead and sweep car and all the drivers will have a meeting to share directions. We will also decide who will return back to the put in with all the drivers. You should know what vehicle(s) will be left at the take-out and plan accordingly with your change of clothing or towel. During the shuttle keep an eye on the car in front and behind you. If the car behind you is no longer visible signal ahead by flashing your lights. Slow down and pull over to wait if necessary.
At the river the Lead and Sweep boats will be assigned, these will be experienced paddlers. Do not pass the designated lead boat, if you absolutely must then Eddy out as soon as possible and wait! The sweep boat keeps the group together, so don't hold him or her back. We will use the buddy system and you need to know at all times where your buddy is, stay near enough to assist him/her if needed. Be sure to allow for some maneuvering space to the boat you are following. When entering a Eddy try not to ram any other boats that are already there. The boats at the top of the eddy should be the first to leave the eddy. A boat coming downstream is allowed the right of way.
If one of the instructors is using hand or paddle signals watch them carefully as it is difficult to hear over the rush of water so verbal directions can be hard to understand. Those seeing the signal should pass it back to other boats on the river. The basic AWA hand signals are:
If you become a swimmer hang on to your paddle and boat if possible, you should not try to stand up in the river because of the danger of foot entrapment. Float with your feet up and downstream of you. Stay with your boat and keep it on the downstream side of you so you will not get pinned between it and a rock. The exception to this rule is if you are going into a strainer, this will be discussed on the river. The Instructors or safety boaters will rescue people first and equipment last. Don't forget to say thank you to someone who saves you or your equipment. Since this is the first river trip for many of you please let the experienced paddlers do the rescues and equipment retrieval. When a rescue is in progress try to stay out of the way and in a safe place. We will let you know when it is safe to continue.
The group will be getting out of the river to scout Delhi Rapids. If you are unsure about running this rapids watch for a while first. Although this is the end of the trip, be sure to know where your buddy is! We may "trade" buddies here. Our take-out is on river right about one hundred yards below the bridge, do not go any further down the river. Lets all have a safe and fun trip.
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