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Level 1 Beginner -Suitable for
your first paddle after taking class. Calm, protected water and
an easy pace. At this paddle you will get assistance from
another member with picking your kayak and assembling the
required gear.
Level 2 Beginner - Suitable for those who are new.
Level 2 is held at a slightly quicker pace OR may involve
camping overnight. Wave height under 1 foot, wind speed under
10 knots. Prerequisite: Completion of 1 to 2 outings at level 1.
Level 3 Advanced Beginner- Lake
Michigan or other large bodies of water. Wave height 1-3 feet,
wind under 10 knots. You are able to get your gear ready on
your own as well as assist others. Prerequisite: 3 paddles at
level 1 or 2. You have practiced the Assisted Rescue at least
once outside of class and carry appropriate safety gear. After 2
of these Level 3 paddles, you are certified to assist
with leading trips. Level 4
Intermediate Lake MI or other large bodies of water.
These paddles may involve long distances at fast paces. Wave
height 2-4 feet and wind speeds of up to 20 knots. Paddles in
areas where there are few landings, or little chance of help.
Remote areas or encounters with wildlife or full moon paddles on
Lake MI can also merit this rating. Prerequisite 3 level 3
paddles. You will have co-assisted at least one trip.
Recommended class: Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2.
Level 5 - Leader - This level is
for those who wish to lead trips. These are special training
sessions that are free to members who have completed a minimum
of 8 trips and exhibit good leadership and communications
skills, as well as common sense and developing kayaking skills.
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**Each
outing will have a trip leader and a co- leader or assistant.
This is designed so that the person pulling the trailer, does
not have to do everything on their own. The co-leader or
assistant will help new members select boats, get their
equipment ready, and show them where to put personal item etc.
Each member will be required to fulfill this role at least once
per year. You can do this after attaining a Level 3 status
1.
When you rsvp for an outing, please
indicate that you will be a leader or co leader
2.
2. Get the rsvp list from
Goldie
before heading to the paddle, so you know who to expect
3.
3. Arrive at the select outing
early enough that you can get prepare your personal gear, then
have time for the others that are arriving (hopefully after
you!)
4.
4. Enter people into the sign
in log, check they have paid the trailer fee & record when they
arrive.
5.
5. Work with co leader to
coordinate arrival of members- among things that you should be
doing
a.
Help new members with boat selection
b.
Be sure care is taken with boats
on/off the trailer
c.
Be sure cockpit covers are stored in
passage side, front seat (easy to find later)
d.
Be sure everyone has a paddle, spray
skirt, pfd, and some safety gear
e.
Safety gear can be paddle float,
pump, sponge, etc
f.
If people need to stow their keys,
have them put in rear passenger door.
g.
Call group to order 10 minutes
before launch- this is the cut off time for arrivals
h.
Designate lead and sweep boats,
explain that members must stay close to each other and in
between these boats.
i.
Do Introductions, discuss route,
abilities, any concerns, weather, etc.
j.
Discuss where you are going, what
the turn around and launch times are
k.
Discuss ways of signaling between
the group members
l.
On Lake MI paddles, make PODS of 4-5
paddlers to further aid in safety.
m.
Make sure a few people have cell
phones in dry bags
6.
6. Be sure truck is locked (be
sure driver has keys!)
7.
7.
Be sure there is no gear left out
8.
8.
Be
sure to do a physical count of members
9. 9.
On the water, leader and co leader
may be lead and sweep, but may designate others to do this job,
freeing them up to keep an eye on the whole group and also to
have some fun.
10.
10. Be sure lead paddler does
not get to far ahead
11.
11. Be sure sweep paddler does
not get to far behind
12. 12.
Turn on your VHF/Marine Radio-
remind co-leader to do the same
13.
13. When returning to the launch
site, encourage people to make piles of gear (spray skirts in
one pile, pfds in another etc. Solicit help from members to
carry gear, load kayaks etc.
14.
14. Be clear about who can tie down
boats – only those people who have been approved may tie boats
to trailer
15.
15. Be sure all gear is clear from
the beach/launch site
16.
16. Be sure members help out and
don’t run to cars to change or leave (unless prearranged)
17.
17. If members bring their own
boats, ask members to give them a hand loading on cars(if
needed)
18. Send a list to Goldie of of anyone who did not attend, or
any important notes about the outing.
S
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