Northern Dancer
Survivalist
For those who planning a first canoe trip or would like to go on one
I thought I would share a few ideas with you.
If you have questions or would like me to address issues let me know.
Let's get started....
It was our custom to have a one day workshop before the group headed out on our annual canoe trip to Algonquin Provincial Park. One year we didn't do that. We allowed three new people to join us - it was the last trip that the group ever made. The newbies wrecked the trip and trashed a five year history. When you get sloppy - you pay for it.
So what is it that I do before planning a trip with others? The first thing that I do before anything is to ask myself, "Who do I want to be with on this trip?."
A true life experience with the help of the Art of Manliness -
A friend just went on a canoe trip. My friend ended up hauling out his buddy who had misrepresented his abilities. His friend was unprepared, wore the wrong clothing, went hypodermic and joined the Liar’s Club. It was a soul-sucking experience, not the rejuvenation he expected. Then the guy's truck broke down on the way home.
How do you avoid soul-sucking experiences?
Select a trip that is suited to the people in your group with the least amount of experience, or if a lot of people are experienced and one is not, make accommodations (put him in a canoe with a very experienced paddler). Better yet, convince Weakest Link to stay home this time. That isn’t supposed to be humorous. No one will have fun if WL is holding everyone back and neither will the WL.
Assign a trip leader early on, or a team leader, [we appoint a safety officer] all of which are of one mind on the goals and expectations of the trip. The trip leader doesn’t set the agenda; the group does that. But early on, safety protocols are discussed and agreed upon by the group. When things vary from that protocol, it’s the trip leader who says, “No, we’re not cliff diving." A trip leader can also say,”I don’t feel comfortable with you swimming in the Lagoon of the Shrieking Eels.” Before the trip, all agree that the trip leader’s word is law. It’s a hard place to be, and it has challenged friendships, but ultimately it has to be that way. Rule by consensus does not work in the wilderness.
Look for the next edition.
So...what do you think?
DECLAIMER
I do not claim to be a professional.
The information provided is based on experience and learning.
Last edited: