Canoeing Policies and Procedures

Below are policies and procedures specific to all Earlham College canoeing programs.

Lake Crossing

Policies

Staff should brief participants prior to a large lake crossing (more than 1 KM in distance or based upon instructor judgment).
All participants (including staff) must wear PFD.
All equipment should be stowed and secured.
All boats should remain in easy communication range.

Guidelines

In a heavy headwind, rotate heavier cargo toward the bow of the boat to keep boat from spinning out. Conversely, in a heavy tailwind, rotate heavier cargo to the stern.
Whitecaps on lakes indicate hazardous conditions, staff should use extreme caution under such conditions.
Island hopping can minimize exposure to boats on large lakes.
Remember about “fetch.” This condition arises when wind blows over a long surface area of water creating larger waves the longer the wind blows unencumbered across the water. Consider crossing lakes on the leeward side rather than the windward side to minimize fetch effect.
Under extreme conditions, staff should consider laying over until conditions permit a safer crossing.

PFD’s- Personal Flotation Devices

Policies

PFD’s should be worn at all times by all staff and participants during the first seventy-two hours on flatwater canoeing courses.
PFD’s should be worn under the following conditions: water + air temp. not exceeding 100 degrees, when close to (or in) whitewater, on big lake crossings, in whitecaps, during river lining, and any other time instructors feel it is prudent.
PFD's should be worn by any participant who did not successfully pass a swim test.
PFD’s should be worn on SOLO when returning from solo sites.
PFD’s should be worn during supervised independent travel.

Guidelines

When not worn, PFD’s should be attached securely to thwarts. When on land, to trees or strung together.
An extra PFD should be taken per brigade.
Be sure PFD’s are properly fit- pull up on armpit holes while person is in PFD and be sure top of PFD does not rise above ears.

Portages

Policies

Portages with any uncertainty (e.g. not a road) should be scouted from start to finish prior to attempting.
Staff should teach proper portaging techniques and procedures prior to the first portage including: lifting and carrying or packs and canoes, properly securing boats and stringers, trail hazards, bridging and buddy systems, and sweeping.

Guidelines

ECWP groups should yield to smaller groups on portage trails when possible.
Portaging is an opportunity to emphasize teamwork. Be sure to frame the activity carefully to avoid an overemphasis on strength early in the course.
Be particularly vigilant at take outs and put-ins above and below rapids.

Rescues

Policies

Rescues are to be taught within the first day on water
Students should be taught the "t-rescue" and have opportunity to practice the skill in the water unless conditions prohibit it (air plus water temp below 100 degrees).
Students should be taught the basic paddle signals (stop, help, gunwale up) within the first day on water

River Lining

Policies

Staff should use their judgment in assessing whether to “line” or portage around whitewater/rapids on canoe courses.
Staff should teach a lining lesson prior to attempting one with a group.
Students and staff should wear PFD’s while lining and properly scout hazards and obstacles along the lining route.

Guidelines

Boats lining upstream should be angled bow toward shore. Boats lining downstream should be angled stern toward shore to avoid current washing the boat out from the shoreline.
Be cautious of painters and wrapping them around fingers or wrists during lining.
Be cautious of postioning- particularly if downstream of boat
Keep distance between boats and proceed in a fashion that allows you as the instructor to monitor the activity
Good communication skills should be emphasized by staff to participants while completing a lining
It is advisable to practice lining on an easy section of whitewater prior to attempting linings on swifter current
Remind students to let go of the rope if they get into trouble

Swim Tests

Policies:

A swim test should be given prior to any water course that plans to allow for the removal of PFD’s during the course (see PFD section for more information).
A swim test shall consist of the participant (in trail clothes and shoes) treading water for approximately 3 minutes in a pool or lake without touching bottom.
Students are passed for swimming by instructor judgment and discretion.
Swim test areas should adhere to the safe zone policies of backcountry swimming (see above section on swimming in backcountry).

Whitewater

Policies:

Whitewater canoeing is not permitted on flatwater canoeing designated courses. Whitewater designated course policies and guidelines are discussed in the Whitewater Canoeing section of course specific policies and procedures.
Students should be taught basic moving water and rapid water hazard assessment including strainers, eddy's, upstream and downstream "V's", and proper put-in and take-out procedures above and below moving water.
Flatwater canoe courses are permitted to practice “eddy turns” and other skills at the tails (downstream end) of whitewater sections provided the run out is deemed safe by instructor judgment.
Courses practicing eddy turn skills as mentioned above should have all participants in PFD’s and spotters properly placed for potential T-rescues as needed.

Guidelines:

Particularly in Wabikimi, students should be introduced to the dynamics and hazards of moving water. Many of the put-ins and take-outs in Wabikimi are close to rapids and fast moving water with downstream hazards, introducing and making students aware of these conditions can help everyone remain as safe as possible.

If the oppportunity presents itself, allow students to practice paddling in moving water at the tails of small rapids with no downstream hazards. Be clear with students that this activity must be done with supervision. Allowing students this practice can help tremendously if students are later asked to attemtp a simple up or downstream ferry while on course.