The purpose of this group is to allow you to meet other paddlers and share some great times on the water. You will find new friends, have some laughs, enjoy some unforgettable adventures, and spend plenty of time enjoying the wonders of the water.

Here's a little bit of information to get you started. Some of it may be a bit boring but it is all worth reading to get a better understanding of the group. If you have any suggestions just let us know.

GENERAL ETIQUETTE

RSVPs: If you have RSVP'd "yes" or "maybe" and your plans change please remember to update your RSVP or let the organizer of the event know. If you RSVP "yes" and don't show up, the group is very likely standing on the beach waiting for you to arrive. Also, many of our trips are limited in size so not changing your RSVP is denying a spot to someone who wants to go. Please be considerate.

Rentals: If you have reserved a rental and your plans change please call the outfitter right away. Many of the rental places we use are nice enough not to charge a deposit and we do not want to abuse that privilege. Please do not make the outfitters go through the effort and expense of transporting boats that are no longer needed.

Launch Times: Please be at the launch spot on time. Remember that it takes time to prepare your boat, organize your gear, make a final pit stop. Plan accordingly and arrive early enough to get ready. Trips may depart without you if you are late.

Preparedness: Bring the appropriate gear, check the weather, and always bring more than enough food and water for yourself. While the sharing of beverages, beef jerky and snacks is part of the fun of paddling with a group don't assume others will be feeding or hydrating you. Always bring lights even if it is not a night paddle.

Event Fees: If there is a fee for an event please pay it without making the organizer hassle you for it. Fees go towards the costs of this site and collecting them is our least favorite part of this job.

ORGANIZERS

An Organizer is someone who is nice enough to volunteer to coordinate an event. Please be nice to your event organizer - follow any instructions they may give and help them any way that you can. There would be no events without event organizers so we'd like to keep them happy!

Organizers simply put events on the calendar and get people to show up - you are still responsible for making your own decisions regarding your own safety both before and during a trip. We can't possibly know everybody's individual skill level, so it is up to you to let us know when you are outside of your comfort zone.

If you would like to organize your own event please contact the Organizer or one of the Assistant Organizers to post your event. Or, even better, volunteer to become an Assistant Organizer yourself. The more people organizing and posting events the more fun this group will have.

RENTALS

We try to choose launch points and times that are renter friendly. For places like Hemenway Beach or Willow Beach you can almost always arrange for the delivery of rental boats. For more remote places delivery may not be an option but you can always rent a boat at a local outfitter and bring it to the launch spot. Regardless of where the paddle is or who you are renting the boat from, it is your responsibility to pay for the rental, pick up or receive the rental, and make sure the rental gets back on time. Unless otherwise specified (and it won't happen often) your organizer does not make rental arrangements for you.

You can find a listing of local kayak outfitters here.

It is always a good idea to rent your boat as far in advance as possible. Please remember to let the organizer know as soon as possible if you need to cancel.

A good discussion on kayak transport can be found on the message board.

SAFETY

Wind/Weather: Wind can suddenly turn a pleasant paddle into a challenging and even dangerous event. Many of the places we paddle have sheer cliff walls and no beaches to find refuge from rough weather. Organizers and other attendees may or may not have rescue experience or equipment. Do not assume that others in the group will be able to take care of you if the weather turns bad. When conditions get rough it may be all someone can do to take care of themselves, much less you. While we obviously all try to look out for each other and help if and when we can, you are the one responsible for your safety. Know your abilities and plan accordingly.

Check weather and wind conditions before the trip. If you are concerned about the weather feel free to contact the organizer to discuss the event. However, it is up to you to make the final decision on whether or not you should go. Only you know your abilities. No one will think less of you for not attending an event due to weather.

Waiver: You will need to sign a waiver before participating in your first event. This waiver is good for that and all future events. You can read and download the waiver here. Please print, sign, and give it to your organizer at the launch.

Lighting: Lighting is mandatory for all night paddles. It is also highly recommended to bring your lights even for day paddles since events can run later than expected. See the message board for some excellent recommendations on lighting.

First Aid: It is always a good idea to bring a first aid kit with you. Don't forget to include prescription medication and an emergency blanket in case you unexpectedly end up spending the night out. Check the message board for a good first aid information.

Paddling as a Group: Part of the enjoyment of paddling with a group is getting to know other people. It's fun to paddle up to someone, chat for a while, then paddle over to say "hi" to someone else - or just spend some quiet time in the pleasure of your own company.

Since everyone paddles at different speeds group members can easily get separated. So, if you end up way ahead of everyone else please stop for a bit and let others catch up. If you find yourself in the rear of the group, make sure you are not paddling alone. If you are a new paddler or know you paddle at a leisurely pace, then it's a good idea to find someone that will buddy up with you. The worst thing that can happen is someone in the back of the pack is by themselves, gets tired and goes back to shore, and no one knows what happened to them. We take head counts at the start of each trip and like it when the head count at the end matches!

If you know ahead of time you won't be staying for the whole trip, or think you may have to turn back at some point, let your organizer know so that we don't spend the whole trip worrying about you while you are already back at home taking a nap. While we may not be responsible for your safety, we do worry about you if you disappear. Please be considerate.

All event members should do their part to make the trip enjoyable for everyone else. If you see a new person struggling with their gear, help them out. If you see someone needing a bit of encouragement, give them some. Be cheerful and supportive of your event organizer and fellow paddlers. Yes, your shoulders hurt, you're tired and hungry, your leg has a cramp - but aren't you still having fun anyway? Anyone caught whining will have to buy the pizza afterwards.

PFD: Personal Floatation Device a/k/a Life Jacket. Wear one. Always.

Final Word: Joining a group does not relieve you of personal accountability. Everyone is responsible for their own safety. You must use good judgment in choosing when, where, and with whom you paddle. Common sense dictates that if you feel uncomfortable with the organizer, weather conditions, or anything else about the event, then you should not participate.