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Connecticut Water Trails
Program
Paddling Basics
Planning A Trip Basic Outline
Session One
Research
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Find out about the area where the out-trip will
occur (routes, portages, classification of rapids)
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Investigate necessary permits for your trip
(tour permit, camping application)
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Assess the distance to be covered
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Inquire about campsite availability
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Locate the nearest hospital or communication
post
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Decide on entrance and exit points and pick-up
sites
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Investigate alternate routes
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Assess the knowledge and experience of each of
the participants.
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Additional Resources: Internet, library
books, maps, park rangers, paddlers from the area
Session Two
In-Depth Planning
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Set out a budget
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Get permission forms ready
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Discuss equipment needed and whether to buy,
borrow, or rent
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Discuss transportation for participants and
equipment to and from the adventure
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Identify the skills and training required.
Session Three
First Aid
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Participants must know about:
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The essential items in a first aid kit and an
emergency kit
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The signs, symptoms and treatment of:
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Hypothermia, heat exhaustion, heat stroke,
dehydration and sun burn
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** Someone in the group should take a Wilderness
First Aid course as part of your preparation.
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Equipment
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Discuss different types of boats and which shape
and material is right for your trip
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Plan to rent or borrow the boats and paddles
needed
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Look at a boat repair kit and go over basic
repair techniques
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Ensure that all other safety equipment is
accounted for: whistles, bailers, painters, extra paddles, throw
lines, grab loops, pulley and rope systems, helmets
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Discuss the usage of buoyancy and ensure that
canoes are appropriately equipped
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Discuss standards for PFD’s, care and
appropriate sizing
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Discuss the use, maintenance and repair of
group equipment.
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Additional Resources: local outfitter
Session Four
Nutrition & Menu Planning
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Discuss calories needed for paddling and the
types of food that can provide this energy
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Talk about major considerations for menu
planning (freshness, convenience, price)
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Plan a menu
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Talk about food packing and storage.
Session Five
Cooking
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Investigate stove options and other cooking
techniques
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Practice using stoves or other and try out new
recipes
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Make a duty roster for cooking and cleaning
Session Six
Paddling Skills
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Participants should be able to perform the basic
strokes
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Practice the following maneuvers
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Practice portaging the boats you will be
travelling with (solo or tandem), if necessary.
Session Seven
Paddling Safety Skills
Participants should be able to perform the basic
skills and understand their uses for example:
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Accurate line tosses
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Emptying a swamped boat.
Session Eight
Navigation
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Practice map reading skills and using a compass
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Discuss scale and contours and how to assess the
length and difficulty of portages
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Talk about techniques for weather interpretation
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Discuss how to read moving water, if necessary.
Session Nine
The Trip Environment
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Discuss the philosophy of “Leave No Trace”
camping and canoeing
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Review campsite selection
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Review techniques for washing and the disposal
of grey water
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Discuss disposal of garbage
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Discuss disposal of human waste
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Explore options in water purification.
Session Ten
Personal Equipment/Packing
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Discuss the type and amount of clothing for your
trip
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Determine the necessity of waterproof or quick
dry clothing
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Organize sleeping bags, flashlights and other
personal gear
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Discuss and practice methods of waterproofing
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Outline canoe trimming techniques.
Session Eleven
Risk Management
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Identify any potential emergencies and discuss
appropriate responses
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Set out a plan B for your paddling route
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Discuss your action plan or who will take on
what role in case of an emergency
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Decide on contingency plans for communication
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Collect basic medical forms for all participants
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Make an official trip itinerary and float plan -
share it with people at home
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All of the additional information for a complete
emergency plan.
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