PREPARE FOR THINGS THAT ARE LIKELY TO HAPPEN

I am convinced that the spare house key, and the spare car key are the most important inventions of mankind. They have turned what could have been an hours long debacle into a momentary annoyance, more than once in my life.

I received a letter from Christy saying she would like to see paddlers going on a trip prepared for things that are likely to happen on a paddling trip..

Paddlers, she said; “must be ready for the unexpected, keep gear weight to a minimum, and carry all the food and gear you need for the trip.”

But in the trips she has participated in so far this year, several events have occurred that can probably be anticipated:

“Lost prescription glasses -one trip
Ran out of water -one trip
Dry bags leaked -one trip
Bloody injury -one trip
Leaky boat-two trips
Weather turned cold -one trip
Weather turned rainy -two trips

Each of the situations could have escalated causing repercussions for the group. But because of planning and team work none of the situations caused harm and the trips went on as planned.”

While we shouldn’t have to prepare for EVERY contingency, we should think about what situations have occurred on previous trips, and are likely to occur on any trip we take. Boats tip over or leak. Baggage gets dumped in the water. Trips, falls and scrapes happen. Prescription glasses, phones and cameras drop into the water, never to be seen again. Rain, storms, cold, and searing sunlight happen when we are out in nature, far from shelter.

These are situations that we know have happened in the past, and will probably happen in the future – we can have a backup plan, to deal with them, just in case. We take and wear our PFDs in case we hit a snag and fall in the water. We carry extra water, and a backup pair of glasses. We should think about what other events are likely to occur on a paddling trip, and what we should carry as a backup.

Christy ends with an admonition:

“Being prepared is the first step in having a safe, fun trip.”

I agree.

Stay safe out there!
See You On The Water!

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The author, Harmon Everett		Inspired by Christy Long