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Tips from the River Rats:River EtiquetteFrom back issues of the WrapAround. Click on the photos to see larger images. River EtiquetteIt is extremely impolite to make the shuttle drivers wait while you change your clothes or load your boat at the end of the trip. Give them a ride back immediately. You got your ride, the end of the trip is the time to return the favor. Also, it would be nice if it wasn't the trip leader who had to shuttle. They have done their work for the trip. How about letting them relax and let the enjoy the conversation at the end of the trip. Having someone behind you get lost on a shuttle is a big problem yours. The shuttle leader cannot see the whole line of cars. They rely on the drivers to keep track of the car(s) behind you. Since invariably there is someone who doesn't know the rules or is just plain inconsiderate, you should keep track of 2 cars behind you. If either one of then slows down, stops, or is far behind, then you should pull over and wait for them. Remember, if the people behind you get lost, it is YOUR FAULT. A smooth shuttle makes for a quick start to the trip. Here are a couple of rules you should follow when shuttling:
and do not let the only shuttle driver leave his keys at the put-in. A Few Trip Leader Telephone Interview Hints By Faith B. Knapp As a trip leader, you are the most visible ambassador for NH AMC Paddlers and the first impression one gets from you is important. One can begin by welcoming them on the trip. Then begin asking the caller if they have been on any other AMC trips. If so, the caller may be prepared for the follow up questions. If the caller says no, try to remember the first time you called to inquire about an AMC trip and remembering that, be as patient and diplomatic as necessary. At the least, you both have an interest in paddling which is a good starting point. As you obtain the caller's name, address, telephone/email, age if under 18 be certain to explain to the best of your ability the rigors that you anticipate on the trip and that his/her skills and equipment are commensurate. If not, suggest other scheduled trips as an alternative. Note: It is always easier to turn back a weak paddler on the telephone as opposed to the riverbank. Answers to your questions should give you a very good idea as to the type of paddler with whom you are talking. Check for medical problems i.e.: diabetic, allergies (asthma), recent surgery, reactions to sun/cold, glasses, medications. Does this person carry what is needed and can take care of same. As you find out if the caller has taken a paddling course, with whom and when, you can determine rivers paddled, and skills. Some paddlers may not the know the names of strokes such as eddying, ferrying, drawing, cross drawing but discussion of a mutually known river should give one the idea if this person knows how to play the river, read it, or just get down hoping to make it without going over. If in doubt, get the name of a reference you can call. See NOTE above. Always make sure that the paddler is aware that swimming is a very strong possibility and to be prepared for same no matter what the level, temperature, skill, etc. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! Give the time, date, meeting place making it very clear that it is the paddler's responsibility to check in again by telephone or email the evening before the trip to make certain there are no last minute changes. If we remember that any of the above information can be obtained in a pleasant, conversational manner, the paddler's first impression should be that we care about our group and want to make it fun for all. Be a conscientious trip leader by being available the evening before to answer questions or make changes as necessary. By Tom Todd and the sage writings of Bill Lowman Paddling with the NH AMC Paddlers is an enjoyable time for all involved. That means being friendly to people on and off the river. You'll often see me making an extra effort to be friendly to people curious about our activities, general on lookers, land owners, fellow paddlers as well as paddlers from other groups. I hope I set a good example that others will actively follow. I hope that NH AMC Paddlers will get the reputation of being the friendliest group on the river. One of the joys of paddling with us in a group is the friendly greetings you get as well as the offers of help and support. What are friends for? We also should show courtesy to the people who put on the effort to lead, and coordinate trips as well as performing various functions during the trip. The following are some tips Bill Lowman wrote up several years ago. As we have new members in the group, these bear repeating from time to time. Bill called it the secret protocol for participating in a trip. Now, here's the secret protocol:
Go home, look up the next trip and return to the top of the list.
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