Re: [Paddlewise] Group Crossing Procedures

In a message dated 9/21/2004 2:30:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
strosaker_at_yahoo.com writes:


> Group Crossing Procedures
> 
> Maintaining a group effort on a crossing is difficult. Over the years I have 
> developed these group crossing procedures in an attempt to make things 
> easier on the trips I have organized.
> 
> Taking and Following Point
> 
> To maximize everyone's contribution on a crossing, each paddler takes 
> rotating one-hour shifts to steer by compass and set the pace. This position is 
> called point. It is important for the other paddlers who are not on point to 
> follow in the area behind the point's stern, so the point is free to steer the 
> course and set the pace.

Is there still an overall leader or is the point become the leader? The next 
subject seems to indicate there is a point position and a leader.

> 
> Setting the Pace
> 
> With the point setting the pace, it is important for him or her to look back 
> every couple of minutes to check on each paddler. Generally, if a paddler is 
> farther back than 100 yards, the point's pace is too fast, and if all of the 
> paddlers are right behind the point's stern, his or her pace is too slow.

> 
> Concerns
> 
> If anyone is concerned about the point's navigation or pace, they should 
> inform me rather than the point, and if necessary, I will address the problem. 
> The reason for this procedure is that having several different people 
> correcting the point can cause him or her to become aggravated.

GPS or not, if someone makes tick marks with a grease pencil over the course 
of travel on the chart you will have an approximate last known position. If 
there are significant currents than planning the crossing with vectors in mind 
is suggested. I like the fact that it is expected of people to have a compass 
on deck.

> 
> Watching for Traffic
> 
> With the point busy steering by compass and monitoring the group pace, it is 
> the responsibility of the other paddlers in the group to watch for ship and 
> boat traffic.


Sometimes it is not the best course to follow given your destination, but 
crossing a shipping lane at 90 degrees minimizes the exposure. Is there a VHF 
aboard to hail an incoming freighter? 

> 
> Breaks
> 
> At the top of each hour is a five-minute break to drink, eat and pee, and at 
> the bottom of each hour is a one-minute break to drink. However, anyone can 
> call for an additional break when necessary. It is important to take breaks 
> this frequently to stay well hydrated and fueled. These breaks may seem 
> regimented, but on a long paddle it is good for everyone to know when the next 
> break is going to be.
> 
> Coastal Paddles
> 
> Similar procedures can be used for group efforts on coastal paddles. 
> However, instead of steering by compass, the point usually follows a general path, 
> such as hugging the coast or paddling point to point.

I think someone ticking off the last known major coastal feature is 
worthwhile. Do all have charts or topos? Is there an established course? Was there a 
discussion beforehand of go and no go areas?


> 
> Is the Group Worth the Effort?
> 
> One of the most important things to know is whether maintaining a group is 
> worth the effort. If conditions are remaining calm and everyone is doing well, 
> the effort to maintain the group may only cause aggravation. In that case, 
> everyone will be a lot happier on their own or paired up with a buddy. The 
> effort to maintain a group is only worthwhile when everyone perceives a mutual 
> benefit from it.
> 
I think it's worthwhile if the risks go up. Lots of people run through rock 
gardens or caves where the risks inherently increase, even in otherwise calm 
conditions. Solo or duo paddlers have fewer resources than groups. I think I 
violate this one more than anything.

Nice work on your website!

Rob G
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************