AUCC Survival Tips

 

After an eventful summer '09/'10 kayaking around the South Island CJ decided to create a list of AUCC Survival Tips to pass on the knowledge we all gained. Contributions from some of the paddlers on the trip and a few randoms thrown in:

 

1. When tying on boats if you notice someone doing something that likely won't work, sit back and have a snack.

2. At the get in try not to be the first one ready, have at least on conversation per piece of gear you put on and wear many more layers than are necessary.

3. If someone seems slower than the rest of the group ask them to do or get something for you.

4. When boats are being untied or tied wander off to pee.

5. If someone has placed their gear in a logical place, move it somewhere else like into a car that is going to the take out.

6. If a car is having trouble on the steep gravel road, point laugh and cheer.  Take off some gear to do this, you don't want to get ahead of schedule.

7. When running late for the ferry have a big meal.  Make sure to include lots of liquids and maybe a coffee or V so that numerous pee stops will be required.

8. When doing a river that will be challenging for you make sure to read incident reports on rivers all morning, it builds confidence.

9. To prepare for a helicopter run, ask someone not in your car what their plan is, assume it's the plan for everyone and go to sleep.  In the morning roll out of bed, act confused, then show up to the helicopter pick up with no money or food.

10. If it seems like the group will be getting off the water before dark, take a swim

11. When packing up camp make bets with someone as to whether or not you can do it slower than them. 

12. If you have the keys to a friends car, get a ride back to camp in a different car. 

13. Avoid getting petrol in large towns with many open petrol stations, getting it at the pub in the middle of nowhere is way more fun. 

14. If you need to de-didymo it's best to do it right before you get on the river and at a time of day when it's coldest

-CJ 

1. if someone says "the roll trainning session runs from 8am till 10am", wake up at 8, show up at 10 with no spray skirt or money, and then blame the guy who's rescuing you for getting the times wrong.

2. emptying your fuel tank of diesel is good for both your engine health and passengers' morale.

-Keri

 

1. If someone is nervous about paddling a new river assure them that they will die

2. At the end of the run if someone is shuttling back to the put in, stand around, holding your car key until they drive off, then dash after them once they're out of sight

-Jenny

1. Tell people to be ready around 9am.  Then deliberate plans for the day until midday at the earliest.

2. Tell people who don't know the way to the "put in" that they can follow you, and then drive off without them.

3. Make plans, tell people about them, let them formulate plans that work in with yours.  Then change your plans and don't tell those people - preferably run a different river and then finish the day in a different town.

4. Wait until beginners have carried their boat to the put in before discouraging them from running the river.

-Colm

1. The guidebooks gradings are just a guideline. To really test them ensure you put in when the river is flowing above recommended levels.

2. Playboats are the easiest type of boat to rescue. Ensure all beginners/intermediates paddle them at all times.

3. 4WD is just about attitude. Apply pressure to the accelerator in first gear and enjoy the ride.

4. Airbags are only a requirement if you are going to swim, and you shouldn't be kayaking if you are planning on swimming, therefore airbags are not a requirement.

5. Kayaks are heavy and lifting them high up banks can cause severe injury to your muscles and spine. Ensure you only lift your kayak just out of the water. It probably won't fall back in.

6. If in doubt go right

   1. Unless in the Northern Hemisphere, in which case left is the better option.

   2. Equatorial rapids can be run anywhere but you should ensure you only roll on the southern side if taking the left line and northern side if taking the right line.

7. Setting up safety (i.e. Throwlines) takes up time that could otherwise be spent in the pub. Do this retrospectively, if it's a big enough hole the victim will ensure they stay in one place for you to enact a rescue.

8. When doing a rescue course make sure to wear a rescue vest you've never used before. 

-Warren
 

1. When making plans, repeat them 5+ times in different variations to make sure everyone has something to argue about and can do so for a good hour then don't follow them at all. Better to keep everyone guessing.

2. Getting back to Auckland isn't really worth it. Make sure you arrive back as late as possible  on Sunday night then fuck round in the gear shed. This insures people are tired for reality and will therefore be more susceptible to running from it for a mid week 'sick' day.

3. If you're a beginner and no one wants to take you paddling talk to this guy: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/dan.jam.riley?ref=ts

-Pete
 

1. To ensure minimum amounts of faff, drivers should ensure that their car keys are with them on the river or well hidden to gain access to their vehicle at the get out.  Leaving your car keys in your trouser pocket in someone elses car at the put in whilst you run the river does not make for a quick shuttle at the end.

2. At the put in, whilst changing, start playing loud cheesy music from your car's stereo.  This will ensure that everyone is in a good relaxed mood for paddling from all the singing and dancing that ensues.

-Paul Rose