UCD Canoe Club Alpes Trip 2005
Lessons Learnt
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UCD Canoe Club Alpes Trip 2005
Lessons Learnt |
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Lessons that we have learnt from previous Alps trips are expounded here for all to see. This list can in no way be exahaustive as every person's experience is different (even of the same event). This list is important as those who have gained the experiences below probably did so the hard way and I'm sure if you asked them (before they get drunk and go ironing-board surfing down the stairs) I'm sure you'd find it true.
Take the advice in the good-natured way it is intended; by not taking it (and there is no-one who will take it all!) you thereby accept to swallow, with no dignity whatsoever, the humblepie upon the utterance:
Northsiders: "Ha! I seen tha' said on tha' bleedin' website, ya muppet!";
Southsiders: "Ouw, whot a shayme; I do believe I sawr that on a, yu' kno', um, website, loike, <horse-like whinny ensues>".
If you feel you can add to this list please email ucdcc_alps_trip@yahoo.fr.
- Safety - Equipment - Miscellaneous -
| 1. | For the safety of yourself and others, your paddling standard must be above that of the ICU Level 3 Proficiency Award. |
| 2. | Do not put anyone in increased danger unnecessarily. This sounds obvious but can have subtle implications |
| 3. | Learning to be rescued (and rescue) reduces the potential for danger to all paddlers - attend the mandatory meetings/training trips. |
| 4. | Know when you are unfit for a certain river or rapid. This may be due to excessive drinking the night before, nerves, fitness, inappropriate equipment etc. |
| 5. |
Alpine paddling is tough on your body: be prepared to have to miss some trips due to tiredness and/or strains etc. These can be minimised by proper stretching habits, but also by good intensive pre-Alps training. |
| 6. | Any equipment of use on a river must be fit for its purpose and must not pose any form of danger to any user. |
| 7. | For the safety of resuce personnel and expediancy of rescue, airbags are an essential piece of kit: expect to be left on the river back if you have not got any in your boat. |
| 1. | Boats must be suitable for the water you intend to paddle. Unfortunately people have been caught out by their boat choice in the past - talk to those with more experience, look at the boats they choose, make your decision and blame no-one but yourself! |
| 2. | You must be comfortable in your boat and must not have loose fittings - Alpine rivers are hungry beasts that will even rip central bouyancy out of a boat on an all-to-regular solo cruise. |
| 3. | A spare set of paddles for every 3 paddlers is expected - usual splits are only designed to get you to the next safe egress on a river. |
| 4. | Appropriate footwear is essential. Expect to walk across sharp slippy rocks and bushwhack your way off a river. Booties (or even worse: sandals) stuffed into the back of your playboat are not adequate - often there is no time to put them on, and worse, often you do not end up where you boat does! |
| 5. | Be familiar with all of your equipment - the first time you ise it should not be when it is needed! Being confidant with your equipment (e.g. boat) is half the battle. |
| 6. |
Dress appropriately: the water is cold & the sun is hot. Usually typical Irish paddling gear is about right. |
| 1. | Walkie-talkies (2 for about €50 on the plane) are great fun to have on drives & can save money on mobile calls. |
| 2. | Use boat locks. |
| 3. | Each car should have a roll of black bin bags. |
| 4. | Every car should have a detailed up- to- date road map of the area (they build new roads ya know). |
| 5. | Buy an appropriate set of roof-racks, you can use temporary measures for a day or two, but at about, €50 from the nearest hypermarché there is no reason to have boats flying off your roof on a beautiful French motorway. |
| 6. | No worries excess insurance for you rental car comes highly recommended (wording agreed after a 4-hour argument! Much luv to all involved!!). |
| 7. | Get a European Health Insurance Card at the very least. Get adventure insurance for about €50 from www.go4less.ie, ph. 435-0030. |
| 8. | Buy a note book. Keep all receipts and write on them who paid. Nominate a member of your car to be the accountant. Trust them. Do not let money cause problems with your friends due to laziness regarding your book-keeping. Update the accounts regularly to see that expenditure is even. Keep everone in the loop. |
| 9. | Accept the swimfish without argument and treat it as it were the river telling you something important. |
| 10. | Wear the T-shirt of shame with some sense of ironic pride. |
| 11. | The Pig of Abuse is always well-deserved; accept it as a token of your endearing nature to the group. |
| 12. | Take lots of photos. |
| 13. | Every Alps trip is different, every moment unique: in years to come you will look back at the coming days as some of the best in your life; don't waste a single moment and don't screw it up! Treat everyone with the respect they deserve, say sorry when wrong and compromise; do all this and then revel in the love! |