Staying together
While out on the kayaking trip, stay
with the group and understand
that the group moves only as
fast as the slowest kayaker.
If the group is moving too
slowly for you, practice your
support and turning strokes
and take a meandering course
 as you wait for the rear of the
group.

Most groups have lead and sweep kayakers: stay between them for your safety. The lead kayaker is picking the route that the group will follow. Those at the front of the group should always be within shouting distance of the paddlers at the rear. When crossing boat channels the group must stay very close together. This makes it easier for the operators of larger craft to see and avoid the group. In the crossing, you should push if you are a slower paddler or slow down if you are a faster paddler.

Group kayaking is fun if everyone helps each other. If you see someone having trouble, try to help. Watch the leader and learn for another time. Good leaders have reasons for almost everything they do. Ask questions they'll be glad to explain.

Landing
When we come back to the starting point, try to leave your gear on you (pfd, skirt) and put your paddle in your boat. This helps us keep everything together so nothing gets left behind, it also helps reduce the number of trips that we make back and forth. If you must take off gear before walking back to the trailer, please also store this in the cockpit of the kayak.  Putting it on the ground lets it collect more sand and dirt which then end up in the truck, and increases the chances of gear being left behind.

Help each other carry and bring all items to the truck and trailer. Once we are by the truck, Usually one person collects paddles, another will lash together pfd's and still another will do skirts. A few people, working together, can bring boats to the trailer. Working together this takes us about 5 minutes - really quick! 

DO NOT STAND ON THE TRAILER, EVER!!

What to do with your stuff that you are not taking on the kayak
You can store car keys, gear bags, bike helmets, etc in our truck. If you rode a bike you can lock it to the trailer. For the most part, use the back seat, not the rear compartment where most of the club gear goes. Stuff tends to get lost back there and not surface for years!  Remember to remove all your items. If you forget something, just let me know.

Ride Shares
Many times we have members who live close to each other that can share rides.  Saves gas money, but more importantly, it saves gas!  On longer day trips, we usually meet at my house and then head out in a caravan from there.  Need a ride?  Post to our yahoo e-mail list.  You can also post if you can give someone a ride.

Gas Money for the Trailer
 Member dues are not enough to cover this, so helping with these expenses will ensure member dues remain where they are.  Most outings are local and free.  If we have to drive more than two hours round trip, we do require participants to help out with the expense of getting the kayaks to and from the outings.  Fees, if any are listed on the club calendar, next to the event.