Wet exit ability or permission of leader. Expect protected waters, possibly light breeze. Current not a factor; easy landings.
Experience with wet exits, assisted rescues and bracing. Potential for enough wind to create waves. Wind waves of 1-2’ might break over bow. Potential for some chop. Current to 1-2 knots. Easy to moderate landings.
Confident assisted and self-rescue abilities and bracing. May be swells, eddy lines to cross. Moderate to strong wind effects, moderate to difficult landings. Current to 3-4 knots.
Ability to brace automatically. Confident self-rescue ability; Eskimo roll preferable. Navigation skills. Expect some exposed water and crossings, moderate to strong currents, swells, moderate to strong wind effects for extended periods of time, moderate to difficult landings, possibly surf conditions.
Advanced paddling and seamanship skills. Self-reliant paddling and rescue skills. Dependable Eskimo roll ability. Possible long crossings, rugged and/or exposed coast, large swells, surf, strong currents, turbulent water, difficult landings and/or strong wind effects.
I
II
III
IV
V
STRENUOUSNESS / ENDURANCE
Not strenuous. Daily paddling expected not to exceed three hours AND/OR 6 nautical (7 statute) miles. Paddling not expected to be strenuous. Ample sheltered spots for resting and landing.
Moderately strenuous. Expect 3-5 hours and/or 6-10 nautical (7-11.5 statute) miles. Some sheltered spots for resting and landing.
Strenuous, Significant Endurance. Expect more than 6 hours paddling and/or more than 15 nautical (17.25 statute) miles. May be little or no shelter and very few landing spots.
A
B
C
D
TRIP RULES
Wear a PFD at all times on the water.
Use a boat equipped with float bags, secured bulkheads, or a sea sock.
Carry food and water appropriate to the length of the trip.
Carry a personal first aid kit.
Dress for the water: Wear or have readily accessible cold water clothing (leader specified).
For night paddles, have a flashlight.
Have other equipment or clothing as required at the discretion of the trip leader.
Have a whistle readily accessible.
For all trips, participants and leaders should:
For trips on salt water, participants and leader should also:
Have properly fitting spray skirt, unless paddling a self-bailing sit-on-top kayak or a canoe outfitted appropriately as approved by the trip leader.
Have a pump or bailer readily accessible.
Trip leaders have the option to turn away ill-equipped individuals.
All participants are required to sign a liability release for each trip.
Trip leaders are not guides. You are ultimately responsible for yourself.
Non-members are welcome on many activities and are subject to the same policies and rules as NSSKA members.
Some NSSKA activities may be designated for members only.
Where trip size is limited, the leader will designate a sign-up deadline. NSSKA members may receive priority, with non-members placed on a space available waiting list.
No alcohol consumption before or during on-water activities. Illegal drugs prohibited during all club activities.
