Stay Together! Group Travel Management

August-September 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by David Pinel

Paddling as a tight group allows for good communication and decision making. Photo by Sue Handel

Another glorious and enticing kayak touring season is well underway. Many paddlers have again freshly experienced the challenges, frustrations - and safety imperatives - of group travel. This is a high stress point for commercial operators, but also a concern for recreational paddlers, especially those who find themselves as leaders-by-default. Are there many "tricks"? No. It comes down to solid trip planning and preparation, clear and regular communication, respect for your paddling companions and courtesy for search and rescue resources who may come to bail you out.

At a peer education exchange organized by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (SKGABC) this spring, over 20 professional leaders shared their priorities and insights for keeping a group together. Conscientious group management is needed during routine travel in comfortable conditions (around boat traffic, monitoring and managing fatigue, making route decisions); becomes essential when discomfort rises (wind increases, seas build, equipment fails); and is crucial for resolving more critical scenarios (sudden worsening of conditions, capsize, injury).

The following lists from discussions at the Guide Exchange provide a worthwhile refresher about group travel considerations for recreational paddlers and guides alike. If "routine" bases are consistently covered, less comfortable scenarios should be very manageable, and critical incidents totally avoidable. Most of these points are common group paddling sense, but when overlooked, can become group management and travel nightmares.

1. Routine Conditions

BEFORE LAUNCHING:

• clarify individual and group limitations (skill, equipment, knowledge, health, schedule etc)

• clarify objectives & expectations of the group and individuals; if people's responsibilities and roles are clear, it is easier to measure praise or criticism

• clarify route/travel decisions, bearings, and interim destinations with all group members

• explain potential hazards and limitations

• debrief previous issues /experiences

• clarify non-verbal communication signals (with whistle or paddle)

• ensure proper equipment repair, fit, and user familiarity (kayak, paddle, PFD, skirt)

• ensure familiarity of use, location and accessability of all safety equipment (VHF, flares, pump, capsize recovery/ rescue aids)

• ensure appropriate clothing options for weather and water conditions

• agree on travel etiquette (travel as a "pod", "don't get ahead of person X " "stay within voice range")

• re-clarify on-water leadership roles and responsibilities discuss capsize recovery procedures, contingency plans, and "what to do if ..."

ONCE UNDERWAY:

• provide clear instructions and demonstrating stroke or rescue techniques as needed

• monitor paddling abilities and tactfully offer advice

• refresh/develop paddling skills in calm/sheltered conditions

• alter the plan if skills /abilities don't match objectives

• monitor and communicate changes in wind, weather, or sea conditions

• assess and update route decisions, bearings, and rest/shelter points

• encourage group awareness of one another's pace and location

• "check-in" with each paddler (psychological and physical comfort); seek frequent feedback

• have regular breaks and share snacks

• raft together at pre-determined, regular, or opportune intervals

2. Less Comfortable Conditions

BEFORE LAUNCHING:

• seriously consider staying on shore!!!

• stimulate conversation that solicits useful feedback and promotes learning about the conditions, circumstances, and limitations

• thoroughly assess risks and communicate/explain them

• debrief previous issues/experiences; create the space and opportunity for people to express and share concerns; offer insight and address each one to the satisfaction of the individual

• choose plan B, C, D, ...?

• ensure proper clothing for wind, waves, potential immersion etc

• make equipment changes if necessary, i.e. build stronger or more confident combinations in doubles & singles

• clarify on-water group travel formation/expectations

ONCE UNDERWAY:

• tighten group travel formation"bunch up"

• position leaders/stronger paddlers in strategic positions

• maintain communication between leaders on a VHF "working channel"

• closely monitor weather and group conditions, and clearly communicate observations and concerns about the situation

• if people are looking uncomfortable, encourage to-the-point discussion, solicit feedback, and respond accordingly

• choose plan B, C, D, ...?

• give clear directions/instructions and ensure everyone understands, sing, whistle tunes, tell stories (comfort of a voice; provides a focus other than fear; keeps people within easy communication range)

• "buddy up" with those less comfortable

• provide paddling tips or stroke instruction as necessary (efficient forward stroke, complete sweep stroke in wind, teamwork in doubles, managing following seas etc)

• raft together (comfort, assessment, food, water, clothing changes, boat changes)

• manage cold, wet, tired, scared, or hungry paddlers

• ensure that people refuel (food and water)

3. More Critical Conditions

• take clear charge of the situation, but stay relaxed/composed

• quickly assess risks and ability to manage risks; ongoing monitoring

• carry out contingency/rescue management plan

• give clear directions/ instructions/ focus (route, sticking together, hazards)

• more aggressively corral the group, but allow spare for safe manoeuvring (especially in following seas)

• provide verbal encouragement/ reassurance/coaching

• consider towing options (double kayaks as towing engines can keep more uniform group speed in mixed doubles/singles groups)

• watch for, and "reel in", those with tunnel vision who are unaware of the rest of the group

• implement pre-determined emergency procedures, e.g., signal/call for assistance (Search and Rescue, nearby boats, people on shore) while the situation is still manageable

• consider the merits of rafting up (preventing capsizes, keeping people and equipment together, providing an easy search target vs drifting offshore, drifting onshore into rocks or surf)

In closing, stay together, stay together, stay together. The potential for incidents escalates when groups divide. Successful management of critical incidents is weakened when groups split up. Together, you can share the skills, knowledge, equipment resources, and judgement of a well-prepared group. This can allow everyone to comfortably and securely appreciate their time on the water, absorb their surroundings, learn new skills, safely challenge themselves, share laughter, or float in peace ...right-side-up.

David Pinel is a kayak guide with a Masters Degree in Rural Planning and Development. He has facilitated marine-based training and education opportunities through sea kayak programs and coastal stewardship pro with a number of agencies. He guides for West Coast Expeditions