Paddlers are encouraged to arrive, well-hydrated, at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the workout.
Use the time to get stretched-out / warmed-up and to bail the canoe, if necessary.
Bring the signed waiver.
Each new member, out-of-town guest, or casually-interested-wanna-try-it-out needs to download, fill-out, and sign the waiver. The workout organizer should not let you into the canoe without the waiver.
Bring your paddle.
If you don’t yet own a paddle, let steersman or Coach know that you need a loaner and how tall you are. We are happy to accommodate your need for a paddle … for a brief time. It is expected that every paddler will procure their own. The club paddles are intended for use during the workout. Leave them with the workout coordinator or steersperson at the conclusion of the workout.
Bring your drink.
One a hot summer day, a couple of liters of water or electrolyte drink might be necessary. Those over the age of 35 should be aware that your ability to determine when you are thirsty is on the decline. By the time that you feel thirsty, you are already on the road to dehydration.
Wear clothing suitable for a water sport.
Expect to get wet. The wind might whip up some small white-caps on the lake. The paddler behind you will invariably splash you a bit as there will be a film of water of the blade at the end of each stroke and during the changeover from paddling on one side to the other. Dress suitable for the water and Temperature.
Bring sunscreen & (optional) insect-repellent.
When on the water, during a bright, sunny day, you will be hit with the sunlight from above and from below. The water surface is very effective at reflecting ultraviolet radiation.
A good sunscreen will reduce your chances of a nasty sunburn. It will also reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancer.
Biting insects are rarely a problem on the water. If you do apply insect repellent, do so out of (and away from) the canoe. The ingredients in many insect-repellent formulations is harmful to painted surfaces and plastics.
What NOT to bring
The fully-loaded outrigger canoe is a bit cramped so space to store gear is very limited. Leave your backpack in the trunk of your vehicle. If your vehicle lacks a trunk, then make certain that you keep your backpack (and phone, wallet, camera, electronic key-fob, or other valuable items) hidden from view.
You have been warned.
Outrigger canoes are ordinarily very stable but they can turn over (huli) in a flash when a paddler leans to the wrong side. Therefore, we advise that you leave phones, cameras, and other electronics hidden in your vehicle. Keys should be hooked – not tied – to a suitable spot on the rigging.
“If it comes into the canoe, it will eventually go into the river.”
Quartermaster
I hate to claim that we have seen it all but we have … pretty much.
Expensive smart phones, key-rings full of electronic keys, cameras, wallets, driver’s licenses, cash (both bills and coins) have all been consumed by Lady Bird Lake.
Don’t become the next victim.
Each paddler assumes full responsibility for any and all personal equipment brought on-board.
In other words, we are not responsible for your lost or damaged property.