Wilderness Paddling
 

 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

“Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey

 


Wilderness Chair  chorbert13@gmail.com   401-934-9212

 

 

RICKA Wilderness Trips are limited to small groups of experienced paddlers, capable of multi day trips in a variety of paddling conditions. Paddlers may be asked about past experience or other limitation before being allowed to participate. Trip coordinators may strongly urge some boaters not to participate if you are not suitably equipped or do not have adequate experience. Because your choice of boat (Canoe or Kayak) can affect the entire group, some types or style of boats my be restricted by the trip coordinator. You must be able to maintain directional control of your boat at all times and have the endurance to maintain the pace set by the group. You the boater, however, must always be responsible for your own safety and the ultimate judge of your own skills. 

 

     

 Wetsuits, drysuits or spare clothes in a dry bag are mandatory Octover through May.

PFDs - mandatory.

Note: Inflatable PFDs (life vests) are not acceptable for paddling on RICKA Wilderness trips.

Kayak sprayskirts for Class 1 and higher rivers mandatory

Bailing scoops for canoes (highly recommended)

Rescue throw bags or lengths of rope (highly recommended)

Towline bags (highly recommended)

Lunch, drybags, drinking water and sunscreen

A Cold Weather Caution

 How to Make a Float Plan


RICKA Wilderness Paddling message board  

The Wilderness message board is a public service to the paddling community.  It will strive to have an open policy on postings. Any board poster may initiate these paddles. Please be aware that RICKA club members may not know the paddler or know of his abilities. He may be wonderfully qualified, or he may be proposing something that is at the limit of his abilities. Paddlers should avoid rivers at flood stage and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees.  Familiarize yourself with river levels and descriptions. Assess your own skill level and the people that you will be paddling with. You can always go home for the day or walk around a difficult rapid. Educate yourself about safety and carry appropriate gear, clothes, water, food etc. Ask the trip coordinator questions before embarking.  

 

Report broken links, questions or concerns to the Webmaster.

 

Any paddle sport is an assumed risk sport. Some aspects of canoeing and kayaking involve the risk  of serious injury or death. The Rhode Island Canoe/Kayak Association (Rhode Island Canoe Association, Inc.), although safety conscious, cannot guarantee your personal safety in club activities. Each participant is responsible for his or her own training in boating and rescue techniques, equipment, and personal well-being when engaging in or attending club-organized activities.