How experienced are the trip leaders? What are their responsibilities?
All trips have a Leader, most also have a Co-Leader. They must have taken the group’s Leadership Training course, and gone on a number of trips as Leaders In Training. When they lead a trip, they will already have paddled the river, maybe many times in different water and weather conditions, and will be able to alert the group to portages, good routes down rapids, good scouting spots (and good lunch spots and scenic photo ops!). If you would like pointers on paddling technique or help with a particular maneuver, they and other experienced paddlers along on the trip will be happy to give you their close attention – they are a tremendous source of know-how and friendly advice. However, as noted above, they are not guides or outfitters hired to look after you on the river; you should not paddle beyond your abilities and expect the leaders to be your rescue squad.
