Event leaders

Any member can co-ordinate a club event.

Club trips are those posted on the club calendar must be led by a BC qualified or club-approved leader. They are covered by third party liability through BC affiliation.

If you are interested in becoming a club leader, see How to become a club leader

If you are not a club leader you can organise an event and request a leader by using the ‘Request a leader form‘

Rivers in spate, and long complex rapids or high falls that can not be adequately protected, are without the club’s remit.

Any sea journey with wind speeds of force 6 or above would be outwith the club remit.

As a trip leader you will:

• Liaise with the co-ordinator ( if it is not you)
• Consider the risk assessment for the event Risk assessment for river trips or Risk assessment for sea trips
• Ensure a briefing occurs before paddling, carry out a dynamic risk assessment and oversee the safety of all participants during the trip.
• At inspection points ensure all are involved in discussions and ensure safety is set before paddling.
• Report any incident to a club committee member using our Accident/near miss reporting policy.
• Arrange for someone to do a trip report.

How we organise club trips:

LCC trip organisers all use the same system, so that we all know what is expected. 

All guests must sign disclaimer and provide emergency contact details. Guest participation form.

Any trip not on the calendar, or anyone that has not RSVP will not be covered by BC Third party insurance.

The LCC way is:

• A volunteer leader organises a trip at a venue of their choice, on date of their choosing.
• Details added to calendar – see How to add an event to the calendar
• Event open to all members who are at suitable level of experience.
• Participants RSVP to trip (maybe RSVP limit) (only members can RSVP)
• Keep an eye on the calendar entry, as there may be comments or questions from members.
• Communicate any changes to participants by setting up a WhatsApp group or Confirming details, in red, on the previous evening/ early morning of event day.
• Co-ordinate trip on the day – Effective communication with participants, facilitate discussion before paddling, as to how the team dynamic will operate for the trip and at inspection points.
• Trip report produced (with pics) to share with non-participants and help advertise club activity.

Can I organise trip?

Trips are led by a BC qualified or an LCC approved leader. The leader may be supported by others who are willing to be directed. This may include formal leading, but not necessarily coaching or instruction. It is very likely that there will be other very competent paddlers on the trip, many have more experience than the leader. The leader or more experienced paddlers may advise on safety grounds, not paddling a particular rapid / weir /section, etc. 

Those participating should not rely on others to look after their own safety. 

All attending a trip should carry suitable equipment for the level of the trip and be familiar with its use. 

Trips should be fun where we paddle as a team taking joint responsibility for each other’s safety on the water.

Should I organise trip?

It is so good when intended trips are added to the calendar well in advance, so members have time to consider attending.

The club is going through a renaissance at the moment with lots of new members. Since September 2018 we have seen a delightful, swift but unexpected increase in the numbers joining LCC and partaking in trips. in 2022, 33 members co-ordinated club events. We have 41 club leaders. Some members enjoy doing more paddling, people who fancy giving a kayak a go and also experienced paddlers dusting off their old kit, all joining us. It is great! – come along and paddle!! You are all most welcome. But we need more volunteer organisers / leaders to share the load.

Comments from participants on club trips are always supportive and all indicate that there is such appreciation for the event organisers efforts. Organising an event may lift your self-esteem and even improve some life skills. The reality is that only a few are prepared to put their name forward  as organisers. Those members that do currently organise events would welcome a wider input to share the load.

Some say :	So we suggest:
Might not be enough rain!	New location at similar level / cancel
Might be too much rain!	New location at similar level / cancel
Might want to do something else	If we all said this there would be no events
I won’t know who is turning up	It will be the usual members that attend, the ones you have paddled with before
I am not sure if I can do this	LCC will find a mentor to help you  the first few times

When should I think about organising a trip?

As far in advance as you can, especially for weekend or multi-day trips. You can add an event at short notice in response to suitable weather forecasts.

How do I decide which members the trip is suitable for?

We use a system of broad levels for events, Beginner, Improver, Intermediate and Advanced.

Definitions of experience levels

When adding your event to the calendar please use Beginner, Improver, Intermediate or Advanced. Avoid using combinations such as improver/intermediate,  intermediate /advanced.

See also the list of rivers that we typically, but not exclusively, use.

This list is intended to give guidance. Leaders should seek further advice or consult guidebooks to gain more detailed information.

What if I need to cancel a trip?

It may be that a trip has to be cancelled due to unfavourable or adverse weather conditions. This is not a problem – just notify  participants by amending the calendar entry.

If there is personal reason, then it is likely that someone else will step forward, so the trip many proceed.