Cambridge University Canoe Club

River Briefing Notes

The guidelines are intended to be helpful to those briefing groups before river trips. A summary of this information is available in laminated form for trip leaders. The briefing that you give will depend on the group and the river to be paddled. Make sure that your briefing is pitched at a level where even the least experienced members of the group can understand it. Points that should generally be included are:

• The nature of the river and any likely hazards. A novice group will want a general explanation, more experienced members will want to know about the major drops. Is everyone happy to run the river?
• Who is taking on what roles and what are their responsibilities? Who leads the group, who is back marker, who does the chase boating?
• Order of descent. Will this be fixed throughout? What methods will be used (all together, one at a time, eddy hopping etc.)?
• If a Buddy system is to be used (often a good idea), who is whose buddy?
• Check equipment. Has everyone got appropriate personal equipment?
  • Helmets which fit correctly
  • A buoyancy aid which will not ride up in the event of a swim
  • A spray deck with serviceable release handle
  • Sufficient warm clothing
  • Appropriate footwear
  • Kayak with correctly adjusted footrest and inflated airbags
  • Throwbags – how many, users must carry a knife.
  Who is carrying what group gear?
  • Tape slings + krabs.
  • Group shelter
  • First aid kit
  • Spare clothes and food
  • Hot drinks
  • Split paddles?
  • Torches?
• What signals will be used? Keep the system simple, particularly with an inexperienced group.
• Actions in the event of problems occurring. What to do if broached on a rock, swimming techniques, receiving a throwline. Do not attempt to stand up when swimming in moving water.

Be sure that the group understands – let them ask questions and ask them your own questions to confirm understanding if necessary.