Tag: covid

We are hoping for a lot of snow this winter to avoid losing so much of our whitewater options in the summer on the dam-controlled rivers: Kennebec, Dead River, Seboomook and the Rapid River like we did last year. The 2022 trip schedule is a work-in-process and will be revised. We will attempt to keep the trip schedule on our Calendar page as up-to-date as possible, but please check with the Trip Coordinator to be sure of the details of any scheduled trip.

The vote at the Cook’s Meeting in January was to basically keep the current COVID-19 protocols in place. With all the variants, no one knows exactly what works and what doesn’t. People have to feel comfortable and the trip leaders will have the guidelines they want to use. Below is the COVID general protocol from Helen:

Hello Paddlers!

The spring season is upon us, and we’ve got a large and diverse set of trips scheduled. There’s something there for everyone. We will continue to take appropriate precautions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As always, the TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip. Please check in with the TC several days ahead of time regarding a scheduled trip. And, if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip.

Participants should wear a well-fitting mask when in close contact to protect themselves and others. N95 or KN95 masks are most effective; double masking with a disposable surgical mask covered with a cloth mask is a good alternative.

Participants should be responsible for their own shuttles, which should be arranged before arriving at the trip site if possible. People have different degrees of vulnerability and different levels of tolerance to risk. Please, respect the choices made by your fellow boaters. 

Have fun and stay safe!

SYOTR

Helen Hess, President

Hello Paddlers,

The PPCS trip schedule is now open, so it’s time to get out the boats.  We will be continuing to take appropriate precautions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As always, the TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip.  The size of the trip may be limited for safety. Less experienced paddlers may be excluded from more challenging runs so that rescues and the physical contact they require are less likely.  Please check in with the TC several days ahead of time regarding a scheduled trip.  And if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip!

Participants should be responsible for their own shuttles, which should be arranged before arriving at the trip site.  Consider a bike shuttle, wearing masks in vehicles with open windows, or riding in the back of a truck.

Participants should wear a mask when in close contact (e.g. loading boats) to protect yourself and others, and for now, skip signing the trip release form.

Have fun and stay safe!

SYOTR

Helen Hess, President

Hello Paddlers,

As you know, in early spring we canceled the PPCS trip schedule due to Covid-19.  While the pandemic is still very much with us, there have been some signs of improvement in Maine in recent weeks (increased testing capacity, very low rates of positive test results, and decreasing numbers of new cases and deaths).  We have also learned a bit more about how to make choices that limit our risk.  Because spending time outdoors while practicing social distancing is considered lower risk, and outdoor activities can be an important part of mental and physical health, the executive committee has agreed that it’s time to reinstate the published PPCS trip schedule in a limited way. 

The TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip.  The TC may decide that the trip cannot be run safely and choose to cancel.  The size of the trip may be limited for safety.  Less-experienced paddlers may be excluded from more challenging runs so that rescues and the physical contact they require are less likely.  These are all decisions the TC may make.  Please check with the TC several days ahead of time regarding scheduled trips.  And if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip!

Participants should be responsible for safely running their own shuttles.  Ideally, a household member who is not paddling will drive the boater’s vehicle if a walk/bike shuttle is not possible.  Alternatives involving the back of a truck or two boaters in a vehicle with windows down for a short shuttle have been used this spring.  But these arrangements should be agreed upon ahead of time.  Do not assume you will be able to get a ride in a shuttle vehicle. 

Although some of the scheduled paddling trips may happen, with appropriate safety considerations, the summer picnic, potluck, and meeting will not be happening at the Forks this year.  Instead, the summer Cooks Meeting will happen via Zoom video conference on Monday, July 27 at 7:30 PM.  Helen Hess will send out details and an invitation to all members via email on that day.  The Swiftwater rescue class that typically occurs on the Friday of the summer picnic weekend is also cancelled.

Club members will make different choices regarding paddling trips. People have different degrees of vulnerability and different levels of tolerance to risk. Please, respect the choices made by your fellow boaters and their shuttle drivers during this reopening of the trip schedule.

Have fun and stay safe!

Kenny DeCoster, President
Helen Hess, Vice President
Ron Chase, Treasurer
Ken Gordon, Secretary
Ryan Galway, Past President

Club Members,

Spring paddling season is upon us. TCs have canceled the first trips over concerns of the pandemic. Yesterday, Wednesday, 3/25, the executive board discussed what we should do in light of the federal and state guidelines for social interactions. The board unanimously voted to cancel all upcoming trips on the PPCS schedule until further notice. We have no idea what regulations might take effect in the near or distant future and therefore we can’t sponsor trips that bring people together and might compromise their health.

This is not to say that members can’t find their own ways to take paddling trips, hopefully following recommendations on sanitizing, group size and social distancing. The list serve is available for all club members to use to communicate with others.
In my opinion, keeping one’s space on the river is doable (not overloading eddies) and driving to the river separately, the trick is the shuttle. Six foot separation in an enclosed vehicle is impossible. Walking or bike shuttles would work. These are suggestions. As a club, we can’t even endorse how to organize or carry out a trip. People will have to use common sense as to whether they can get together and pull off a paddling trip safely.

I can’t believe this is happening during my favorite time of year. Anyone with alternatives or suggestions, we welcome your feedback.

Executive Board:
Kenny DeCoster, President; Helen Hess, Vice President; Ron Chase, Treasurer; Ken Gordon, Secretary; Ryan Galway, Past President