Welcome to paddling with the AMC. This (Web Edition of this) booklet explains how the AMC NY-NoJ Chapter runs its canoe and kayak program, why we do many things, and other information that can help you to join with us in the enjoyment of this wonderful activity for all. If you still have questions after reading this booklet, you may call a Trip Leader or the Canoe & Kayak Committee Chair whose name and number are listed in the front of the Chapter Schedule.
AMC trips go on all kinds of rivers from the easy brown water rivers of southern NJ to the most difficult whitewater in the world. Usually our trips are two-day (weekend) events with car camping overnight at a convenient campsite. Most trips feature community cooking for dinner Saturday evening and Sunday breakfast. The camping gear is locked in the cars and only lunch and small personal items are taken on the river.
Paddlers for only one day may be accepted, but it depends on the availability of equipment and the leader's trip plans. A few trips are scheduled for a single day. One or two trips a year are expedition trips, carrying all camping gear in the canoe and camping overnight on the river bank. These trips are usually identified as expedition trips in the schedule. We also have river clean up trips and river clearing trips.
All our canoe and kayak trips are graded from BW (Brown Water) through four whitewater classes, Class 1-4, with Class 4 being the most difficult. BW and Class 1 trips are usually suitable for beginners. They are not always "easy", but they don't require the paddling skills needed for more difficult whitewater.
Our Training Program offers courses designed to teach beginners basic canoeing skills to advanced whitewater skills for more experienced paddlers. The skill level of these courses is specified in the schedule, and they usually fill very early.
You do not need to own a boat or have a partner to paddle with the AMC. Although many of our paddlers do own canoes or kayaks, most learned to paddle using Club equipment. The Club owns and rents to members several types of boats, life jackets (PFD's), and paddles. Rental rates are approximately ½ of the livery rates on comparable water.
Children (under 18) are usually welcome on Club canoe and kayak trips, but they must be accompanied by a parent or adult legally responsible for them. You must provide a LIFE JACKET for small children. The Club has a few jackets for larger children. Check with the leader to find out if they are available for your use.
The Club expects normal wear and tear due to usage of its boats. However, if a boat you rent from the Club is lost or severely damaged, each person is responsible for a maximum liability of $50. for most canoes or kayaks.
On many Club trips the trip leader will assign paddling partners. Paddle partners are assigned because many Club members don't have regular partners, to help newcomers improve their skills, to balance skills among the boats, to match paddling styles, and sometimes to resolve personal differences. When you become more skillful and better acquainted, you can usually choose your own partner.
AMC canoe and kayak trips are not catered affairs; you will be expected to share in the various unloading, loading, camping and cooking chores that make our trips successful and inexpensive.
All Club canoe and kayak trip leaders are unpaid volunteers who donate their time and skills for the benefit of the Club members, and all paddlers are urged to cheerfully support the leader's decisions. Please don't make it more difficult for the leader by not showing up for the trip, bringing your pet on the trip, canceling the night before the trip, or bouncing your deposit check.
As a rule, canoe and kayak trips are not canceled for bad weather, but trip plans may be altered by changing water levels and the weather. The weather frequently changes - sometimes for the better - and, although the weather may be miserable where you are, it may be gorgeous where you are going. Sometimes the opposite happens, too!
AMC canoe and kayak trip registration is BY MAIL ONLY and usually closes on Friday, eight days before the trip. It is not complicated, but there are some things that you must include in your registration.
You will need each of the following 5 items for kayak or covered canoe paddling: 1) Boat; 2) Spray skirt; 3) Paddle; 4) Helmet; 5) PFD. When registering, please indicate if you will need any, or all, of these from the Club. Also note if you are requesting any specific Club boat. Leaders will attempt to honor these requests when possible. If you are requesting equipment, please indicate your approximate weight and height to assist the leader in assigning an appropriate boat, paddle, etc. Because leaders are likely to need to speak with you, please include any daytime phone number(s), fax number(s), beeper(s), or e-mail address(es) to give the leader more options to get through to you.
You should mail your registration to the trip leader as soon as you know you want to go on their trip. Some trips fill up very quickly. Your deposit will be returned if your registration is incomplete or the leader cannot accept you on the trip. Your deposit will be forfeited if you cancel after registration closes and you cannot be replaced.
A few days before the trip, you should receive the dope sheet (see item 3 above), which includes the names and phone numbers of others coming on the trip to help you make transportation plans. The leader does not arrange car pools.
Last updated: January, 2000