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Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board
Re: Quadra Island Trip Observations
Posted By: Wayne Smith In Response To: Quadra Island Trip Observations (Byron Lawrence)
Date: Friday, 1 October 1999, at 9:56 p.m.
Byron,
Try to take some positive lessons from the experience if you can. I've had only positive experiences with outfitters to date, however, I backed out of a trip to the Adirondacks last fall which turned out to be worse than you describe (Example, the guide didn't have a working stove, and asked the people in the group if they brought one. And that was only the beginning....).
> (1) The trips were advertised as suitable for beginners. On the first and
> fourth days of the trip, we had to paddle nearly ten miles. On the second
> day we did nearly six miles, during which we did a very high wind/wave
> passage that was fairly intense for this intermediate paddler.Can't comment on the distance --- I'm just getting interested after about 6 miles. But next time, ask for an itinerary in advance with full details. Most good outfitters are more than happy to provide same.
> (2) There was no pre-trip orientation re: safety, emergencies, etc. During
> the day, the leader was typically separated from the group and had the
> only pump and paddle float among four boats.Totally inexcusable. Safety is priority #1. Having fun is #2. Once again, ask in advance -- grill them if you feel the need; it's both your money and your life! Not only should there have been an orientation, but the guide should have sized up everyone's skill level before setting out.
> (3) The food was mediocre at best. On the fourth day, we were offered
> bread, cheese and coffee for breakfast. For lunch we were offered the same
> thing. (We later discovered that there was considerably more fruit,
> salami, etc., but the leader had not bothered to offer any to us.) This is
> not the type of "fuel" I need/expect when paddling ten miles.Food is a subjective topic, but I hear you on this one. I wouldn't complain personally, because I go into "it's energy" mode in the backcountry, and would likely eat anything put in front of me. The last two guided trips I've done (Alaska and Nova Scotia)had excellent food, and lots of it.
> (4) When I needed a band-aid for some barnacle cuts which were becoming
> inflamed, the leader rummaged around in his small, fist-sized med. kit and
> found that he could spare only 1, non-waterproof band-aid and a bit of
> betadine.Once again, inexcusable. Carry your own first aid kit in the future, just in case. I do. Best not to chance it.
Ask tons of questions, ask for an equipment list (What the guide will have, and what you should bring), an itinerary, ask for references, be picky about gear. You can't be too thorough. Sorry you had a bad time, but as I said, make it a positive lesson for the future.
Wayne
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