The Bayou Haystackers Paddling Club, hereinafter referred to as “BHPC”, is no longer an American Canoe Association (ACA) Paddle America Club. However BHPC Outings still follow similar guidelines to those of the ACA.

Outings will be understood as any activity or event, which is sponsored by the BHPC. Other activities or events, which may appear in the official BHPC publications source, and are not sponsored by BHPC, will not be an Outing of the BHPC.

Clinics, Socials, and Paddling Outings:

The purpose of the event will be set by the BHPC who will determine the regulations and guidelines for the event. Anyone not following or disregarding the BHPC regulations and guidelines for the event, will be politely asked to leave the event.

PADDLING OUTINGS

Trip Participants Responsibilities

1. Do not attend any trip beyond your ability.
2. Contact the Trip Coordinator at least three (3) days before the trip. If you are scheduled to attend a trip but decide not to go or cannot make the trip for any reason please contact the Trip Coordinator and let him/her know.
3. Find out all information about the trip.
4. Be on time at the meeting place.
5. You are responsible for your own equipment, food, transportation, (wearing a personal flotation device is mandatory). Weather conditions should be considered. Be prepared for all types of weather. If it appears that you cannot comply with this requirement you will be politely asked to leave the Outing.
6. Anyone that does not fully understand the BHPC Outings Procedure, and openly disregards these regulations will not be allowed to participate in the Outing.
7. Follow directions of the Trip Coordinator.
8. Keep the boat (or shuttle car) in front of and behind you in sight at all times. If you lose sight, stop, wait, then search.
9. Leave the river and environs cleaner than you found them.
10. Fully complete the applicable waiver form.

Trip Coordinator’s Responsibilities

1. Be familiar with the river and surrounding area, put-ins, take-outs, and safe water
   levels. Obtain maps when needed.
2. Determine the meeting place and time and camping arrangements.
3. Have a list of names, phone numbers and email addresses of trip participants, so they can be contacted if necessary.
4. Select and/or offer an alternate trip if necessary.
5. Limit the number of participants if necessary; divide into smaller groups when needed.
6. The Trip Coordinator can set Outings regulations such as: number of boats/people/tents; no smoking; no animals; and any other requirement that will insure the safety, intent, and tranquility of the Outing.
7. Try to screen participants and, when necessary, politely refuse to take any paddler who you feel is not qualified. Suggest another more suitable trip.
8. Check all boaters for proper equipment.
9. The Trip Coordinator is responsible for the safety of the entire group. If he/she feels that the Outing will be too difficult for any person, the Trip Coordinator has the right to refuse that person to participate in the Outing.
10. Lead, or assign the lead, to a boater who knows the river; assign a skilled sweep boat to bring up the rear.
11. Acquaint the group with plans and organization of the trip, including the lunch stop and anticipated hazards.
12. Anyone not following the guidelines of the Outing and/or the Trip Coordinator, will be politely asked to leave the Outing.
13. Respect the rights of property owners and thank them for river access and camping privileges.
14. Fill out and submit your Trip Coordinator packet.

Anyone desiring to participate in any Outing with the BHPC does hereby declare that they fully understand and accept the following facts about paddle sports:

Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, on any body of water exposes the participants to various safety hazards. I alone am responsible foe my safety when I choose to participate in this, or any activity with the BHPC. I understand reasonable efforts will be taken to ensure the safety of all participants. I will not do anything to jeopardize my safety or the safety of the other participants, and will follow any instruction given me. I will assist my fellow paddlers to the best of my own personal skill and ability if they appear to need my assistance, but only so long as I can do so, in my opinion, without significant danger to myself. I further understand that I have no legal duty to assist others, nor does anyone else have a legal duty to render such assistance to me.

By participating in any BHPC activity I certify that I am in good physical condition, that I have no physical or other condition, or injury that would prevent me from participating in this activity. I fully understand and agree that, when I participate in paddle sports, there is always that possibility of unknown, uncontrollable danger and accidental or other physical injury, and I willingly assume and accept that risk.