Canoe Trails Training Manual

E - 2
2. Breakfast and Packing Up (cont.) To play safe, fasten all packs and gear to the thwarts so they can't be lost if you should capsize . At least one person in each canoe crew should have a map and compass. Carrying your map where you can look at it whenever you want to during the day will add to the interest of the trip. And, in an emergency, knowing where you are at each moment might be important. Each day, in rotation, one crew has the responsibility for guiding the group. The guides' canoe goes first all day, except as the guides may designate some other canoe to take the lead at a particular time. The guides find the portage and set the course on open water. Their decisions may, however, be questioned by anyone who believes they are making a mistake, so they must know what they are doing and why. At the end of the day's travel, the guides pick the spot for camp, subject to approval by the group leader. It is most important that each and every person in the group has a working knowledge of compass and map reading . Cruising Once under way, don't try to race. Travel with quick, short, easy strokes at a pace you can keep up all day long. Keep the canoes of your group within hailing distance, close together if the water is rough. Take advantage of the lee shore of islands to protect yourself from the wind and
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