2005 AMC Paddling Schedule
Prepared by Dave Lanman and Rich Sousa
Edited 5/20/05  

Note: Events will be added and other changes will be made to this schedule and will be posted in later issues of Wilderness Matters and on the AMC Maine Chapter Website.  Please see important information following the schedule.

JUNE

June 25, Saturday –  Sea Kayak - Thrumcap Island (South Bristol)  Dave Lanman davidL2@msn.com or 622-2403 & Bob Gonyea

July

Saturday July 16– Friday July 22 - St Croix.  Class I+II  Forest City to Kellyland.  Paddling and camping along the river.  AMC Leaders Phil Haines & Dave Lanman davidL2@msn.com or 622-2403  Trip is FULL, but contact Dave Lanman for waiting list.

Wed, July 6
Saco River. Leisurely after supper paddle on the Saco River. PFD's required. L Bryan Courtois (282-3977 courtois@gwi.net)

Wed, July 13
Saco River. Leisurely after supper paddle on the Saco River. PFD's required. L Bryan Courtois (282-3977 courtois@gwi.net)

Wed, July 20
Saco River. Leisurely after supper paddle on the Saco River. PFD's required. L Bryan Courtois (282-3977 courtois@gwi.net)

Wed, July 27
Saco River. Leisurely after supper paddle on the Saco River. PFD's required. L Bryan Courtois (282-3977 courtois@gwi.net)

AUGUST

August 6, Saturday – August 7, Sunday (arrive by Friday PM) – Androscoggin at Errol and Pontook, Class II  Joint trip with MOAC (Bob Radowicz)  Paddling and stationary camping.  Optional paddling Friday, August 5. AMC Leader Dave Lanman davidL2@msn.com or 622-2403. If interested, contact Dave Lanman ASAP as trip fills quickly. 

Important information about AMC paddling 

The AMC sponsors a range of whitewater, flat water and sea kayak paddling events for the enjoyment of members and guests.  Some events are jointly sponsored with other organizations.  Please fell free to contact Dave Lanman at davidL2@msn.com (622-2403) or Rich Sousa at rich.sousa@att.net (885-0650) if you have any questions about trip details, skill level necessary, equipment needed or want other information.  We may be able to assist less experienced paddlers by pairing them with more experienced paddlers and may help find necessary equipment if we aware of the need in advance.  

AMC trip leaders are experienced volunteers who coordinate events. They are not paid professional guides. There is inherent danger in paddling, especially in the spring, including possible hypothermia or other life-threatening injury from hazards. Each participant is expected to inform the trip leader about his/her paddling experience before registering for the trip, and to keep the trip leader informed about any aspect of his/her condition which could affect safety on the trip. By registering for a trip, the participant agrees to take full responsibility for his/her decision to go on the trip, including choosing whether to paddle in difficult conditions. The participant agrees to cooperate with the trip leader in all aspects of the trip including adhering to safety procedures.  The trip leader may limit or exclude an individual's participation depending on that individual’s experience or preparedness, including equipment.

Please contact the trip leader by the Thursday before the trip. The leader may limit the number of participants on a trip for safety. The leader may cancel or modify a scheduled trip due to water or weather conditions.

Required equipment for participation: 

•      Wet or dry suit for spring trips. 

•      Life jacket worn on all trips. 

•      Helmet for whitewater kayakers on Class 1 or higher, and for canoeists on Class 3 or higher.

•      Flotation in all boats for Class 2 or higher. 

•      Lines or grab-loops, bow and stern.

•      Line to tie down loose gear.

•      Bailer or pump.

•      Paddle float for sea kayakers.

•      Kneelers are recommended for canoes in whitewater.

At the beginning of the trip, participants will be expected to sign the standard AMC waiver, agreeing to take full responsibility for having appropriate skills, physical conditioning, and equipment to participate in the activity.

If you are an experienced trip leader and want to lead a whitewater, flat water, or sea kayak trip please contact Dave Lanman at davidL2@msn.com  or at 622-2403.  If you would like to co-lead, please contact the leader to offer your help.

NOTE REGARDING CLASS 3 AND HIGHER PADDLING

The Maine AMC paddling schedule this season has not included trips in rapids consistently Class III and higher, although some trips may include Class III rapids.

If you are interested in whitewater trips with more challenging rapids, including the Dead River, please contact any of our companion clubs at their websites below.  They run trips in “big water” on a regular basis.

•       New Hampshire AMC: www.nhpaddlers.org,

•       Boston AMC: www.amcboston.org. 

•       Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society: www.paddleandchowder.org.

The Dead River release schedule for 2005 appears below (subject to change). The Dead River Release Schedule is posted for information only. At this time, we are not scheduling Maine AMC led trips on the Dead, a dam controlled Class III-V river. 

* Release ends at 1pm
**Flow change at 11:30am (at Dam) cut @ 1:00pm
***1800 at 11:30am (at Dam) cut @ 1:00pm
****Dam release ends at 11:30am