What I Learned Running the Shuttle

The shuttle is a fundamental part of paddling. It often includes piles of boats on roofs, paddlers jammed inside cars, and “hero tales" – epic stories of great runs and even greater wipe-outs of the past. More importantly, though, the shuttle is your first opportunity to meet the paddlers who will become your teammates for the rest of the trip.

Like many other types of outdoor adventures, most paddling trips follow the common adventure model. Under the common adventure model, the group works together as a team to get everyone safely through the trip. Implicit in this arrangement is that everyone will self-select – only joining trips where they have the skills and equipment necessary to successfully complete the run.

Those shuttle stories have two purposes. Not only are they entertaining, they are also the first opportunity for group to take stock – is everyone up to the task, and do we have the skills that we need given the group that has assembled. 

Paddling is both an individual and a group sport - individual since everyone does the trip in their own boat, but group since we travel as a team, waiting for each member to complete challenging features before moving on. 

Often the best paddlers were the quietest on the shuttle – they let their paddling speak for itself. Paddling with someone in over their head can be a frustrating and perhaps dangerous experience, but once on the water we are all in it together. If you are paddling a trip at the edge of your skill level, it's best to let other members of the team know about it early so the group can plan according.

So don’t be shy – tell your story. The shuttle is an opportunity for you to meet your fellow paddlers, and for the group to start planning the trip. Besides, it's fun to listen to those “hero tales”.