All trip leaders should be well versed in assembling and executing a float plan. The float plan covers most of the trip logistics and keeps things well organized. The remainder of this article describes key components of a well thought-out float plan.

Driving Route To And From

When planning a trip, you obviously need to know the locations for the put-in, take-out, and perhaps intermediate take-outs. If possible I like to head to the take-out first, change and head to the put-in with the fewest vehicles possible. There are many situations where we instead meet at the put-in and shuttle with just the drivers. You need to choose which one makes the most sense for your trip. If the paddling destination is a long drive, you should consider carpooling. Carpooling not only saves gas and money, it can also simplify logistics. Google Maps or Mapquest are great resources for choosing the most efficient driving route. I like to share the driving route ahead of time via email. For longer shuttles, a pair of walkie-talkies can be a real godsend. It doesn't hurt to program driver phone numbers in your cell phones as well.

Specific Put-in And Take-out Locations With A Map

Many streams have multiple access locations. Guidebooks or the AW website will help you choose the most appropriate starting and ending locations. You should then identify the specific put-in and take-out via web resources like above or a state Gazetteer map if they are located on dirt roads (common in West Virginia).

Schedules With Approximate Times

I highly recommend publishing a schedule for the drive to and from your destination. The start of the drive out to your trip must me well known along with your cell phone number for emergencies. Don't wait any longer than 30 minutes for late arrivals. For one thing, this just encourages that type of poor behavior. The same is true for the place you plan to meet at like the put-in. If you run into unexpected traffic, call persons in your party to let them know as soon as possible.

Once on the river, identify several points along the run and estimated times for those locations. This schedule need not be distributed - just the approximate take-out time. Once underway, you should have a good handle on your progress. If you are ahead of schedule you can spend more time at play or exploration spots. If behind schedule, you may choose to pick up the pace or spend less time at lunch. Arriving at the take-out approximately on schedule is really important when someone else is running shuttle for you. If you are really late, they may suspect you had an accident on the river and call for help.

Contingency plans for bad weather, health problems or equipment failures
Plans should include evacuation routes

Whitewater rivers are very dynamic environments. River rise and fall, often rapidly. Thunderstorms may force you to wait awhile in a safe location. Paddlers may come down with an unexpected illness (I even got motion sickness paddling on the Upper Yough - no fun). It isn't all that unusual to have a paddle break, someone loses a drain plug, or even a back band break. Some of these events are easy to handle like a spare paddle or hand paddles. A repair kit with a cork, thread, needle, and duct tape fixes all sorts of problems. Your first aid kit may help you address the sudden illness or accident. I also like to identify alternate take-outs and nearby trails or dirt roads. If you discover one of the paddlers is totally unprepared, they may need to take out early and perhaps start walking. If you are on a stream like the Lower Yough with frequent raft traffic, you may be able to bum a ride for someone in an emergency. A good float plan should document some of these alternatives.

Identify Trip Leaders And Participants. Include Contact Telephone Numbers

Part of planning a trip is registering trip participants and determining if this trip is suitable for them. As people sign up for your trip, you should gather contact information like email addresses and especially cell phones. This contact information comes in real handy if you should need to call of the trip due to flooding perhaps.

Emergency Contact Information For Local Rescue Agency(s) And/Or Governmental Agency(s) Responsible For Specific River And Designated Emergency Contact Person For Group

Most juristictions have 911 access these days. It doesn't hurt to get local police and ambulance numbers as well. If your trip is on parkland, document the ranger's phone number as well. It is really handy to have someone back at home as a responsible emergency contact as well.

Distance to and access points for emergency care / evacuation

I like to identify the local hospital or emergency care facility. You can use a Google web search to find this information. You should have some driving instructions from the take-out to this facility.

Attach copies of permits and documentation of permissions from private landowners when appropriate

When you are on private or government land, permits or permission may be required. Sometimes communication on the goverment side doesn't take place as expected. You can save all sorts of grief by printing a copy of relevant permits or permissions given with the name and number of the person that granted access.