I have been organizing and leading river trips for over 20 years now and I have made some tactical errors in my day and I have learned a lot in the process.  I hear stories of trips that occur (no DDRC ones, thank goodness) that I just have to wonder how no one was injured or worse.

When you dig deeper into the story there are always tell tale signs that should have been really apparent to whoever was in charge that are simply overlooked.   This is what I call knowing "When to Say When" and stopping a potentially disastrous trip before it starts.

1. Where is your destination and what do you know about it?                         

 Have you ever been on this reach before?  How reliable is your information about access, camping areas and river conditions?  River info that is more than a year or two old may no longer be valid.  If you don't know the river personally, you should seek advice from someone who does.

 Have you studied the river level history and inquired as to what constitutes too much or too little flow?  Too much and your camping areas may be submerged, too low and you can find yourself dragging down the river or worse having to climb down dry rapids and drops.

 Do you have a good quality map of the river. Did you look at it on Google Earth and mark potential campsites or hazards on your GPS. When I say GPS , I mean a real GPS, not your phone. (more on this later).

 Have you mapped out a daily plan that allows at least two hours daylight AFTER you reach camp?

 2. Who is coming with you.

  Are you and those in your group physically able to handle the physical exertion required to make your daily distance and any other obstacles that might be encountered.

 Does your group have the appropriate gear for the weather and water conditions? For example if you are on mostly white water river camping out of a sit in kayak, so all of your worldly possessions for the next several days are in there, do you have a decent spray skirt? If its going to be raining  and cold, do you have the right outer wear.

 If you trip is going to be out in the boonies where there is no cell service, do you have a REAL GPS (properly loaded), a weather radio, a compass and actual maps? Who in your group can use any of these devices? A GPS with Satellite capabilities, is a good thing, but not a show stopper.

Do you have proper safety gear, throw bags, rescue rope, web slings , pulleys and carabiners? Do you know how to use them?  Is there a properly stocked first aid kit?  A basic boat repair kit?

 Who is your check in person who knows where you are going and your float plan and when you supposed to launch and land? Does that person have all the necessary emergency number if you miss your check in?

3. If you do not have good answers to ANY of the above. Say "When" and stop right there.

4. If you arrive at your destination and any member of your group does not have the right gear. Either leave them on the bank or say "When"

5. If the weather has not cooperated and the river is too high or too low and looks to be above the ability of anyone in your group, say "When"

6. If you even for a minute consider doing the trip anyway  because you took the time off and you drove all the way out there, Don't.

We have been very fortunate over the years not to have had any serious incidents, but though things have gone a little sideways at times, we have been able to effect rescues, get people help and overall keep people safe. If you apply these simple rules, you will too