Organising OCA Events

One of the important areas of the O.C.A. is the calendar of events which members arrange for the benefit of others. We need to expand those who take on this responsibility and to put on events in those areas where there is perhaps little happening.

You do not have to be a high-flying coach to put on an event. Anyone can do it. From little acorns….

Here are some suggestions, which hopefully will encourage you to take the plunge.

Venue
Day trip
Consider if the trip you require is one that most can attend or one where a certain skill level is needed. This needs to be clear.
Ensure access to the water has been cleared. If you are local to the event you will probably have this information. Alternatively speak to your local access officer for up to date information.
Is there sufficient parking at the start and the end or at least close at hand. Is a shuttle necessary - probably the hardest skill in canoeing to master! Shuttles can take an inordinate amount of time and if the trip will involve critical timing (e.g. use of tides) it can be a problem.

Weekend
You will need to look for a campsite within reasonable distance to the chosen venues, as again a long drive can delay matters with a large convoy. Consider car sharing or use of trailers. Make sure you have a lead car and a back marker and that drivers have some inkling of the destination.
I would suggest that the campsite does have some facilities. A hot shower is always welcome. An understanding owner wi11 help, as definite numbers of attendees is not easy to
ascertain. This is not usually a problem outside of the main holiday seasons.
A site with a local pub is handy, although a gathering on site can be fun to meet up with old friends or make new ones. It also keeps the group together.

Rehearsal
I would suggest that the venue be paddled with a few friends before a formal launch, to ensure any obvious problems are identified. Put yourself in the position of an average paddler. Think of a few 'what ifs". Is there any place an route that can be used to let some finish early if tiredness strikes?

Cover
The extent of this will depend on the water paddled. Don't be afraid to ask your local O.C.A. representative to suggest names - make this an early action. On most flat-water trips you want a leader, a back marker and someone else to keep an overall eye on the group.
Additional and experienced help is essential when paddling on white water or the sea. Again ask for help.
Before setting off have a short briefing. This should include who the leaders are, any safety notes (a major problem can be keeping large groups together, which can be frustrating to the slower paddlers and cause problems to the leaders. Those in front should be looking back to ensure no large gaps arise). If putting on a skills event, then qualified coaches would be required or there are always trainee coaches looking for coaching time - ask, ask. I would also suggest that the ratio of attendees to coaches is kept small.




Costing
£
Clearly you should not be out of pocket for arranging the event. You will need to build in the cost of phone calls, stamps etc. the campsite fees, the OCA fee, any expenses you may need to pay out for helpers. I would suggest the latter should have at least free camping and some help towards fuel - you may want them again!


Paperwork
Once you have "tested the water" you need to: -

• Inform the events secretary of the proposed event/trip