SAFETY REGULATIONS
1. The routes fit for ± 95 % in waterways of class FW-5 or A (ICF). Which means: routes in low lying (polder)land, with no or hardly flowing water (up to 2 km/h) and almost without shipping traffic.
There are no notable difficulties and obstacles only consist of locks and some culverts. Some basic experience in paddling is satisfactory.
1. The routes fit for ± 95 % in waterways of class FW-5 or A (ICF). Which means: routes in low lying (polder)land, with no or hardly flowing water (up to 2 km/h) and almost without shipping traffic.
There are no notable difficulties and obstacles only consist of locks and some culverts. Some basic experience in paddling is satisfactory.
2. Based on ICF-conditions the following safety regulations are valid:
a. Canoe equipment.
The committee urgently advises to provide the canoe or kayak, which naturally is in a good condition, with buoyancy, in the form of air bags or sealed compartments.
The paddle you use must be of adequate quality and fit your length.
b. Personal equipment.
It is compulsory for kayakkers to have a fitting spraydeck stand by.
At a few larger canals (Van Starkenborg- and Eemskanaal) you may expect tot meet some bigger yachts or freighters. They may cause rather large bow or stern waves, which can have a surprising effect, especially when they are on the quarter. At force 4 Bf or more you also may expect waves at large waters (Reitdiep, lakes). Under these circumstances the committee advises kayakers to wear a spraydeck, provided they know how to remove this under water.
The committee urgently advises to wear an anorak (or other good rainwear) and to have head covering at one's disposal. Protection against rain and bright sun are part of the precautions with regard to physical safety.
The committee urgently advises to bring enough and adequate clothing. Temperatures can vary between 15 and 35 °C!
The committee urgently advises to bring a good (water and windproof) tent. The camping equipment must be in a good condition; in priciple one must be self-supporting in cooking.
Furthermore the committee advises the participants to add a first-aid kit to their personal equipment.
At request the committee wil send you a check-list for canoe-camping.
c. Personal care.
The committee urgently advises to bring good and enough food (full of energy) and to take enough to drink.
d. Decisions of tour direction and injunctions forbidding the use of a waterway.
Participants must obey all decisions of the tour direction concerning personal safety. Unexperienced kayakkers may be obliged to paddle in convoy at larger waters.
In extreme situations (concerning canoe or personal equipment, personal care, weather or other circumstances, ignoring decisions of the tour direction) the committee reserves the right to enforce a partial or total injunction forbidding the use of a waterway on one or more participants. (In these cases there will be no refund of money.)
e. Reporting.
Participants are obliged to report at the start of every tour day which day course they choose and to check oneself out at arrival at the day camping.
Participants are, except for superior power, obliged to report (by telephone) as soon as possible situations in which they or other participants need (medical) help.
