TRIP REGISTRATION FORM: .

or print out this page.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Registration  canoe/2013 Sojourn Registration.pdf ;     Map ;     Surface Water Rescue ;    Evaluation Form  Click here to take survey ;                                  Sponsor Opportunity  canoe/2013 Sponsor Request Upper Swatara.pdf ;  Water Depth ;     Canoe Guide .

Name______________________________________________________

Phone__________          Email ________________________________ 

Address ________________________________  City ________________State____ Zip________

Check All That Apply

________________________  ________________________

your signature                         partner’s signature

In addition to signing this hold harmless release, parents must accompany minors or designate a responsible adult.

____________________________Parent’s signature

Saturday

$30 x ___adults = $_______

$  5 x ___children = $_______

q I will stay for dinner       I will camp overnight

Sunday

$30 x ___adults= $_______

$  5 x ___children= $_______

Annual SWA Membership (optional) $20  $_______

Freewill donation to pay down the mortgage at Swatara Watershed Park  $_______

Total amount enclosed with registration $_______

REGISTRATION: DEADLINE - May 1. 2013 . Mail to SWA, 2302 Guilford St., Lebanon PA 17046. It is important to sign in upon arrival, and so that we know you’re safe, when exiting the Swatara, you must let us know.

YouTube Posts from the 2009 Swatara Sojourn:

Ground Hog Band at the Bordner Cabin lunch stop in Swatara State Park on Saturday, May 2.  12 seconds

SEE YOU ON THE SWATARA!  TIPS

Don’t put your or other people’s lives at risk.  Wear your life vest!

Knowing how to read a river will save you energy and increase your enjoyment on the trip.  The challenge for the canoeist is to find the deeper (darker water) channels.  On a river bend, the water moves faster and is deepest on the outside of a curve.  Choosing these channels can reduce the number of times you “beach” your boat.

While many bends are clear of debris, fallen trees and brush (strainers) also pile up on outside curves.  Strainers trap solid objects such as overturned boats and people, but allow water to pass through.  Always avoid getting swept into the bank or into a strainer.   The order of rescue is people, boats, then gear.

Also, water at the base of a dam creates a hydraulic that can pull you in both tipping and trapping a boat and any occupants.  Because they don’t look dangerous, many drownings occur at low-head dams.  Avoid dams!  Listen to your safety guides.

1)      It’s important that we share the water rights to the Swatara with others.  Display courtesy and respect to landowners, other boaters, and anglers.

2)      No alcohol!

3)      Watch for overhanging trees, brush piles, submerged logs, and rocks that could tip you.

4)      Don’t stand in your canoe.  Keep your weight low.

5)      Put your heavier, and hopefully more experienced canoeist in the rear seat.

6)      To signal the canoes behind you, always expose the flat side of your paddle and:

a.      Extend your paddle to the left to indicate a “left turn.”

b.      Extend your paddle to the right to indicate a “right turn.”

c.      Hold your paddle horizontally overhead to signal a stop.

d.      For help, hold the handle and move the paddle in a circular motion overhead.  If you lose you paddles, swing just about anything (except your partner) overhead.

7)      Upstream “V’s” suggest submerged rocks.  Downstream “V’s” suggest gaps/paths between rocks.

8)      To steer left, paddle hard on the right and/or the rear person can drag his paddle on the left.  To go right, do the opposite.