2007 Rendezvous > FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Q1 - How much does it cost to participate?

There is no charge for participating in the Tour. However, depending on the reach you are canoeing, there may be a small fee for food and canoes if you are not able to provide your own. The Tour is intended to include those of all canoeing abilities. Many reaches will accommodate those with limited canoeing experience. Participants may canoe for as little as one day or they may do the entire trip. Some participants will camp along the route, others will return home in the evenings as they choose.

Q2 - How will citizens that want to paddle a portion of the tour or volunteer to assist sign up?

A web-based sign-up is available at www.internationalwaterinstitute.org/redriverlake.htm where paddlers will register for the day(s) they wish to paddle and volunteers can indicate their availability to help. Once registered, further information will be provided to paddlers and volunteers regarding trip logistics and details. Everyone should also regularly check the website for updates on Tour celebrations, and the status of paddling questionable reaches if water levels are low.

Q3 - If I bring my own canoe or kayak, will shuttling service be provided at the start or end of the day?

As needed, shuttling services will be available at the end of the day to take you back to the starting point to pick up your vehicle.

Q4 - Are canoes available if I don’t have one available?

Yes, a limited number of canoes, paddles, and PFDs will be available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis for those that need them. These will be available on-site at the start of the trip day you plan to paddle, though you need to reserve them ahead of time. Tour organizers will store these items at the end of the day and give paddlers a ride back to the starting point to pick up their vehicles.

Q5 - What other items should paddlers plan on bringing along?

A suggested trip list of equipment and supplies will be provided to paddlers after they register. In the meantime, you may browse http://paddling.about.com/od/whattopack/a/canoedaytriplis.htm for a general list of gear to consider for a canoe day trip.

Q6 - I’m considering doing more than one day, are camping facilities available?

The Tour will make use of campground facilities where they exist in each community or arrangements will be made for using suitable private property along the Red Lake River on those days when the Tour stops between communities. Paddlers are expected to provide their own tents and camping gear. More information will be provided on camping options to registrants for the reaches you sign up to paddle. Options also exist for transporting people to/from the nearest community if individuals are interested in staying at local motels rather than camping.

Q7 - What if there is not enough flow in the river to conduct the tour?

If water levels are deemed too low for safe, timely passage of a particular reach, paddling that reach of river will be cancelled and those not able to paddle may elect to join a passable reach further downstream. However, these reaches may be able to be covered with possible portaging around areas with particularly low water. Generally, most gear will be transported via land carriers, thus portaging should be relatively easy. Check www.redlakerivercorridor.org during the tour for the latest information on water levels and reach plans.

If reaches are impassable, it may result in down days of no paddling so as to stay on the overall planned schedule. Options will be considered on such days to shuttle to canoe-able waters for demos and other water-based fun or consider land-based alternatives such as hikes of natural areas, visit county museums, and other local highlights as day trips.

Q8 - What will occur in case of inclement weather?

If stormy weather is forecast, the start time may be delayed or paddling the reach cancelled if stormy conditions persist throughout the day. If stormy conditions arise while paddlers are on the water, they will pull off and take what cover they can at the discretion of the Section Captain. Individuals are responsible for having raingear or other personal gear along to be able to deal with normal inclement weather. Radio gear will be available for emergency coordination.