What is POST?

POST is a volunteer run family canoe club that does trips on Class I and II California and sometimes other state’s rivers. The club evolved from an Explorer Post; now it’s Popular Outdoor Sports Trips. We have a website at: http://www.postcanoeclub.org. POST is a not?for?profit corporation affiliated with the American Canoe Association.

What happens on a typical trip? Participants sign up by calling a RSVP phone number or sending an email to the trip leader at least a week in advance. This information is at: http://www.postcanoeclub.org/post_2008_schedule.html. We usually gather early Saturday morning at the storage facility in Point Richmond. Everyone takes part in loading canoes and gear into the club’s trailer and van. At least one other vehicle is necessary for shuttle. If not meeting with the group in Richmond, get the meeting information from the trip leader. For a normal camping weekend trip, the club provides or organizes food for Sat. dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch. All participants share in cooking, cleaning, and other group chores. We often stop at a restaurant on the way home. Always bring a check to pay POST fees at the time of the trip.

What experience do I need? Ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own safety. POST recommends the following guidelines. For Class I day?trips, a basic grasp of flat?water canoeing is needed. River training or experience is required for more difficult trips like: Class I canoe camping; Class II and above; and in bad weather.

How do I get more information? For information about specific trips, contact the person listed on the schedule. For general information about the club, Kit Hewitt, 510-526-3997, or visit the POST website: http://www.postcanoeclub.org.

What does it cost to join POST? When you join POST, you will also join the American Canoe Association. Individual membership is $40, and $55 for families. You will receive the POST information and schedule by email and the ACA’s Paddler Magazine. To join, contact the Secretary, Keith Gale at keith_gale@hotmail.com. POST application forms and ACA waivers are on the POST web site, http://www.postcanoeclub.org. There is an e-list you can join for up-to-the-minute messages, schedule changes and trip reports.

What does it cost to go on a POST trip? All participants pay $8 to the club treasury. Non? ACA members pay an additional $15. (For day trips the fees are $5 for Treasury plus $5 more for non members). Food is $12 per day (3 meals). If you cancel less than 5 days before the trip, you must still pay for food. Riders in the POST van pay $.08 per mile. Total cost for a child through the age of 10 is $5. For youths age 11 through 17, pay one half the adult fees. Generally, the club pays for campsite fees for enough campsites to cover the group. Individuals camping away from the group and/or driving their own vehicle may have to pay their own campsite, or parking fees. There may be additional fees on some trips for a hired shuttle service or other services, if warranted. Fees are subject to change.

What do I need in order to go on a POST trip? POST has a complete camp kitchen a passenger van, an 8 boat canoe trailer, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and helmets. These are all available for member use on club trips. If you have your own boat and equipment, you are welcome to use them and they can be carried on the POST trailer. Usually, you must bring your own lunch for the first day, a full water bottle, and personal camping gear. POST does have a few large dry bags to loan out. All participants must sign an ACA/POST waiver.

What information does the trip planner need? When calling to RSVP, let the trip planner know what your skill level is. List rivers you have run and courses you have taken. Also tell them if you need a POST canoe or equipment. What kind of boat are you paddling? Will you ride in the POST van? Do you need a paddling partner? Are you bringing a friend? Will you paddle solo? Do you have food restrictions/allergies/vegetarianism? We try to do some matchmaking of tandem partners but this is not the trip planner’s responsibility. Mention if you are willing to car pool with other trip participants.

How do I get to POST events? POST has a passenger van and an 8 boat canoe trailer, so we usually meet in Point Richmond where they are kept. You do not have to come to Point Richmond to join a trip but, if you are in the area or are planning on using a club canoe, we need your help loading the boats and equipment. It is especially nice if you are there to pick out your POST PFD and make sure the right canoe for you to use is loaded.