Dear Dr. Shuttle: Should we fellow paddlers go to the put-in or the takeout first when we are getting ready to shuttle?
Dear Fellow Paddler: The answer is that it depends. The takeout is generally the best place to gather, IMHO. However if most of the paddlers are driving past the put-in on their way to the river, why not stop there, drop boats off, and get enough cars to the takeout to accommodate the return trip?
Dear Dr. Shuttle: Should we wait until everyone arrives to start loading boats?
Dear Boat Loader: My preference is start loading boats on cars as soon as people arrive, particularly if you have a large group. Waiting for everyone to arrive before loading boats could consume time otherwise better spent on the river.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: What should we kayakers do about shuttling the large and awkward-to-load canoes that some of our fellow boaters insist on paddling?
Dear Kayaker: I too am a kayaker, but I love to paddle with canoeists. They have a better view of the horizon line and, in my experience, tend to pick pretty good lines down rapids. But unloading and loading canoes can be a bit of a challenge, particularly to uninitiated kayakers. My own approach is to keep canoes on the vehicles they arrive on, if possible. Worry about them later on the return trip from the takeout. Canoeists will inevitably help you with this dilemma.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: The takeout has very limited space for cars. I am uncertain what to do about this?
Dear Uncertain: I assume you are taking about Patoma Wayside. I may be stating the obvious, but leave as few cars at the takeout as possible. This may require some creative parking, but don’t block any one in other than people on your trip. The same principle applies (in reverse of course) when the put-in has few available parking spots. Getting there early in the day is a useful tip.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: I love to paddle but don’t particularly like to help with the shuttle at the end of the trip. My preference is leave my car at the takeout, load my boat on it ASAP, take off as soon as I can, and wave goodbye to the people driving my fellow paddlers back to the put-in. Is this OK?
Dear One-Way Shuttler: There are few better ways to endear yourself to others on your trip. And no, it is not generally "OK." Granted there may be infrequent occasions when you really need to hit the road as soon as you get off the river. When that is the case, let the trip or shuttle organizer know in advance and provide a convincing reason why you need to be unhelpful.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: I am pretty new to paddling and hesitant to coordinate trips with large groups of people. Organizing the shuttle is the main reason for my hesitancy. What should I do?
Dear Hesitant Trip Coordinator: You should relax. There will be others in your group who are more than happy to help organize the shuttle. In groups of three or more paddlers there will be at least one "know it all" who will take charge. Pay attention to what they do and thank them for their assistance.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: I am coordinating my first club trip and have told everyone to arrive by 10:00 to set shuttle. What time should I arrive?
Dear Early Bird: First of all, I suggest that you set a ready-to-depart time in addition to the arrival time, letting paddlers know when you will be heading to the put-in. Secondly, I recommend getting there at least 15 minutes early and have people start loading boats and gear as they arrive. Or you could arrive at 10:05 and spend another 15 minutes kibitzing before starting to load boats. You are the coordinator, it's your choice.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: Should people change into dry clothes before running the return leg of the shuttle?
Dear Wet Bottom: There are a few factors here to consider here; air temperature, length and duration of the drive, personal preferences. Ultimately the person who is transporting people back to the put-in has the last word. It’s their vehicle you'll be sitting in. Ask them what they want to do. And make sure you leave dry clothes at the takeout.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: We are at the takeout and have loaded boats and are ready to head to the put-in, but one person has not arrived. What should we do?
Dear Ready to Go: I assume you are talking about [insert name of habitual late arriver]. It of course depends. If it is your spouse or partner, I recommend waiting as long as possible. Otherwise wait up to 20 minutes, maybe less for [insert name of habitual late arriver]. When they finally arrive, don’t bother trying to load their boat onto the other vehicles. Just have them drive themselves to the put-in, unless shuttle logistics dictate otherwise.
Dear Dr. Shuttle: We have finished paddling our favorite river and are at the takeout ready to get drivers back to the put-in. Should we load their boats too?
Dear Return Driver: It depends. If it is a long shuttle and/or getting dark, I would try to get boats back along with drivers. Plan this out in advance to make sure you have the capacity to carry boats and paddlers. For a short shuttle, why bother, unless you enjoy loading and unloading boats?
Dear Dr. Shuttle: What is your all-time-favorite shuttle?
Dear Friend: Little Falls, paddling back to Lock 5 via the canal.