How to Shuttle a Canoe Upstream

When the urge to take to the water and paddle into the wilds hits you, plan the trip to avoid post-trip shuttle hassles. One of the keys to canoe trips with a different take-out from the put-in is the shuttle. Depending on your river or lake of choice location, use local shuttle providers. If you are a true do-it-yourselfer, plan the shuttle within the party and make sure you have a set of wheels with canoe racks waiting for you, post trip.

Things You'll Need

  • Trip plan and pen with paper
  • Car key hiding place
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write down your trip route, dates, estimated time of arrival (for the take-out), number of canoes and people in the party and pets on the trip. It is important to write down both the number of canoes and the number of people, as these may be different; if search parties are looking for canoes, it helps them to know how many are supposed to be in the party.

    • 2

      Photocopy the section or the map with your route highlighted and include it with the trip plan from Step 1. Write down emergency contact numbers should you be late to the take-out.

    • 3

      Arrive at the designated put-in and unload the canoes, gear and pets along with the canoe team members. Have one team member follow you to the take-out.

    • 4

      Drive to the take-out and leave one car with canoe racks in the parking area. Put the trip route information in an envelope and mark it with "Trip Plans: Emergency Numbers" and leave it on the dashboard of the shuttle car. Lock the vehicle and hide the key under a rock or object you are sure to remember.

    • 5

      Upon arrival at the take-out, load canoes and at least one other person and drive to the upstream location (put-in). Retrieve the other vehicle(s) and return to the take-out.