FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

DO NOT BEGIN THIS PHYSICAL ENDURANCE CHALLENGE
UNLESS YOU EXPECT TO FINISH. 

YOU SHOULD HAVE SOMEONE YOU CAN CALL TO PICK YOU UP SHOULD YOU QUIT.

• You must stay between the no-wake poles & the shore
  
• Pick up a length of Yellow Tape at the start to wave if you are in distress.
  
• In more than one event? Save your bib!
  
• The local Methodist church will offer lunch plates for a donation.
  
• This is not a guided trip, and you must make your own decisions regarding your abilities and the weather. 
  
• If you must take shelter, please go to the nearest covered pier, but be respectful of owners and attempt to get their permission. 
  
• Parents are responsible for their children at all times.
  
• Drink before you get thirsty.
  
• We have no official rest stops. If you need rest, just find shallow water or dry land and take a break. Be nice to the landowners and they might get you a drink.
  
• Park rangers will patrol the lake if you need emergency assistance. Other volunteers in civilian boats will also help you.
  

What to bring

We'll patrol the lake and may see you a few times, but here's some good, worst-case advice: Be prepared to be all alone out there.

Kayak or canoe, paddles, PFD


Water & Snacks - Carry more than you need so you can give some to somebody who flipped their kayak.


Plastic Bags - Seal everything up tight for when you flip your kayak.


Comfy Seat - Yes, it's 14 miles


Also helpful - Long-sleeve shirt, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen

Listen to your teacher! 
We've adopted themes to make Take the Lake unique and fun each year, 
and for 2012, we're paying tribute to educators.  
So, please forgive us if we sound a bit like 
your third-grade teacher...

The Take the Lake Paddle

Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 8 a.m.
Assembly: Dale’s parking lot, from 7:15–7:45 a.m. 
Instructions begin: 7:45 a.m. sharp

Paddle Training schedule

By July 1: 
Paddle for at least 30 minutes 
in a single outing at least once.

By Aug. 1: 
Paddle for at least one hour 
in a single outing at least once.

By Sept. 1: 
Paddle for more than one hour 
in rough water in a single outing.

SAFETY NOTE: N.C. boating laws require everyone in a canoe or kayak to have access to a Type I, II or III personal flotation device (cushion, ring or vest, etc.) and everyone under age 13 to wear a vest. 
N.C. Wildlife rangers patrol this lake regularly to enforce boating laws.

But, can you do it? 
Do not attempt this Personal Endurance Challenge if you cannot easily: Paddle for one hour, and paddle in rough water.

The above schedule is a minimal training estimate for an average person and it in no way guarantees success. Always consult a health or fitness professional before embarking on a new exercise regimen.

Class Guidelines

• Children under age 16 will not be allowed to paddle on their own, and must have an adult who is a capable paddler in their boat or a second boat. 
• An underrated paddle, with three areas of interest as you cruise past homes on the northern and western shores, along wilderness of the state park, and on the peaceful eastern shoreline.
• Up to two registered participants in a craft. Each must provide "their share" of the effort. This is not a leisurely family outing, and children under age 8 are not permitted. 
• You will receive final orders on the direction of travel shortly before mission class, based on wind conditions.  Keep your craft between the “no-wake” poles and the shore; if you venture outside this zone, you will flunk.
• If you must recess, make camp on the nearest pier. Be respectful of the owners and attempt to get permission.
• Kayaks are the crafts of choice; canoes are popular, but will make a passing grade more difficult, and if you try to use a paddleboat, you will likely drop this course.
• Volunteers from the PTA  will patrol the lake, should you need support.
• Depending on your craft, skill and pace, this exam should last between 3-6 hours.