High adventure activities, by their very nature, demand more from participants than regular camping situations. Activity is at a stronger pace for a longer period of time. Physical and mental conditioning is “a must” for all participants. They will be portaging unimproved and non-maintained wilderness trails between lakes and around rapids. Paddling for several hours each morning and afternoon is the norm, not the exception. While we can scale back the difficulty of a trip for younger / smaller youth, or older / out of shape adults, we cannot eliminate it.

CONDITIONING
A regular exercise program should be implemented for all participants several months prior to arriving in Ely. Activity that is fun will prevent boredom, and participants are more likely to do it more often and for a longer time. Exercising with a friend not only makes the activity more fun, but forces both partners to “stick with it” and not skip a session. Jogging, wind sprints, or climbing long flights of stairs are excellent activities for increasing stamina. This should be done for a dedicated 30 - 60 minutes, every other day. We have found sit-ups to be best for strengthening the stomach muscles; an important aspect of paddling long distances. If a participant puts off their conditioning program until the week prior to departing on the trip, they probably shouldn’t bother at all. It may do more harm than good. As always, it is highly recommended that participants check with a doctor before starting any exercise program.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
For all high adventure activities, the Boy Scouts of America require a physical examination by a doctor, using the Class 3 Personal Health and Medical Record Form, Number 34412. North Country Canoe Outfitters strongly concurs with this requirement, and though we are not affiliated in any way with the Boy Scouts of America, we hope that you will comply with their wishes. A copy of the BSA form is located in the back of this booklet. It is a good idea to include family medical insurance information on the health form for quick reference while away from home.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Check to make sure that all participants are current on their immunizations. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) should have been received by the 12th birthday. All four doses of oral polio vaccine should have been received. Probably the most important for a high adventure trips is tetanus and diphtheria. These should have been received within the past 10 years. Checking with the family physician about a new booster might be a good idea!

Excessive Body Weight:

We strongly recommend that each youth and adult participant on a wilderness canoe trip meet standard height-to-weight guidelines as suggested by your family physician. Party members exceeding normal weight guidelines can put themselves in far greater risk of injury or serious health problems.

The table on the right is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Adult Americans from the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Health and Human Services. It is also included in our Leader's Guide To High Adventure Canoe Trips.

For safety considerations while canoeing, North Country Canoe Outfitters strongly requests that no one exceeding 300 pounds participate in this activity.                                                     

GENERAL OFFICE:  218-365-5581

RESERVATIONS:  800-552-5581

24 HOUR FAX:   218-365-5681

Copyright (C) 1996-2006   North Country Canoe Outfitters   and   John C Schiefelbein