ALL ACTIVITIES - PRIOR TO TRIP
1. Ensure that you are fit enough for the degree of difficulty of the trip. If in doubt discuss with the leader well prior to the trip.
2. Arrive at starting point on time.
3. Carry sufficient water for conditions of the trip, generally a minimum of one litre, or two litres or more in hotter conditions.
4. Ensure you are suitably equipped including first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, food, rain gear, whistle, torch and appropriate clothing and footwear. A map and compass may also enhance your enjoyment of the trip.
5. Ensure you complete the sign on sheet after reading the Risk Waiver and noting any risk warnings.
6. Remember to bring a sense of humour and adventure. Our leaders are all volunteers so please remember to be patient and kind.

DURING THE ACTIVITY
1. If you require medication (eg Asthma treatment), make sure you carry your medication with you at all times
2. Follow the leader's instructions. Remember your leader has your welfare at heart. Be courteous, co-operative and helpful to other participants in the group.
3. Generally you should not leave the activity early unless pre-arranged, but if it is necessary you must advise the leader and if requested, sign off on the activity sign on sheet. You must accept a leader's decision to send someone with you to accompany you out.
4. Do not allow yourself to become separated from the group. If experiencing any difficulty such as pace, blisters, shortage of water, advise the leader immediately. Participants should endeavour to maintain a line of sight with people in front and behind them.

5. Car pooling is recommended. If you car pool, the following maximum cost sharing foruma will apply: 10 cents per kilometre plus the cost of fuel for the trip and tolls and park entry fees, divided equally amongst the occupants of the vehicle (including the driver). Adopted at Committee Meeing 19th July 2006.
6. It is your responsibility to allow sufficient distance between yourself and the participant in front so that you are not injured by branches flicking back.
7. Do not fall behind the person appointed 'tail' for any reason without advising the 'tail'.

AT THE END OF THE TRIP
1. Ensure the leader is aware you have made it to the end.
2. Remember to thank the leader.                                                               Back to Top

PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES - ABSEILING/CANYON TRIP
In addition to the above it is recommended that you follow Basic Rope Sports Guidelines (climbing, abseiling, canyoning, caving)
1. Carry sufficient equipment
2. Carry your own harness, buckles, prussik loops, carabinas and be able to use them
3. Wear suitable protective clothing
4. Carry a knife for use in emergencies
5. Know, as a minimum, how to tie and the correct use for a tape knot, bowline, double fisherman's knot, prussik knot and figure eight knot
6. Be competent at choosing and setting up anchors and belays
7. When abseiling using two ropes, make absolutely sure that the end to be pulled to retrieve the ropes is clearly marked and remembered, (eg by putting a distinctive knot in it.)
8. Know rope rescue procedures
9. Ensure you know the call "ROCK!"
10. Ensure you appreciate the dangers of a fall whilst getting onto or off a rope.
11. Ensure you use clear and agreed communication signals
12. Double check your harness, buckles and knot before climbing or before committing to the rope.
13. Ensure the first and last person to abseil has the equipment and the ability to prussik
14. Ensure that long hair, loose clothing, straps etc are tied back whilst abseiling

GUIDELINES FOR THE CARE OF ROPES & EQUIPMENT
1. Before using a rope, run your hands along the entire length to check that the inner part of the rope is intact and free of soft spots or other defects.
2. Avoid treading on a rope.
3. Beware of sharp or jagged rock edges and other sources of rope damage. Use a rope protector if appropriate.
4. Check metalwork, prussik loops, tapes etc for signs of damage.
5. Destroy any gear that may have had its strength compromised.

CANYON GUIDELINES
1. Take account of the likely weather conditions (ie potential for flash flooding) before commencing and notify the leader.
2. In canyons where swimming may be necessary ensure you are a strong swimmer.
3. Ensure you are careful and aware of dangers in aerated water at the base of a falls - where a swimmer can more readily sink.