Essential Eligibility Criteria for Multi-Sport Trips

Essential Eligibility Criteria: These criteria, if not met, will disqualify a person from participating in a river trip with OARS. The criteria exist for your safety and that of all trip participants. None of the criteria are meant to discriminate on the basis of any physical or mental disability, and they are applied uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability. OARS is committed to making reasonable modifications to any trip for individuals with a disability, as long as these modifications do not fundamentally alter the nature of the trip.  

For ALL trips and activities offered by OARS, each participant must:

1. Be in reasonably good health and fitness.
2. Be able to breathe independently without any assistance from medical devices.
3. Be able to perceive, understand, and recall the risks and hazards of the activity.
4. Be able to stay alert and focus attention for several hours each day for the duration of the trip.
5. Be able to understand and follow both verbal and non-verbal instructions given by the guide(s) in all situations, and to communicate effectively with guide(s) and other participants. During stressful, dangerous, or emergency situations, participants must be able to quickly and independently understand and follow both verbal and non-verbal instructions.
6. Be able to perform self-care and participate in all activities of daily living, such as dressing, personal hygiene, toileting (including bladder and bowel control), hydration, eating and being aware of potential exposure to allergens.
7. Be able to manage all personal medications, including dosing and administration.
8. Be able to remain adequately fed, hydrated, and properly dressed to avoid environmental injuries such as heat-related illness, sunburn, hypothermia, and dehydration.
9. Be able to remain active and manage personal care during extended periods of mobility and exertion, potentially exceeding 10 hours per day.
10. Be mentally and physically capable of participating in a group setting without negatively impacting or jeopardizing the health or safety of other participants or staff.
11. Be able to properly wear and use all required protective gear and clothing.
12. Be able to meet the demands of the trip within the time limits set by the trip itinerary and guide(s).
13. Be able to independently navigate urban terrain, including safely maneuvering around sidewalks, stairs and streets. Areas may be congested with people and vehicles. 
14. Be able to carry personal bags and other personal gear (as heavy as 20-30 pounds) independently, or with the assistance of a friend or family member.  

The following criteria apply if you are participating in whitewater or moving water (like the ocean) as a passenger in a zodiac raft, motorized skiff, or oar boat, or while paddling a raft, inflatable kayak, kayak, or SUP. In addition to meeting the essential eligibility criteria above, each participant must:

1. Be able to brace in a seated position in a boat while holding on with at least one hand.
2. Wear a Type V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (maximum chest size of 56 inches). Wearing leg straps may be required to ensure a proper fit. When necessary, properly wear a whitewater helmet.
3. Be able to independently board and disembark a boat multiple times each day. This may require stepping into the boat and maneuvering your body over and across tubes and fixed objects into a seated position.
4. Be able to independently navigate shoreline terrain, including maneuvering around and across boulders, rocks, slippery and uneven surfaces, low branches, and vegetation. This includes the ability to maintain balance near precipitous ledges or cliffs.
5. Be able to independently swim in whitewater or swift currents while wearing a PFD. This includes being an active participant in your own rescue, with the ability to:
   (a) keep your airway passages sealed while underwater and regain control of your breathing when subjected to repeated submersion under waves or currents;
   (b) orient yourself to new “in-river” surroundings;
   (c) reposition yourself in the water to different swimming positions;
   (d) swim aggressively to a boat or to shore in whitewater;
   (e) receive a rescue rope, paddle, or human assistance, and possibly let go of the same;
   (f) get out from under an overturned boat.
6. Be able to assist another passenger who has fallen out of the boat by pulling them back in.
7. If on a paddling trip, be able to remain seated and balanced in a whitewater craft while holding on to a paddle, braced with your legs and feet, and paddling.

River trips, particularly those involving whitewater, are inherently risky. While the risk is part of what makes such trips exciting, it is essential to be fully respectful of the dangers involved. You must be confident in your swimming ability and your capacity to stay calm if you become an involuntary swimmer. Swimming in whitewater is much more challenging and physically demanding than swimming in flat water. Cold water can trigger a gasping response in your respiratory system, which can be managed by focusing on your breathing and calming yourself. Cold water will also more quickly sap your energy and decrease muscle function compared to warmer water.

While our guides are trained professionals, a successful rescue can be significantly hindered by a swimmer who is unprepared for whitewater conditions, fails to actively participate in their own rescue, or cannot follow directions while under stress. You will receive a detailed orientation talk at the start of your river trip, but you can gain a better understanding of what to expect by watching a version of the orientation talk here. https://www.oars.com/safety-responsibility/#safety-video

The following criteria apply if you are participating in flatwater kayaking. In addition to meeting the essential eligibility criteria above that apply to your trip, each participant must:

1. Be able to remain balanced while seated inside the cockpit of a touring kayak.
2. Wear a Type III Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (maximum chest size of 56 inches). Wearing leg straps may be required to ensure proper fit.
3. Be able  to independently board and disembark a touring kayak four to ten times each day.  This requires stepping into the boat, sitting down on the low seat, and then maneuvering your legs into a comfortable position.

The following criteria apply if you are participating in snorkeling and swimming. In addition to meeting the essential eligibility criteria above that apply to your trip, each participant must:

1. Be able to swim independently.
2. Be able to use snorkeling equipment; snorkel, mask, and  fins.
3. Be able to follow verbal instructions given prior to entering the water.
4. Be able to follow visual directions when verbal communication is not possible.
5. Be able to manage time and stay with the group.

The following criteria apply if you are participating in hiking in the front country. In addition to meeting the essential eligibility criteria above that apply to your trip, each participant must:

1. Be able to walk several miles. 
2. Be able  to walk and maintain your balance on hiking trails, including trails with rocks, roots and low branches. .  
3. Be able to carry your own daypack with a minimum of 1 liter of water, rain gear, insulating layers, sunscreen and food (approx. 10 lbs).

The following criteria apply if you are participating in hiking in the backcountry. In addition to meeting the essential eligibility criteria above that apply to your trip, each participant must:

1. Be able to carry your own backpack with a minimum of 4 liters of water, rain gear, insulating layers, sunscreen, and food (approximately 30-40 lbs).
2. Be able to walk ten or more miles in a backcountry environment.
3. Be able to walk and maintain balance on backcountry hiking trails, including those with rocks, roots, and low branches. The trails are dusty, steep, and present numerous reinforced log steps, loose rocks, and mule excrement. They range in width from 3 to 5 feet and may have exposed overlooks.