Tri-State-Kayakers is intended for beginning and experienced recreational kayakers from the Cincinnati, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky areas to converge and share their passion for the sport of kayaking. Again, all skill levels are welcome! TSK consists of members who volunteered to become assistant organizers who post outings on our calendar and lead events. Anyone can become an assistant organizer by contacting the TSK moderator. Our agenda is to safely promote the sport of kayaking, relieve the apprehension that beginners always have and help familiarize kayakers into the wide world of opportunity and fun that kayaking offers. We'll kayak our favorite lakes and slow-moving rivers, increase our skills, demonstrate and share our equipment with novices, encourage our children and grandchildren to take up our favorite pastime, and have fun with old friends and new!
The events we plan will be Sunset paddles for those who want some after-work relaxation, Multi-sport weekends which will combine many different activities to facilitate kayak-sharing, demo days and training sessions, kayak camping events, and the occasional impromptu Sunday paddle.
Here are some basic guidelines that TSK members must remember:
1. New members must read and agree with our liability waiver.
2. All TSK paddle participants are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life vest / PFD (Personal Flotation Device) properly and securely at all times while kayaking on the water. If participants do not, they are not considered a part of that TSK event. PFDs MUST be worn and not just available.
3. TSK members must obey the event leader's directions and requests. If they do not, they are no longer a participant in that TSK event. If events are filled, please do not "Crash" the event. In other words, do not attend if uninvited.
4. Safety is most important in all of our events. Leaders will ensure to the fullest extent of their abilities that all safety measures and considerations have been provided for that event and implemented as much as can be expected. Participants must remember that safety is a personal responsibility. Unsafe and irresponsible acts will not and should not be tolerated by any TSK member. Please, report any such acts to the TSk group leader or the moderator. Remember, in case of any emergency situation during any TSK event, use the public 911 system to seek emergency assistance.
5. Accountability. During paddling and / or other TSK outdoor events for which you are participating in, please let the event leader know if you are leaving the immediate group. It is important for everyone to watch out for each other. Please do not assume someone is "just falling behind." Make sure that everyone is accounted for and in good condition to participate in the event.
6. Do not exceed your comfort, health limits, physical endurance, skill or experience levels. Ask for assistance or guidance when you need help or do not "feel good". Common health issues to look for are heat exhaustion, insect bite reactions, chest pains and blisters to just name a few.
7. Assistant Organizers are solely in control of their planning and implementing events. Please contact the event leader if suggestions or changes are needed. TSK events that are invitation only or not open to the general TSK membership on a "first come, first served" basis should not be posted on the TSK calendar. In those type of closed events, they should be planned, scheduled and implemented as a private and personal event off of the TSK web site.
8. When you schedule for a TSK event, please cancel yourself from the sign-up list if you cannot attend, even at the last minute. Many times, others are waiting to attend.
9. Finally, TSK members are known for their courtesy, politeness and manners. We ask that all TSK members be their best around each other. If there are any problems encountered, please report any such occurrence to any assistant organizer or to the TSK moderator.
Besides all that, we are here to have fun. Enjoy TSK and we are glad you are here!