One of the good things about belonging to a club, is that you get to learn new things, improve on paddling techniques and even learn how to do a shuttle, all with good friends.
Our local river for most of paddling season is the Ottawa Middle or Main Channel which is upstream of the Ottawa/Gatineau area, so driving to the river the road leads to take-out first. Yet there will be always be a difference of opinion and reasons whether to meet at the take-out or put-in in setting up for the day.
As I pointed out to Richard on our 3rd leg, I drove past the take-out and dumped the boats and paddling gear at the put-in (1), drove back to the take-out (2) to take the cars down and returned to the put-in (3).
So far we have driven the section of river 3 times and the boat hasn't got wet yet. Don't we only paddle the river once? There was bit of confusion on what take-out was to used which added to the delay. So we finally got on the river an hour past arriving which is not very efficient since it only takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Ottawa to the river.
Lesson #1: make sure everybody knows what take-out is used
Lesson #2: If you don't know how to get there ... ask or follow.
I prefer to meet at the takeout. Keeps the group together, the waiting for the shuttle happens at the end of the day in dry clothes and a cold beer in hand.
BTW: there was beer at one of the take-outs. We had a toast for the swimmers. Something about river karma and appeasing the River Gods.
Apparently we are not the only club out there needing tutorial on shuttling which serves a good refresher for all.
http://www.guelphkayakclub.com/content/_/required-reading/shuttle-for-dummies-r10Larry W