Planning Paddling Times or Trip Math (in Miles)
How fast can You Paddle
·
5 mph – Strong Paddlers In Good Physical Condition going
down stream
·
3 – 4 mph – Average (also depends on boat)
·
1 -2 mph Out Of Shape Paddlers Or In Poor Physical Condition
Determining Your Travel Time (assuming down river and easy
portage)
·
Water Travel = 1 - 3 miles per hour
·
Single Portage
= 2 miles per hour (all gear & boat in one trip)
·
Double Portage
= 1 mile per hour (1 trip for boat & 1 trip for gear)
Travel Time Formula (Average)
·
Water Travel
o
River Down Stream No
of Miles ___ ÷ 3 = Hours on the Water: _____
o
Lakes or Ponds No
of Miles___ ÷ 2 = Hours on the Water: _____
o
River going Upstream
No of Miles ___ ÷ 1.75 = Hours on Water
·
Single Portage
o
Number Of ¼ Miles ____ x 4 = Hours on Portage: _____
·
Double Portage
o
Number Of ¼ Miles ____ x 8 = Hours on Portage: _____
Note: These formulas take into consideration, a reasonable
lunch and rest breaks. You will also need to consider time
for breakfast and breaking camp in the morning as well as
supper and setting up camp at the end of each day.
EXAMPLES:
I have a 50 mile river trip that has 4 portages (2 portages
are ¼ mile, and 2 portages are 1 mile).
·
Down river of 50 miles ÷ 3 = 17 hours
·
Total Double portages (carry) @ .5 miles x 8 = 4 hours
·
Total Single portage (using a cart) 2 miles x 4 = 8 hours
·
Trip total is 29 hours.
At 10 hours paddling/portaging a day this is a 3 day
trip.
I have a 80 mile river trip that has 12 portages (8 portages
are ¼ mile, and 2 portage are 2 mile.
·
Down river of 80 miles ÷ 3 = 27 hours
·
Total Double Portages (carry) @ 2 miles x 8 = 16 hours
·
Total Single Portages (using a cart) @ 4 miles x 4 = 16
hours
·
Total Trip is 59 hours.
At 10 hours paddling/portaging a day this is a 6 day
trip.
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