Choose a short first leg
Allow time for a handover, a practice stop and your first lock. A few miles can take most of an afternoon when the crew is learning. Check the operator's suggested route and current stoppages before making plans.
Make the crew part of it
Show everyone where to stand, how to use a lifejacket if one is provided and who will work the lock. Agree simple calls between helm and bank. Nobody needs to jump between a moving boat and the towpath.
Finish before you are tired
Pick a possible overnight stop while you still have daylight. Leave room to change that plan if a lock is busy or a bridge takes longer than expected.
Before you go
- Read the hire handover notes
- Pick a short first leg
- Agree who handles the lock