Canoeing Tips

     

     

    Want Tips For Canoeing Trips?
    By Cynthia Olga

    Are you on your first canoeing trip? Well before you go plunging into wild rivers in your canoe, read these tips for a safe and fun trip.

    I. Preparation

    1. If you want to go on a canoeing trip, make sure that you are a confident swimmer, rivers can be a treacherous and you don't know when you're going to have to swim for your life.

    2. Always expect to get wet and dress for the current weather. If it's cold then dress for cold weather, excessive cold can cause hypothermia. Bring dry clothes in a waterproof pack or inside a double plastic bag.

    3. Bring something to strap your eyeglasses or sunglasses, you don't want them falling off into the river.

    4. Avoid sandals or flip flops, as these may get carried of by the current. Wear old sneakers or old gym shoes.

    5. Drink and pee before you go on a canoeing trip. Just as well, you should bring a non-breakable water container with you and drink frequently during the trip to avoid dehydration. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages before canoeing.

    6. You may use a sun hat on sunny days or a wool stocking hat on cooler days, it helps prevent heat loss. It's also recommendable to bring a windbreaker or other types of rain gear if you dislike getting too wet.

    7. Bring with you allergy and other necessary medications. Put them inside a waterproof pack. These are essential because emergency crew might take some time to get to you, especially in remote locations.

    8. If you have heart problems or problems with physical exertions, consult your physician first. Paddling may be very tiring and may not be advisable to those with sever heart and breathing problems.

    9. Make sure that you are well rested before canoeing.

    10. Wear clothing that is comfortable and is easy to move in.

    11. You may take food and snacks if it's a long trip. Make sure these are inside waterproof containers that are firmly fastened to the canoe. All items that aren't waterproof and fastened may get wet or lost in the current.

    12. Never bring Styrofoam containers as these float away easily. Just as well, do not bring glass containers to prevent breakage and injury.

    13. Don't forget to use sunscreen, especially on sunny days, but use them all the same on cloudy days.

    14. Some optional things to bring are a sponge or pail to remove excess water, insect repellent, knee pads to prevent your knee from getting sore from kneeling on the boat, a first aid kit, a whistle or any signaling device to call the attention of your companions during emergencies.

    II. Before getting on the canoe

    1. PFD's or personal flotation devices are a must. Make sure that these are properly fitted. Usually canoeing camps offer these at the canoe rental. Don't use torn PFDs or those that have broken fasteners.

    2. Review the map before you go, make sure you are familiar with the shape and direction of the river and your route. Mark the map where you're supposed to get out, look for possible emergency routes and make sure that you are able to identify hazards and other landmarks and labels on the map.

    3. Make sure that the paddle you're using is right for your body size.

    4. Don't forget your litter bag; you are not to throw trash into the river. What you bring in is what you brig out.

    5. Inspect your boat before you go.

    6. Do not overload your boat to prevent capsizing.

    7. Have your partner balance the boat for you while you load it.

    III. When you're on the river

    1. Never remove your PFD!

    2. Always have control over your canoe. Be sure that you can paddle through a fast current area before you decide to pass it. You should know beforehand what your paddling abilities are.

    3. Don't forget ethics! Paddle on the other side of the shore if you see anglers.

    4. Assign a lead and sweep boat when paddling in a group. These two boats should be occupied by paddlers who know the river and have enough experience. All other members of the group should remain in between the lead and sweep boat.

    Cynthia Olga is the author and webmaster of a website about puppia harness and puppia harness vest.

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