| Canoeing is a tremendously wide-ranging sport with | | | | Canoeing trip preparation: |
| competitive as well as purely recreational component. | | | | 1. It is essential to learn or establish the river water |
| To make your canoeing trip more enjoyable, here are | | | | conditions before going as high water may be very |
| canoeing guidelines worth remembering: | | | | dangerous. |
| Before your canoeing trip, be sure to pack the | | | | 2. It is always important to remember to respect |
| following: | | | | private property; never trespass; obtain permission first |
| - Suntan lotion | | | | from the owner of the land. |
| - Insect repellent | | | | 3. An appropriately fitting PFD or "Personal Flotation |
| - Sunglasses | | | | Device" is very important to be worn around and on |
| - 2 pairs of old sneakers, one for getting wet, and one | | | | the water at all times. It is a must that each person |
| for keeping dry. | | | | aboard the canoe wears one. |
| - Eye glasses straps | | | | 4. In canoeing, it is very essential that you review the |
| - "Water-tight" plastic bags | | | | map of the river. Study it carefully in order that you |
| - Extra clothing | | | | determine where your canoe trip direct you, when and |
| - Your canoe "repair kit" | | | | where to land, and find out emergency routes Also, |
| - Life preserver | | | | make certain you are aware of avoiding and |
| - Extra flotation device | | | | identifying any dangers marked within the map. |
| - Fishing gear | | | | 5. You need to check on your boat and make certain |
| - Jacket or sweater | | | | it is in great condition before you start the trip. |
| - Binoculars | | | | 6. Remember not to overload the boat as this may |
| - Camera | | | | lead to unanticipated canoe capsize. |
| - "First aid kit" | | | | 7. In canoeing, always remember not to drink alcoholic |
| - Hat | | | | drinks while riding your canoe as being drunk increases |
| Be well prepared for your canoe adventure | | | | your boldness to challenge the water but decreases |
| 1. You have to be a skilled swimmer, having the | | | | your reflexes. |
| capability to manage yourself well both in moving | | | | While canoeing in the river: |
| waters and underwater. | | | | 1. You should leave on your PFD always. |
| 2. Dress readily for the "water temperature" as well as | | | | 2. You must establish your boating capability and never |
| be ready to get really wet. You might consider | | | | enter any area of fast-moving current except if you |
| wearing layers of clothes which you can easily add or | | | | feel absolutely certain that you safely can paddle |
| take off during your canoeing adventure. | | | | through. |
| 3. Use your sunglasses and strap them on securely. | | | | 4. Never paddle in "flood conditions" where river levels |
| These will protect your eyes from the glaring rays of | | | | quickly rise as a result of heavy rain and sweep up |
| the sun as well as debris that might come in contact | | | | debris coming from the river's shoreline. Note that |
| with your eyes. | | | | debris may become a hindrance or trap leading to |
| 4. Wear shoes to protect your feet. | | | | water incidents. Debris suspended in the bottom of the |
| 5. Bring along bottled distilled. Never drink river water, | | | | water is generally unseen by you, and which makes |
| no matter how clean it may seem. | | | | them more dangerous. |
| 6. Take along with you in your canoe necessary | | | | 5. Make certain to maintain the proper distance and |
| allergy medications because in cases of emergency, it | | | | space between canoes. |
| may take a few hours before assistance arrives. | | | | 6. Do not dive in the water headfirst. |
| 7. Note that paddling is takes a lot of effort physically | | | | 7. While canoeing in the river, keep in mind to go with |
| and you need to consult with your doctor before you | | | | your friends. Never boat alone. |
| proceed to such activity. | | | | Canoeing and capsizing |
| 8. Remember to take along snacks with you in your | | | | Should you capsize your canoe, remember to relax, |
| canoe and keep them in a waterproof container then | | | | open your eyes then reach for your canoe. Remain |
| fasten it to the canoe. Keep in mind, all things not | | | | "upside-down" as you remove your legs and feet from |
| fastened unto the canoe can possibly get wet or get | | | | your canoe, and surface keeping your contact with |
| lost. | | | | your canoe. |