| Canoeing is an affordable and exciting vacation | | | | the actual trip. It is not sufficient to have the PFD in the |
| opportunity for families. The combination of traversing | | | | canoe, but rather it needs to be worn. Many rivers are |
| waterways and stealing away from daily life can be | | | | deceiving in appearance: they look shallow but in fact |
| purely exhilarating. However, canoe trips necessitate | | | | have rapid currents. Properly fitting PFDs are also |
| early planning and accurate gear. The following | | | | important so as to remain secure against the body |
| information is helpful for planning a safe canoe trip that | | | | and promote easy movement. |
| is also enjoyable. | | | | Canoe Attire |
| Safety First | | | | The correct gear is just one element of safe canoeing. |
| According to the United States Coast Guard, more | | | | Clothing is another important consideration. Although |
| than 250,000 rivers are present throughout the United | | | | persons are usually tempted to wear them, jeans are |
| States. This provides a vast number of options for | | | | actually a canoeing hazard in and of themselves. |
| families who desire a novel vacation idea. Whether | | | | Persons cannot swim sufficiently in jeans, and they |
| choosing to stay near home or wishing to travel to | | | | may chafe the skin if they become wet. Instead, long |
| another part of the country, canoeing is an ideal way | | | | nylon pants are more comfortable and can withstand |
| to embark on an adventure. | | | | various elements. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts with a |
| A critical first step in choosing which river is ideal for | | | | chamois blend are also optimal. |
| your family's trip is to plan. Determine the surroundings | | | | Shoes are absolutely essential for each person. |
| in which you are most comfortable and then research | | | | Sandals do not provide adequate protection when one |
| those rivers that meet such criteria. Once a river has | | | | must walk through water and/or mud. Wetsuit boots |
| been decided upon, regard the area in which you will | | | | are the best choice because they are waterproof; |
| be and familiarize yourself with it. For example, if you | | | | such footwear also safeguards against sharp objects, |
| opt for a river that is far from town and mingled with | | | | tree branches and rocks. |
| dense forest, plan for such an environment. | | | | Canoeing Hazards |
| Necessary Equipment | | | | Caution should be exercised at all times while enjoying |
| After the planning comes the packing. Canoe trips | | | | a canoe trip. This is for one primary reason: water |
| require more than a sack lunch and map of the river to | | | | hazards can occur at any time. For example, tree |
| be navigated. The list that follows encompasses a | | | | stumps are prolific in many lakes and rivers. These can |
| number of items required to safeguard your family | | | | disrupt the movement of a canoe and even tip it. Be |
| during their excursion. | | | | weary of these and maneuver around them with slow |
| - Water-proof first aid kit that can be purchased | | | | and smooth paddle strokes. |
| already-assembled from a variety of retailers. Included | | | | Hazards exist outside of the canoe as well. Water lilies |
| within this kit should be, at a minimum, bandages, burn | | | | and razor-grass both pose serious threats to |
| ointment, anti-bacterial cream, medication for insect | | | | swimmers. Long grass along riverbanks creates the |
| bites and pain relievers. | | | | perfect grounds for snakes to hide. Finally, weather |
| - Water bottle for each member of the canoe party | | | | conditions should also be heeded: lightning can quickly |
| and subsequent jugs of fresh water. | | | | turn an aluminum paddle into a lightning rod. Similarly, too |
| - Warm nylon jacket for each person. | | | | much sun exposure can also be harmful. Canoes |
| - Duct tape that can be used for repairs of the canoe | | | | should be stocked with sunscreen, hats and |
| or related equipment. | | | | sunglasses to minimize the risk of sunburns. A cord is |
| - Dry plastic bags for storing additional clothing and | | | | helpful for securing sunglasses to the body. |
| gear. | | | | Canoeing provides an uninhibited view of the outdoors |
| - Knife and heavy-duty rope. | | | | as well as a sense of unity with nature. These are |
| - Extra paddle. | | | | qualities quite unlike those of more mainstream |
| - Map and compass. | | | | vacations. Keep your family safe during your next |
| In addition to these items, each person also needs to | | | | canoe trip with the tips provided here. This will ensure |
| have a personal flotation device (PFD) to wear during | | | | future vacations in which the outdoors is aptly enjoyed. |