Canoeing – how to prepare?

Jadon Lawson
It takes approx. 4 minutes to read this article

Canoeing on the calm rivers of our country does not require special training or preparation, but there are some things you should keep in mind for the trip itself to be successful. Below we suggest how to properly prepare for a solo or group kayaking trip.

What to take on a canoe trip?

Canoeing, like any trip on the water, requires careful preparation. First of all, you need a kayak, but you don’t have to buy one right away. There are many rental companies operating in the best rafting destinations, so all you have to do is turn to one of them and sign up for the route of your choice. For safety reasons, it is necessary to wear a kapok, but this too is provided by the rental company.

Anyone who has been on a rafting trip at least once knows that the biggest problem is water getting into the kayak, which is sure to get all our belongings wet. That’s why an excellent gadget is a special waterproof bag, which can be purchased for as little as $30. It will easily fit food, drink, change clothes and more. On the other hand, for the phone, which you usually want to have at hand, it is worth buying a waterproof case. The best will be a variant with the ability to hang around the neck, which will protect the phone from falling into the water.

If you’re going rafting in colder weather, be sure to take warm clothes and a change set in case you get wet. Don’t choose light-colored clothes, as the risk of getting muddy is really high. On the other hand, even in light sunshine, a baseball cap and sunscreen will be a good idea. As for shoes, they should be as comfortable as possible, but also such that you can get them wet without regret. During some rafting trips it is necessary to carry the canoe and then very often you have to walk on wet sand or mud, so it is good that the shoes can be easily cleaned.

Depending on how long the rafting trip is to last, make sure you take enough water – you will certainly lose a lot of it while paddling and exerting yourself in the sun. The second important point is, of course, food – sandwiches, fruit, bars or cabanas. It is important that it is a quick snack to provide energy.

A few words about safety

Water is always a potential danger to people, so kayaking requires following certain rules of conduct. This is especially true when crossing rivers with fast and rushing currents. If you follow the rules below, your trip will become safe and enjoyable.

  • Wear a life jacket when near a river or in a kayak, regardless of your swimming skills.
  • Under no circumstances leave your kayak and equipment unattended, especially when canoeing along the river – they can be carried away by the current.
  • If you feel unwell or if there is a potential danger, immediately inform the rest of the group.
  • Check the condition and operability of your kayak and equipment before setting off.
  • Always be in sight of other group members or have a tool for communication.
  • Be alert – the biggest pitfalls lurk just below the surface and your kayak may tip over.
  • Don’t litter – most routes pass through beautiful forest and field areas, so keep them clean and take all your trash with you.

Canoeing requires advance preparation, as well as adherence to simple safety requirements, but unless it’s a competitive or multi-day expedition, not much is needed.

main photo: unsplash.com/Ben Wicks

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