Preparations Needed For A Canoeing Trip

The weekend finally arrives and the group is ready to go on a canoeing trip. Upon reaching the lake, you should unpack and then check out which boat among those available will be used.

Someone should check out the stem to the stern. There should be some distance of about 2 inches or more here. Water that is inside the boat has to be thrown out because this is just excess weight that the passengers who will be carrying some gear can't afford.

The chosen canoe should be stable and be at least 36 inches wide. Anything less than that will make it very uncomfortable for those going on the trip.

It would be a good idea to paddle a few yards from the shore to check how it responds when a slight turn has to be made. Those who are having a hard time may possibly have keels underneath and have to be changed with one that doesn't.

When the boat has been checked, the only thing to do is check on the protective gear. Everone should have a life jacket on and know how to use it in the event that the canoe capsizes.

Since canoeing can only be done in fair weather conditions, it would be a good idea to have a hat, a pair of sunglasses and apply some sunscreen. Most trips usually last two hours or longer in order to get from one camp to another even if it is possible to go to shore along the way.

The group should also bring some snacks and a lot of water. People can get thirsty along the way and it is better to drink the kind coming from the bottle than scooping a mouthful from the river.

Some boats might sail by causing a wave to splash into the boat. This is the reason that the food and other essentials should be stored in waterproof bags and kept in a secure place preferably under the seat.

The last thing to do before boarding is briefing everyone of the dos and don'ts in a canoe. Horseplay and frequent movement shouldn't be tolerated because this may cause the canoe to turn over.

If no problems occurr, this just means the preparations taken were sufficient. Mistakes made will have to be corrected so they won't happen again and the group may go on another canoeing trip in the future in the same place or somewhere different.

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Canoe Your Way To An Unforgettable Experience 

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Canoeing 101 

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