Tips for a Canoeing and Floating Trip

One of the most exciting adventures that one can take in todays world is that of canoing or floating down a stream or river. Through tout the United States are many different river ways to float. Many people float for various reasons. Some like to fish, while others like to camp. However, many people just enjoy the trill and adventure of the trip. A lot of people take their digital cameras' and set up slide shows of their trip. Whatever their reason, Canoing can be relaxing and adventurous at the same time.

To take a canoe trip takes a good deal of planning. There are many factors to consider. The first being safety. Here are some things to do before your trip. Pick a river or stream that has easy access. You need to be able to get out in a hurry in case of an emergency. Be sure to choose a river that you are sure that you can navigate. Beginners should always pick one that is not so dangerous. As you get more experience, you can move up to bigger challenges.

Have the right equipment. If you are camping overnight, you need to provide for it. However, don't over do it. Don't take things that you don't need. Here are a few essentials that you must have. Poncho, rope, first aid kit, snake bite kit, a very sharp knife, hatchet, an extra paddle, dry matches and newspaper, clean water,a small tarp,strong flashlight, small radio for weather,food in cans, small cook set, water proof sleeping bag, dry towels,energy bars, insect repellent. If you are on medication, wrap it in a water proof bag and tie it to the canoe someplace. Be sure to have a medical insurance card in a water proof bag, too. These are just the essentials. You can always take other things if needed.

A cell phone can come in handy but, don't take an expensive one. The odds of losing it or getting it wet are great. Yet, it could be a lifeline for support. Always let people know where you starting from and your destination. Provide a map that is marked where you expect to spend the night or stop for meals. Use life jackets always. Make sure you have sun block. The sun can give you a lot of burns to your legs , neck , and shoulders. Aluminum canoes reflect the suns rays and can get very hot, even in the water.

Your dress, should consist of old tennis shoes with strings that tie them tight. A good hat and sun glasses with a string around them also come in handy to shut down the rays from the sun. Many people like to wear old blue jeans to keep the sun off their thighs. You can always place a towel over them too, if you have swimming trunks on.

Now that you have everything you need, you are ready to float. Place your equipment in the center of the canoe and balance it as best as you can. One paddler goes in the front and one in the back. They should sit with their feet in the center with their knees bowed out for balance. The paddler in the back is responsible for the direction the boat takes. He does this by placing the paddle at the back of the canoe and steering right or left. If he wants to go right, the back of the paddle should be angled to the right. The same is true with left. You can't make sharp turns in a canoe. They are longer and slower. Keep that in mind on bends in the river. The front paddler uses both sides of the canoe for paddling. He does this to maintain a straight line of direction. If a turn is needed one way or the other, both paddlers paddle on the same side of the boat. Other wise they alternate stokes. Many canoe rs like to use a 3 stroke approach and then they switch. Handling a canoe takes practice. Even the best can have a tough time in the right situation.

The current from a stream or river can be used to pull your boat along. All you have to do is guide the boat. Sometimes this is a bit slower but, just as enjoyable. You don't have to work so hard and you can enjoy the trip more. It is a bit more relaxing. There are some places on a river where you have to work harder and yet other places that are easier.

Rapids or ripples can be a lot of fun but, also very dangerous. Once your boat has entered them, there is very little time for decision making. You usually go with the flow and try to avoid rocks, boulders, and logs. This is why you need to have things water tight and tied down. The chances of a spill or great. You must try to avoid going sideways or backwards in your boat at all costs. Try to maintain a forward motion. If you get sideways, try to get out and straighten yourself out. If you start going backwards, the person at the back of the boat needs to take charge and get the boat turned in the right direction. This will mean turning the boat sideways again. The current is stronger when it hits the boat sideways. It is easier to spill over at this point.

Before entering a rapid or ripple, decide which area will try to go down. Try not to take the shallow end if possible. If you do, your canoe will drag the bottom. Look for the the most open area to go through. The speed from the current will still be there. It will also be a lot safer for you.

Canoing and floating can be a lot of fun and very adventurous. You just have to be prepared for anything. The key to good floating though is not to hurry. Enjoy your trip. Let the river or stream take you. Rest when you need to. I have many a great memories from the many rivers that I have floated on. One thing that I have learned over time though is to respect the river. She can be fun but, she can be dangerous, too.