Equipment

 Most liveries keep their canoes and kayaks in good working order and free from leaks. While some may not win a beauty contest, all are safe and we will do a safety check on each boat before setting out for the day.  

 PFD's (personal flotation device) are required for all paddlers by federal law.  As a basic safety rule all participants on my guided trips are required to wear a PFD while in the canoe or within 10 feet of the river bank. 

 Rental canoes typically come with the "Mae West" style life jacket. These represent the minimum requirement for floatation and are not too comfortable if you actually have to wear them. I provide as a part of my basic guide fee a comfortable, USCG approved Type III PFD that we will adjust so that it fits properly as part of the daily safety check.  All PFD's are equipped with a signaling whistle (required in Oklahoma) and each participant will be instructed in its proper use. 

 Basic Safety Equipment - I always carry rescue ropes, a first aid kit as well as stocked emergency kit on every trip regardless of length.  I also carry a GPS and a cell phone for emergencies.