How to Prepare for a paddle trip

Your preparation will make or break your experience

Physical Condition- Paddling, even for just a day is more physical exertion than many people do in a week. When deciding on a distance please keep in mind the least experienced or physically fit member of your group. Moms and dads, that 9 year old of yours will probably run out of steam before you do, so be prepared to be the primary paddler of a loaded boat. If you have small kids, maybe a shakedown paddle on a local river is in order before setting off on a full blown expedition. 

Clothing - The wrong clothing choices can make a day on the water miserable.  Attention needs to be paid not only to the weather, but also to the temperature of the river when planning your paddling attire. 

 1. NO COTTON -  Is it a poor insulator, extremely heavy when wet and takes a very long time to dry.  Go with light synthetics that will dry quickly when wet.

 2. DRESS IN LAYERS - You can always take things off.

 3. Bring a change of clothing. There is always a chance that you may go for a swim on a trip (intentional or not). 

 4. Footwear - River beds can be slick rocks, sand, mud or gravel. Choose footwear that provides protection for your feet, provides some traction and will not easily come off of your foot. An old pair of sneakers is ideal.

 5. Wear a hat - keeps you cool on sunny days, prevents heat loss if its cold.

 6. Extra jacket- sometimes its chilly at night.

Skin Protection - Select a waterproof sun block and apply it liberally. You will be out in direct sunlight and the insides of canoes also tend to reflect that light. You might think Its a great way to work on your tan, but keep re applying to your legs above your knees, arms, the back of your neck and face to prevent sunburn.

Hydration - If you are packing your own food and drinks, please plan on bringing at least one gallon of water or sports drink per person per day if the daily temperature is to be above 70 degrees.  Sodas and juices should not be you main source of liquid when paddling on hot days.

Packing items to take with you on the river- Anything you take with you is likely to get wet unless you pack it properly.  The easiest thing to do is to pack items into zip lock plastic bags and then pack those in to a mesh bag or an old backpack. 

 If you are bringing camping gear, like sleeping bags or bedding, super large size zip lock bags are available at most discount stores as are waterproof dry bags. make your bedding the "keep dry" priority. If your tent gets wet, it will dry fairly quickly one you set it up, bedding will not.

Pack Sensibly- A canoe only holds so much. Bring what you need. Go lightly on the extras.

Camping - If you are camping out and bringing your own gear, here is a checklist of things you may want to bring.

Tent - Light and compact, made of a quick drying fabric.

Ground Cover - a PE tarp for a ground cover or a quick rain shelter

Sleeping bags and Pads - Some camping spots are sand or dirt, but others are gravel so its always a good idea to have a little something between you and the ground.

Camp Stools or Chairs

A good flashlight and some extra batteries - Don't know what it is about kids, camping and flashlights, but when you go to use it, inevitably the batteries will have run down.

Cooking Gear- If you are doing your own food.