A family canoeing adventure can be a rewarding experience for all participants, but some preparation and planning is required.
Common-Sense Safety
At the outset, check the weather, water conditions and (if applicable) the degree of river difficulty where you plan to be canoeing. Make certain that all participants -- including children -- can swim. Children too young to swim should not be in a canoe.
Its a good idea to check with local guides or outfitters before you embark on a canoe trip. They can make recommendations and steer you clear of potential problems.
For safety, before you leave, tell someone where and when you are going and when you plan to return. Consider taking a cell phone with you in case you encounter an emergency.
What to Bring
The Coast Guard requires one life vest, or personal flotation device (PFD), for each person in the canoe (figure A). Children should wear one the entire time they are in the boat -- a legal requirement in most states.
A PFD should fit snugly. Since you'll be wearing it a lot, look for one that's also comfortable.
The Coast Guard also requires that the boat contain a throwable PFD ( figure B) to assist in rescuing someone who has fallen overboard.
It's a good idea to carry a signaling device, such as a whistle, and keep it attached to you the entire time you're in the canoe. Another good idea is a bailer (figure C), useful for scooping water out of the bottom of the canoe. You can make a bailer by simply cutting the bottom out of an old bleach bottle or plastic milk-jug.
Painters (figure D) are lines tied to the bow and stern. They're used for tying off or hauling the canoe.
Other things to bring along include drinking water, a first-aid kit, extra clothing, binoculars, a camera and a pad and pen for making notes. Store lightweight carry-along items in a dry bag, a waterproof duffle made especially for this kind of activity. For kids, you may want to bring along some toys, fishing equipment and a couple of child-sized paddles.
Make sure you dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, and bring along rain gear in case you run into unexpected inclement weather. Wear something durable and lightweight on your feet. Water shoes or an old pair of tennis shoes should suffice. Sunglasses are helpful since the glare from the water can cause serious eye fatigue. Bring along a hat and sunscreen to protect you from UV rays.
Review safety recommendations before your family embarks in a canoe. If the canoe should tip over, try to stay with it. Have the kids practice tossing the throwable PFD to each other and catching it.
DIY Family Tip: Kids who become restless on a canoe trip may be entertained by keeping a log of some of their observations -- recording distances, sites, wildlife and other information in a notebook. If this is done regularly, eventually you'll have an interesting chronicle of memories from your canoeing adventures. Other enjoyable activities for kids include fishing, taking turns paddling at the bow, or stopping to explore the shoreline and land features along the way. Islands are especially fascinating for kids.
RESOURCES :
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)
A comprehensive site with equipment and clothing for camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, paddling, fly fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
REI
Sumner, WA 98352-0001
Website: www.rei.com
Simple Tent Camping: The Basics of Camping from Car or Canoe
Model: 0070730210
Author: Zora Aiken
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) -- paddling; canoeing
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) is an informational Web site about outdoor activities.
Below is the link to their section on canoeing.
Web site: www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/paddle.htm
Canoe and Kayak magazine online
The online version of Canoe and Kayak magazine.
Web site: www.canoekayak.com/
paddling.net
Online canoeing and kayaking information including buyers' guide, product reviews, outfitters, etc.
Web site: www.paddling.net
American Canoe Association
Web site: www.acanet.org
Links re: International Scale of River Difficulty
Web sites:
www.canoeclub.barrie.on.ca/mwscale.htm
http://members.aol.com/boatful/ratings.htm
US Geological Survey page on U.S. streams
Web site: http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/
National Oceanographic and Aeronautic Administration (NOAA) River-conditions info
Web site: www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hic/current/river_flooding/index.shtml
Canoeing : The Complete Guide to Equipment and Technique
Model: 0811724263
Author: David Harrison
Stackpole Books
Website: www.stackpolebooks.com
Basic Essentials Canoe Paddling, 2nd Edition (Basic Essentials Series)
Model: 0762706627
Author: Harry Roberts, Steve Salins
The Globe Pequot Press
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Phone: 203-395-0440
Fax: 203-820-2329
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