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Canoe outings don't have to be RUGGED
to be enjoyable
By Tom & Joanne O'Toole
Canoeing has come a long way since the first dugout
canoes of hollowed-out tree trunks. Today canoes are made of wood/canvas,
aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, and Kevlar-reinforced resin.
While canoeing is experiencing a growth in popularity
across North America, it also brings risks to participants—who
are often their own worst danger. Most accidents occur when canoeists
attempt water conditions more demanding than their skills, knowledge,
and experience can justify. Coordination, balance, and dexterity
are necessary to successfully paddle a canoe.
Some people claim canoes capsize too easily. Actually
it is inexperienced or reckless people who tip canoes, because they
don't know how to handle them.
Preparation is part of the key to successful canoeing,
and like other forms of outdoor recreation, comes before the actual
activity. Safety precautions, common sense and courtesies, and proper
behavior come into play.
Before embarking on any canoe adventure, ask about
the difficulty of the stream. Although most local outfitters are
geared to amateurs, make sure where you plan to canoe isn't just
for experienced canoeists.
Even tame streams can be menacing when the water
is up, fast, or muddy. Amateurs shouldn't risk canoeing in waters
they can't cope with properly.
What's safe for amateurs? When the words "slow,
meandering, or pastoral" are used, it's a good bet it's amateur
status.
Most rivers and streams don't stay the same year-round.
Fluctuating water levels caused by rainfall can change a pastoral
float to a fast, scary ride. It can turn some sour on canoeing and
can also present a potential for injury.
Safety rules and regulations must be observed
by everyone—by novice and experienced paddlers. Laws may differ
slightly, but universal canoeing safety demands you should:
- Have everyone in the canoe wear an approved flotation device.
- Keep a full first aid kit in each craft.
- Be able to swim (almost every enthusiast capsizes sometime).
- Hold onto your craft if you capsize. However, stay on the
upstream side to avoid being trapped against downstream obstacles.
- Try to float on your back with your feet pointed downstream
if you capsize and are separated from your canoe.
- Paddle close to shorelines on large lakes.
- Portage when streams or rivers become questionable.
- Be sure your shoes will not hinder swimming. Tennis shoes
are the ideal choice.
- Keep a safe distance between canoes.
- Never canoe alone.
- Know the condition of the water.
- Never stand in your canoe.
- Remember that currents are always stronger than they look.
- Know your strengths and limitations.
- Carry basic repair materials: gray duct tape, a sharp knife,
and a rubber hammer. They're valuable if you have a problem.
- Bring at least one extra paddle.
- Have a throw-line in the craft, making sure it is secured
to a canoe seat.
- Carry a bailer and a sponge for removing excess water in
the craft. Tie them to a brace.
- Have a whistle or other hailing device to call for help.
When the weather is bad, or the water is
running high, is not the time for canoeing. Some waterways are canoeable
year-round, while others offer only seasonal floating. Paddlers
choose where, when, and for how long—anywhere from an hour
to a week. Avoid crowded waterways by canoeing on weekdays.
You don't have to invest a lot of money to go
canoeing. If you have your own craft and gear, that's great. If
not, outfitters along the rivers and streams provide virtually everything—except
a guarantee you won't get wet.
In picking your paddle, the best length is generally
one that reaches your chin when its tip touches the ground. Paddles
ARE important. Make sure you pick a comfortable grip. Paddles come
in a variety of materials. Pick the right one. A paddle with the
correct length, blade shape, grip design, and material, all contribute
to the comfort and safety of paddling. Regardless of where you canoe,
canoeists should:
- Always obtain permission before entering private property.
- Never cut or damage living trees and shrubbery.
- Be absolutely certain any fire is completely out before
leaving.
- Carry litter out.
- Bury human waste.
- Eat high-energy snacks to maintain your strength.
- Try to camp at least 4 feet above water level.
- Store valuables in waterproof, airtight bags or containers,
and it's wise to have a change of clothing.
- Carry sufficient drinking water.
- Notify the proper authorities if you plan to enter a wilderness
area, or stay overnight.
- Stay to the right. It's the same as the rules of the road.
A pleasant delay on any float trip can be the
thrill and excitement of seeing wild animals and birds. For those
who want to watch or photograph the birds and animals, the trip
may be longer.
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For specific information on canoeing
in your favorite state, or in the area to which your
outdoor vacation will take you, contact the Recreation
Department or the Game and Fish Commission, located
in the state capital. Mail addressed to a a department
at any state capital always gets delivered and literature
should be forthcoming.
In your local yellow pages you'll find
listings for canoe sales, rentals, liveries and outfitters.
They'll gladly answer your questions, send literature
and look forward to serving your needs. |
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Everyone has their own list of personal items
they like to take canoeing. It's best to have your own checklist,
and go over it before each outing. A few items you might want to
consider are: sunglasses with a neck strap, knee pads, a sun hat,
waterproof matches, insect repellent, trash bags, and a flashlight.
If you are planning to build a campsite or stay overnight, take
along an ax and shovel. No matter how much gear you put in your
canoe, position the weight properly, and tie everything to the canoe
thwarts so you don't lose it if you capsize.
Canoeing is an outdoor sport for which an individual
becomes skilled only through practice. From this article you can
get some pointers, but there's nothing like doing it yourself.
Canoeing isn't as complicated as we might make
it sound. We've tried to touch on a number of things canoeing beginners
want to know, but you can learn considerably more by asking questions
of outfitters and drawing on other people's experiences.
Canoe outings don't have to be rugged to be enjoyable.
How about an ideal day, some floating, a little paddling, swimming,
fishing, lunch ashore, a few outdoor pictures, a hike in the woods,
and lots of peace and contentment? Now who could ask for more!
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