Tips for a successful trip:
Double-check your equipment, supplies and route.
Pack extra clothing, shoes, and food in waterproof containers.
Evenly distribute your load, with the heaviest gear in the middle, so it is balanced. Secure all gear.
When entering and exiting a canoe, keep your center of gravity low, avoid standing.
Follow the main channel as the current cuts back and forth across the river. If you encounter lateral winds, hug the upwind bank as much as possible.
Remember your sunscreen and bring plenty of water to drink besides your other refreshments to keep hydrated as the sun is brutal some days!
For snacks, bring something small and individually wrapped. A good idea also is to leave a second cooler in the car for when you get off the river, then you’ve got food to eat that is guaranteed to be dry.
A bungee cord to keep your cooler closed if it dumps over is a great idea.
If you can, simply leave the full wallet or purse at home, in your car or a lock box. It is a bad idea to take it tubing. If the cooler dumps over it’s gone. Tie your keys to your shorts to avoid losing them. Only bring an ID, credit card, and some cash.
Pack your smokes in a ziplock bag and take more than one lighter. Some places sell a cigarette pack holder that goes around your neck and is waterproof.
Packing list for your trip:
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Sandals/River shoes
- Sun Screen
- Ziplocks/Waterproof cases
- Cash, Credit card, ID
- Cooler
- Ice
- Bungee to keep lid closed
- Beverages (Don’t forget water!)
- Koozies
- Snacks
- Waterproof camera
- NO GLASS BOTTLES & NO STYROFOAM COOLERS