Everyone needs someone capable of sharing canoe trip tips with them before they hit the water for the first time. At the very least, canoe trip tips pertaining to safety! For me, it was “good luck figuring it out, don’t die”! Challenge accepted…
I fell in love with canoeing during my teen years. So many memories I’ll always cherish. Be still my heart as I set out for unknown adventures with endless possibilities. When I was new to canoeing, I began with leisure water. My terminology for water that isn’t rough at all and doesn’t bring about much more excitement than swatting a skeeter. You know, the waters that barely qualify as Class I?!
Soon, the adventurous side of me spoke, and I went on to more exciting waters. Those with sharp corners, swift currents, rapids aplenty, cold spring waters, and caves for exploring became my passion.
I have certainly learned a lot over the years leaving me in a position to share with you canoe trip tips to help you on your journey.
Plan for the unexpected
One of the most important canoe trip tips I can share with you is always prepare for the unexpected!
Obstacles
You can canoe the same waters year after year and become too sure of yourself. Waters are forever changing, and obstacles may very well develop from one season to the next! Some of those obstacles may be obvious while others may not.
For instance, I was coming around a sharp river bend with rapids and a really strong current. A huge rock bluff was to my starboard side. The water was rushing under and into what appeared to be a cave. A large tree was down that you couldn’t see until you were almost on it, and it lay at chest level. There was no ducking under it or navigating around it by the time I saw it. My only option was to jump from my canoe into 58-degree water at almost 8 months pregnant and hope for the best. I swam diagonally to a nearby gravel bar.
I was fine, but others coming around that bend weren’t so fortunate. All those in my canoe party flipped along with every canoe behind us. Only one guy in a kayak made it through without incident. That one tree caused a HUGE mess! So, always prepare for and expect the unexpected.
Canoe trip tips for inclement weather
Checking the weather before you head out is an excellent safety precaution. However, weather conditions can change leaving you unaware of inclement weather. This can be very, very dangerous if you are in a canoe.
Lightning
For one, lightning isn’t your friend! I usually use old aluminum canoes. Call me old fashioned, but I like them. I grew up using them, and I’m probably not changing any time soon. However, aluminum is a great conductor of electricity and so is the water it’s sitting in.
Regardless of the type of canoe you’re using, being in the water during a lightning storm is a huge safety risk. You’ll certainly want to head for shore and get out of your canoe. Remove it from the water, get it away from the shore, and tie it to something. If there’s time, flip your canoe over to keep the rainwater from collecting in the bottom.
Flash Flooding
In addition to lightning, flash flooding is dangerous if you are caught in a torrential down pour! Not only does it create visibility issues, but water levels can also rise rapidly creating unsafe conditions. Plus, you don’t want flood waters to sweep your canoe away! You could find yourself on a long unplanned hike.
High Winds
High winds are also a threat when you’re in a canoe. Imagine trying to maintain balance and control if the winds are high enough to create unstable waves. High winds can cause trees to fall in your path or even push you into obstacles you would otherwise be able to navigate around.
What to do
No matter what inclement weather you’re facing, head for a nearby shelter if there is one. Anything will work in an emergency situation! Look for an abandoned car, an old shed or building, a really short dense grove of trees or bushes, anything capable of protecting you from the elements. Don’t hesitate to seek shelter in a cave or an entrance to an old mine if you’re lucky enough to be close to one. Just practice proper cave safety so you don’t get injured or damage the caves ecosystem.
If there’s absolutely nowhere to take shelter, find something you can use to protect your head! The last thing you want is to be hit in the head with any kind of flying debris, hail, etcetera. Squat down to the ground and make yourself small.
For more information on weather safety including NWR coverage maps and stations, please read the weather safety section of my Basic Safety for all Travelers post.
For active alerts, visit the National Weather Service.
Canoe trip tips for NOT losing your stuff
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You’ve been there at least once if canoeing is a part of your life. Somewhere, at the bottom of the water lies something you wish you would have left at home! Or perhaps, you capsized and watched in horror as your lunch floated down river. Or worse, your BEER?! That’ll piss ya off! In any case, the canoe trip tips below will help you keep your stuff safe and dry.
Dry bags
Invest in dry bags!! For day trips, small dry bags will suffice. After all, you’re only packing what you absolutely need which really isn’t that much for a short trip. Obviously if your canoe trip is going to be more than a day, you’ll need a larger size because you’ll need more supplies. You don’t have to spend a fortune on dry bags with high price tags. In fact, you can get various different sizes of the Earth Pak right here, and you won’t find a better-quality product for the price. However, I do suggest you purchase a lighter color for hot summer use as the darker colors tend to absorb a ton of heat.
Secure your items
Make sure you secure your items inside your canoe. There are many different ways to secure your items in your canoe, so you’ll need to experiment with what works best for you. If you’re renting your canoe for the day, your options are limited because you can’t modify it.
SAFETY TIP: Do not leave excess strapping or rope hanging free. Your feet could become entangled when you capsize causing serious injury or death.
You’ll also want to make sure all your heavy items are secured in the center of your canoe in a way that will prevent abrupt shifts in weight distribution.
Bow line
You’ll certainly want to secure a rope that floats to the bow of your canoe. Make sure you properly secure the excess line until you need to use it. In fact, look into bow line bags. They are relatively inexpensive and work well to contain extra rope in a safe manner. Check out this bow line bag.
The bowline is useful for so many things! They are very handy if you need to drag your canoe across low water areas. Additionally, they allow you to tie your canoe off, so it doesn’t float down river with all your possessions while you’re swimming, picnicking, or even just stretching your legs.
Canoe trip tips for protecting your commonly used stuff
You’ll certainly want to protect the items you use most; without them you may find yourself in a pickle. I will cover some of the most commonly used items and how you can keep from losing them while on the water.
Paddles
Paddles are an absolute necessity! Pardon the language, but I think we’ve all heard the old saying, “Up a shit creek without a paddle”. Yea, you don’t wanna be there! You can invest in a paddle leash if you want to. I personally don’t use them because I don’t like having anything in my canoe that could potentially entangle me in the event of capsizing (even if the risk is low). My preference is to have an extra paddle secured inside my canoe just in case I lose my primary. If you’re reluctant to pack an extra paddle because you think it adds bulk, you can look into paddles that break down into two or three pieces for convenient packing. Or you can invest in an emergency telescoping paddle. They are quite handy!
PFD’S
You should be wearing your personal flotation device while on the water. You can’t lose it if it’s on your person which is exactly where it should be. However, you may choose to take it off while you’re on the shore walking, picnicking, etcetera. If you take it off, please secure it to your canoe so it doesn’t accidentally get lost.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes and allow you to properly see while canoeing. In fact, you’ll probably wear them most of your trip. You should really consider purchasing a floating strap for your sunglasses. They are very inexpensive and a great way to ensure you retain possession of your eye wear. This floating sunglass strap will do the trick!
Camera
So many people commonly use cameras while canoeing. I will admit, I am not one of them. When I am out there on the water, I don’t want to spend my time trying to catch the next cool photo to share on social media. I am not one to experience all things through a camera lens but rather my eyes and my soul. If there is a rare moment where I simply must take a photo, I do so with my phone.
For those that like to take cameras along, I suggest you invest in a good camera that is waterproof. This underwater camera will get the job done and then some! You’ll also need a durable floating strap in case you accidentally drop your camera overboard or you capsize. If it’s floating, you have a better chance of retrieving it without a dive team.
Phone
This shouldn’t be a commonly used item so much as a common item to keep nearby in the event of an emergency. Invest in a high-quality waterproof phone case! Then, put your phone in your dry bag or a waterproof fanny pack. If you don’t want to wear the fanny pack, simply secure it to a thwart that you can easily reach. If you need to use your phone, you can do so from the safety of this touch screen friendly waterproof fanny pack or simply exit the water. I recommend lighter colors for summer use as darker colors tend to absorb a lot of heat.
Sunscreen
While you may not commonly use it, you should! You’ll want to make sure you don’t lose it during your trip as you’ll need to reapply it to protect yourself from getting a sunburn. For a day trip, you only need a small tube or stick. Keep it in your dry bag with your first aid kit. You can also get sunscreen that is attached to a carabiner clip for added security, if you would like. You can clip it anywhere or to anything to keep from losing it. Also, pull up to the shore and apply your sunscreen. It is much safer.
Water
You’ll need to make sure you have enough water for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you’ll need a way to keep it cold. Once in a while, I will purchase bottled water from the store. But I prefer reusable water bottles. Firstly, it’s an environmentally friendly option. Secondly, I can fill them with water from my well.
Place the amount of water you need for your trip in insulated cooler bags with cold gel ice packs. Then, secure your insulated cooler to a thwart so you don’t lose your water if you capsize.
SAFETY TIP: Stick a LifeStraw in your dry bag, just in case. If you lose your water, you’ll still be able to hydrate along the way.
Food
You’ll want to pack your food in a dry bag and properly secure it inside your canoe. Choose options that don’t take up much space but pack a punch in terms of nutritional value. Plan your meals and snacks in ways that don’t yield a lot of trash to contend with while canoeing. Unfortunately, a lot of trash ends up in the waterways from capsizing canoes.
First Aid Kit
While we always hope it is NOT a commonly used item, you’ll certainly want to pack a basic first aid kit for your trip. It is better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. Make sure you place your first aid kit in an easily accessible, dry location.
CANOE TRIP TIP: In addition to the previously mentioned items, pack some toilet paper and wipes in your dry bag. You can thank me later.
I hope these canoe trip tips help you have a safe and successful trip. Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!
