An
Primer To Canoe Camping
Canoe camping is a peaceful yet
exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. To feel that you’re
truly getting away from it all, this is the way to go! The solitude
of the lake, a secluded campsite, complete independence…
is there anything better?
With this independence and seclusion
comes the need to arrive prepared. Canoe campers often trek into
territories where it just isn’t possible to run out to the
store if something is forgotten at home. With research and good
planning, this could be the trip of a lifetime!
The first major consideration
is the canoe. Whether you decide to rent or buy, talk to an expert
at the store you are dealing with. Tell them where you are going
and have them show you several different suitable canoes. Ask
how each one differs from the others. Understand how much weight
you can safely carry in the canoe. The size of the canoe is an
important factor to consider. While a 15-foot canoe is ideal for
river paddling, longer boats are faster and easier to maneuver
over lakes and open water. Renting for your first few trips allows
you to get a feel for different canoes and how they will handle
in the water. Don’t forget to take one extra paddle per
canoe in case one is lost.
Canoeing might seem easy at a
glance, but there is a technique to paddling, steering and coming
ashore. Sign up for a canoeing course before you go to learn the
ropes and give you confidence on the water. Adults and children
going on the trip should be confident swimmers; sign up for lessons
well in advance. Since river canoeing is more difficult than canoeing
on a lake, try an open water trip for your first experience.
Properly fitting life jackets
are a must for every person in the canoe. They must be worn at
all times, so choose one that is comfortable. Take your kids swimming
in a pool with their life jackets before heading out on your trip
so they can get used to how they feel and work. Each paddler will
also need a comfortable seat cushion (which doubles as a pillow
for sleeping), wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer,
paddling shoes, sunglasses and rain gear.
Make sure that each canoe is equipped
with a whistle to warn larger boats of your presence (this is
actually required by law in some states). Each boat must also
carry a sponge and bailer to help keep things dry. Each night,
unload the canoe in camp and turn it upside down to dry out. Rope,
bungee cords and ratchet straps can be used to secure your belongings
in the canoe and are helpful around the campsite. A tarp will
also prove useful both in the canoe and in camp to keep your belongings
dry.
Careful planning is the key to
a successful trip. Before heading out, you should know the river
class, river mileage and camping locations (have a few options
in mind in case you don’t make it as far as you had planned).
If you are visiting an unfamiliar area, hire a local canoe guide
or meet with an outfitter for guidance. Plan activities to keep
everyone occupied in the canoe and in camp. A guitar is always
a welcome instrument on a camping trip. Or, learn about the area’s
history before you go and play tour guide on the trip. Make sure
you’ve packed lightweight toys and games for the kids, such
as skipping ropes and Frisbees.
Don’t plan to take anything
on your trip that you wouldn’t mind losing. If the canoe
capsizes, you don’t want your $200 sunglasses at the bottom
of the lake! Take a disposable camera, old clothes and a waterproof
fanny pack for money and keys. All food items should be kept in
a cooler with a locking lid. Pack all of your clothing and belongings
in dry bags. The key to enjoying your canoe trip is in staying
warm and dry, so pack well! Organize your belongings into cooking,
sleeping, clothing and hygiene categories for easy access when
you need supplies. Distribute the weight of your belongings evenly
over the bottom of the canoe to reduce the risk of capsizing.
At least one member of your camping
group should have first aid training. Keep a well equipped first
aid kit in a waterproof container strapped securely inside the
canoe. Your waterproof kit should also contain a spare flashlight,
waterproof matches and a working cell phone. It can be difficult
to right a capsized canoe so be very careful! Practice capsizing
in shallow water before heading out to be sure that each member
of your party knows what to do in the event. Instruct each person
to swim directly towards the boat and hang on to the edge. Once
all members of the party are safe, you can work together to turn
over and bail out the canoe.
Be prepared and plan for
anything! This is why canoe camping is so exciting. After a few
trips, you might even like it so much that you decide to venture
out into higher class rivers, portaging or more secluded areas.
Canoe camping is a great hobby for adventurous friends, couples
and families to enjoy together.
Contributed
By Miranda
Miller
