Messing about on the river is one of life’s great joys, at least according to Ratty in ‘The Wind In The Willows’.
And here at Paddle The River, we could not agree more – our day trips along the Cuyahoga and Mahoning rivers are the perfect afternoon of fun, relaxation and beauty all rolled into one.
But there are certain top tips we suggest to give you and your family an even better experience – here are some good ideas of what to bring with you.
Neck wallets and a waterproof phone case are highly good ideas – you are traveling on top of a river after all, and you are going to get in contact with some water in some way. A neck wallet means you can keep you car keys and phone safe and with you – and if you were venturing further afield on a solo expedition, your maps and navigation tools.
A good windproof umbrella can come in surprisingly helpful – whether you decide to break your trip for a picnic or are forced off the water by bad weather, this piece of equipment can help provide instant shelter from sun, rain or wind.
Dry bags speak for themselves – if you are taking any other equipment with you – a change of clothes or some sandwiches – you do not want them to get wet, so pack them up in a dry bag. Even if you fall in the water yourself, your stuff will be just fine.
Water bottles – staying hydrated is important, and you not only will be burning calories as you paddle along but are likely to be exposed to the sun and wind far more than you are normally, all of which leads to needing to drink more water.
The same reasoning applies to a cooling towel – these modern fabrics hold water well and apply a refreshing coolness to your neck and shoulders, as well as providing some protection against the sun.
And another towel – a quick drying one – is ideal to pop in the dry bag. No matter how experienced a canoeist or kayaker you are, you are likely to get at least a little wet when on the river and being able to dry off quickly at the end of your day means you will be warmer and more comfortable for your journey home.
A first aid kit and a whistle is always a good idea to have on hand wherever you are, and this is just as true on the river. The whistle attracts attention should you get stranded on an island or the wrong side of the river and being outdoors right next to nature, it is very easy to pick up scratches, sun burn and bug bites.
Paddling a kayak or canoe is also hard work on the hands – and it can be easy to get blisters, so prevent this from happening with a pair of paddling gloves to stop that friction causing you discomfort. In a similar vein, for your feet think about water shoes and sandals – you may find yourself I the water at some point, especially getting in and out of your crafts, so these water shoes will protect your feet from rocks and branches in the water, yet are lightweight and easy to dry. Sandals are best for being on shore when you need to be dry.