If you’ve always wanted to try canoeing or kayaking, there are several things you need to know about both of these sports before you venture out onto the water. Here’s some information about canoeing and kayaking that will help make your first experience a good one.
How Many Different Types of Canoes/Kayaks Are There?
Both canoes and kayaks come in the following classifications:
Canoes
- Recreational: Used for fishing, camping, etc.
- Expedition: Used for long extended trips.
- Whitewater: Used in rugged whitewater areas.
- Racing: Used for competition-based activities.
Kayaks
- Recreational: Used for fishing, camping, etc.
- Whitewater: Used in rugged whitewater areas.
- Touring: Used for leisurely trips.
- Sea: Used for use on the ocean.
- Sit-On-Top: Used for more experienced kayakers.
- Inflatable: Used for recreational use.
- Racing: Used for competition-based activities.
What Kind of Gear Should I Bring?
If you’re planning on going canoeing or kayaking, you should bring along the following items:
- Enough personal flotation devices for everyone on board
- Bilge pump
- Paddler’s gloves
- A dry waterproof bag
- A map
- A compass
- GPS
- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- Insect repellant
- Plenty of drinking water
What Should I Wear When Canoeing/Kayaking?
The following are items you should be wearing if you plan on going out in a canoe or kayak:
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Bandana
- Rain gear
- T-shirt made of breathable polyester or nylon
- Shorts or pants made of nylon or canvas
- Athletic socks
- Neoprene footwear
- Swimsuit
What Do I Need to Look for in a Sunscreen?
If you’re in search of a good reliable sunscreen, you should look to make sure anything you plan to purchase meets the following standards:
- A SPF of at least 30
- UV/UVA protection
- Hypoallergenic
- Both water and sweat resistant
- One that contains at least one of the following ingredients: avonbenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide
Also, you should always remember to check the expiration date on your sunscreen and apply it 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. You should also reapply it periodically throughout the day, especially between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re interested in canoeing or kayaking, you should check out Hocking College’s Ecotourism & Adventure Leadership degree program. For more information contact Program Manager Jennifer Johnson by email: johnsonj10298@hocking.edu or by phone: (740) 753-6279.