by Kevin Bradley

Created on: April 06, 2010   Last Updated: August 17, 2011

Canoe camping is a great way to enjoy nature in its purest form. It is the perfect way to reach isolated areas untouched by human development and can be the ideal trip to take as a family. Canoe camping doesn't require specialist skills, but there are rules and guidelines that must be followed to keep the trip safe and legal.

To ensure maximum safety, all members of your party should know the basics of canoeing and be good swimmers. They need to know how to get a canoe upright if it has capsized. It isn't wise to go on a canoe camping trip without being able to carry out basic safety procedures. However, you do not need to be a master of all the available paddling techniques. A basic paddling technique will ensure you make progress along your chosen trail in a safe and efficient manner.

If your planned route involves paddling through rapids, you need to ensure all members of your party are capable of dealing with these safely. Never put two inexperienced members in the same canoe. Each member must be equipped with the required safety equipment including a helmet, a personal floatation device (PFD) and waterproof clothing or a wetsuit.

Similar to a sea kayaking trip, you need to create a float plan detailing your intended route. The float plan ensures someone else knows about your trip and will be able to raise an alert if you fail to return on the expected date. The float plan will include all relevant medical information about each member of your party and include emergency contact details.

In most cases you need to apply for a permit to canoe specific routes. The rules and regulations vary between each state and country. Approved routes get permits granted easily and include the respective river class. If canoe camping with young children then Class I and Class II trails are advisable. Anything Class III or above is not advisable for inexperienced canoeists or parties with young children.

You also need to stock up on several supplies including a first aid kit, sunscreen and bug sprays. This ensures you can cope with the most common problems that occur on canoe camping trips. The amount of kit you take with you depends on your personal preferences; although, you should never overload the canoe. Bearing this in mind, you need to take a good hunting knife or folding knife, trash bags, a shovel, toilet paper and a spare paddle for each canoe.

After packing your supplies, you need to select an appropriate canoe. There are several types of canoe available to choose from. Traditional wood canoes are popular but relatively heavy while Kevlar canoes are tough and light. Check the balance of the canoe after loading your gear. This ensures your canoe won't capsize easily.

You should also equip each member of your party with a GPS device. This helps locate each member if they get isolated from the group. It is advisable to have rescue bags available and easily obtained in case of emergencies. A compass and map is highly advisable for each member, although you can have a compass and map per canoe.

Overall, canoe camping is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Following simple safety precautions and planning the trip will maximize the enjoyment and minimize possible injuries.

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