Float Trip Prep
Wear your personal flotation device whenever you are on the water.
Have a "River Plan" with details for equipment, shuttles, gear, good complete river maps, First Aid Kit etc.
Ensure that everyone knows the "River Plan".
Ensure you have the right clothing and gear for the trip.
Bring a change of clothes in a waterproof bag.
Take good rain gear or a poncho for protection.
Ensure you have the right skills for the trip.
At the Water
Do not overload your canoe with gear or people.
Steer your canoe away from strainers (trees, logjams, shrubs, & debris).
Stay low in your canoe when entering or exiting.
Use extreme caution when approaching any low-water crossing or low-head dam.
Do not pass the lead boat.
Do not fall behind the sweep boats.
Use river signals to slow down or stop the group as needed.
Take regular breaks to stretch and for bathroom breaks.
Wash your hands with clean water, soap, or alcohol prior to eating.
Carry and drink plenty of pure water to prevent dehydration.
Use plenty of sun block solution.
Wear a wide brim hat or baseball cap.
Tie in all articles in case of an upset.
If you fall out of your canoe, place yourself upstream of the boat and tow the boat towards the closest-safest land.
Identify and be aware of poison-ivy when you are off the river, walking.
After your trip, check for ticks.
Tips
The person in the back (stern) of the canoe primarily provides the majority of steering.
When paddling tandem, it is better that each paddler paddles on opposite sides.
Under windy conditions, paddle into the wind and stay low in the canoe by kneeling.
When you hold the paddle, place one hand on the shaft and one hand on the grip.
Work as a team and communicate when making decisions.

Float Trip Checklist

Related Checklist Templates: