What to take

Typical canoeing gear:

When embarking on the canoe trip, we usually wonder what to take with us and what is unnecessary. Common sense is the best advisor. There are more and more riverside campsites rendering high standard services. You should remember that your kayak or canoe has limited cargo capacity!!! Both the season of the year and weather forecasts should be taken into consideration before canoeing. We should remember that the amount of cargo depends on the time of the canoe trip. Necessary accessories are presented below. The situation is different if luggage is transported to campsites by car and you are not restricted by the cargo capacity of your canoe or kayak.

Canoe and Kayak accessories:

  • Small igloo type tent

  • Sleeping mat or alternatively airbed

  • Sleeping bag adjusted to the prevailing weather conditions

  • Camping gas bottle (Camping Gas type) with gas jet

  • Small camping mess-tin and aluminium or stainless steel mug, utensils

  • Water container holding about 5 litres

  • Swiss penknife with bottle and tin opener

  • Torch (waterproof preferably)

  • Lighter, a few meters of rope, buckles

  • Dustbin liners

  • Dry bags for your stuff

  • Trowel (to keep the campsite clean)

  • First aid kit, just in case (hoping that it won’t be necessary)

  • Small axe

  • Waterproof cover for mobile phones and documents

Clothing:

  • Towel, trunks and swimming equipment

  • Water footwear – flip-flops, sandals, foam shoes (to protect feet by the water)

  • Cap or hat, sunglasses

  • One long-sleeve shirt (made of cotton preferably)

  • One warm jumper or polar blouse against winter chills

  • Raincoat in case of bad weather

  • Combat trousers

  • Sport shoes

  • T-shirts, shorts

  • Gloves to ensure easy paddling

Other:

  • Effervescent calcium, aspirin etc.

  • Anti-sun filters : sun creams, sun sprays etc.

  • Oxidized water, sticking plasters, bandages

  • Sunburn medication

  • A pack of cards, books

Useful advices:

  • Adjust the route of the canoe trip to the weakest paddler

  • Protect your documents, money and mobile against water

  • Secure and put your stuff in order before setting out

  • Get into your kayak with the bow headed upstream

  • Always reach the shore against the current

  • Try not to lose hold of the paddle

  • Carefully watch the river: rapids, obstacles, rocks

  • Do not disturb fishermen or other tourists on a given water area, thanks to this the canoe trip will be a pleasant and relaxing experience

  • Sit still in your kayak and do not make any sudden motions

  • Camp in designated places only

  • Use your trowel properly and do not litter the forests

  • Leave the camping site at least as clean as it was before your arrival

  • Always remember to protect the environment