Travel Tips: Dos And Don’ts Of Canoe Riding

Canoeing down the rivers of Epe is slowly becoming a tourist activity in Nigeria. So if you are thinking of participating in canoeing, there are some dos and don’ts. Even as a mere spectator, you need to be aware of some things to have a smooth ride.

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They are:

1. Avoid Capsizing When Paddling

• If you are the one rowing the boat, paddle on the opposite sides of the boat.
• If there are two of you acting as paddlers, the paddling must be in sync. Watch how the local pros do it to see this in action.
• Keep your body, especially around your hips, relaxed. This makes it easy to keep your body balanced if there is a sudden reaction that rocks the canoe.
• Paddle smarter, not harder. How? By using the muscles in your torso/upper body to power your strokes rather than depending on your arm muscles only. This means twist at the waist when you take your strokes, don’t just move your arms. This will help to improve your stamina and leave you with the energy to deal with any situation that arises.
• If you are paddling, ditch the comfy bench and kneel. Let your butt rest on the bench as support while your weight is on your knees. This will help keep your body’s centre of gravity well positioned.
• If your canoe capsizes, don’t panic. Stay with your canoe, push it to shore.

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2. Dress Code & Things To Take For The Trip

• Make sure you have items for sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.)
• Bring edibles with you, like snacks and drinks if it is a long canoe ride.
• Carry a First Aid Kit/emergency throw bag and have extra waterproof bags with you in your backpack.
• Put all your electronics in waterproof bags or carry waterproof electronics. You can use your phone camera to snap a selfie on the ride, but when you are done, keep it away wrapped in a waterproof bag before putting it in your bag.
• Don’t carry any valuables on you when going canoeing. If you must-have electronics, make sure you don’t carry weighty ones. They can affect your balance in the boat.
• Wear breathable fabrics or stretchy and comfortable clothes underneath your life jacket. That way, if your clothes get wet, they can get dry easily.
• Don’t wear denim jeans, expensive shoes or try to dress to impress on a canoe ride. Your jeans get wet, they will become heavy for you to swim to shore with.

3. Other Dos and Don’ts

• If the Canoe fills up with water, empty it at the shore before getting back into it.
• If you are already in it, use a bowl to scoop it out so it doesn’t exceed ankle level.
• If you can’t swim, don’t go too far from the shore or out into uncharted waters. Also, stay away from hanging trees and branches near the shore.
• Do not go canoeing in bad weather.

Have you ever been on a canoe ride? Share with us other ideas of things we can or should not do when we go canoeing.

Featured Image Source: Travelstart

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