A canoe safari represents a great and very different adventure, a relaxed manner in which to see wildlife from a different perspective, on a lake or river. If taking one of these unforgettable trips, do read the few extra pieces of relevant guidance, as set out here below:-
Don’t try to get into the canoe by yourself
It’s much better to have someone steady the canoe as you get in to avoid falling before you even start the journey.
Stay low as you get in
Keeping your centre of gravity as low as possible is good advice, so bend your knees and keep hold of the canoe’s sides as you get into your seat.
Keep balanced, stay in the centre
It’s important to keep your weight in the centre of the canoe as this stops the vessel from losing its balance or rocking from side to side.
Stay low while inside the canoe
Once you are under way, do not try to stand up in the canoe, as this will unbalance the vessel.
Wear your life-jacket throughout the adventure
It is essential that you keep on the life-jacket issued to you at all times, as the canoe could tip over unexpectedly.
Move gently, avoiding any sudden movements
Sudden movements can unbalance the canoe thereby causing it to tip over. Move slowly and gently.
Use the seat to sit on
Stay in your seat and avoid moving from side to side or too near to the front or rear for this behavior has got the potential to make the canoe tip over.
Keep the canoe away from any low-hanging branches on the shore
Catching one of these can unbalance you and thus cause you to fall in.
Avoid canoeing in bad weather
Your guide will check the weather forecast before you set out, but if the weather deteriorates, then it’s not advisable to head to the shore.
Don’t let any big waves hit the side of your canoe
Keeping your canoe at right angles to any significant waves will help in avoiding the waves to push your canoe over.
Stay calm, if the canoe tips over or if you end up in the water
It’s important to remember that your canoe is designed to stay afloat, even when it takes on water. Therefore, you need not to panic, just stay calm and get your canoe to the shore where you can empty it, climb back in and continue your adventure.
Don’t forget to be prepared against the sun
Just because you are on the water doesn’t mean that you are not out of reach of the sun and you are advised to wear a decent hat, bring a sunscreen and wear long trousers (pants) with a long-sleeved shirt.
