Do You Ever Wonder Why Sports Are Played Worldwide?

Posted on: 12 July 2018

Canoeing is great exercise and an exciting way to explore nature. It's a fun hobby when you live near a river and there's a location nearby where you can rent a canoe until you're ready to buy your own. All rivers are different, and you can see some amazing sights from a canoe that you would miss from the road. Here are a few tips for renting a canoe and heading into the wilderness.

Learn About Regulations

Canoe rentals are popular at certain times of the year, so you may want to reserve your canoe ahead of time if you'll be taking a trip during peak tourist season. You'll want to know in advance if you're required to bring anything, like your own water, and what things are prohibited, such as glass containers. There could also be other regulations to know about, especially if you'll be canoeing in a national park. For instance, you must collect your own trash and carry it out when your trip is over. Wearing shoes and life jackets could be required too.

Know What To Expect On The River

While half the fun of canoeing is encountering new territory and having new experiences, you don't want to go into your trip without knowing a little about what to expect. When you get deep into certain rivers, they can become overgrown and difficult to navigate. Not all rivers have wide open water. There might be trees, weeds, rocks, and narrow passageways. The water might be calm the entire trip or there might be a certain section of the river known for dangerous currents or shallow water. The more you know in advance, the better you can prepare for the unexpected.

Keep Safety In Mind

Remember that you'll be in the wilderness surrounded by wildlife, and all of it isn't friendly toward you. Watch out for snakes, wild animals, and river creatures that could attack if you threaten them. Also, be prepared to deal with bugs such as mosquitoes and flies that may swarm you. If the river winds through a shady section, with trees hanging over the water, there could be all kinds of bugs, snakes, spiders, and animals resting in the shade that you might encounter.

Pack The Right Supplies

Whether you canoe for a few hours or a couple of days, you need to bring all the water you need. If you'll be in hot sun most of the day, you'll want more water than usual, and you shouldn't drink river water no matter how clear it looks. You should also carry snacks. Salty snacks such as nuts and peanut butter could be good if it's hot and you'll sweat a lot.

If you'll be camping overnight, think carefully about all the supplies you need unless they're provided by the tour. Forgetting a can opener could leave you hungry since you won't be able to go a store in the middle of nowhere. Also, don't forget sun protection. Light clothing that blocks UV rays is a good choice, but you'll also want to wear sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat with a wide brim. Choose a hat and sunglasses with elastic bands or straps so they don't fall into the water and float away.

Get in touch with a company like T​ennessee River Blueway for more information.