Esential gear to bring on a boating trip is open to debate. For one, it might be enough light beer to 'sink a ship', while another won't need anything but a gallon of water. Somewhere in the middle there are some things that really should go along.
First a boating license is compulsory in Canada. For personal safety and to avoid cutting the trip short because of accidental injury, everyone should wear actual boating shoes. This specialized footwear is not a tennis shoe, and not a convention non skid shoe. Boating shoes have grip pads, which are carefully designed to make the soles slip proof even on wet, smooth decks. The finishes of boats boat decks are glossy for maintenance reasons, and of course everything will surely be wet.
The medical authorities say you should not venture out, especially on the water, without sun screen. Hats are not great for boating, since they tend to blow off, and part of the fun is letting the wind blow through your hair. Anyway, the sun's rays bounce off the water and get you from below the hat brim. You will want a product with a high SPF factor, for the hours you may be in the sun. If you are not convinced that commercial sun screens offer real protection from sun damage, fill a spray bottle of dilute vitamin C, consume more CoQ10 for a few days before and after exposure, and take along natural coconut oil.
What you wear will be a personal choice, as long as it is suited to the weather and the occasion. Rafting on white water will be chilly, since canyons may block the sun and the water is always cold. Wet suits can really help on mountain waters or anywhere in the fall and winter. Of course, cool clothes or bathing suits will be fine on a cruise or leisurely sail.
Any time you are on the water, the weather is liable to change. Foul weather gear is the traditional waterman's answer to squalls and thunder storms. You are probably familiar with the bright yellow slickers that deflect rain, wind, and sea spray. New gear can be more fashionable and less bulky, and comes fully lined for use in the cooler months.
Safety equipment that should go along includes a radio for weather reports, a flotation device for every passenger, a ship to shore radio or another way to summon help if needed, a floating flashlight, and lots of water. Food is always doubly appreciated when you are cut off from land, and lip balm takes on added value in incessant sun and wind. UV protection sunglasses are very important, since the sun's glare is magnified by the water.
Of course, there are many other great ideas: gloves to keep the canoe paddle from wearing away the skin on your hands, a personal flotation device (no longer needs to be blaze orange and bulky, or always under your chin), a strap to keep your sunglasses or goggles firmly in place, a folding ladder to let you swim off the boat and get back in, and fishing gear to let you catch dinner. Towel, good books, radios for music and news, good friends - all of these can make things afloat easier and more pleasant.
Esential gear to bring on a boating trip is what personal taste and common sense tell you. You can also check out boating experts, from friends to the US Coast Guard, for advice.
First a boating license is compulsory in Canada. For personal safety and to avoid cutting the trip short because of accidental injury, everyone should wear actual boating shoes. This specialized footwear is not a tennis shoe, and not a convention non skid shoe. Boating shoes have grip pads, which are carefully designed to make the soles slip proof even on wet, smooth decks. The finishes of boats boat decks are glossy for maintenance reasons, and of course everything will surely be wet.
The medical authorities say you should not venture out, especially on the water, without sun screen. Hats are not great for boating, since they tend to blow off, and part of the fun is letting the wind blow through your hair. Anyway, the sun's rays bounce off the water and get you from below the hat brim. You will want a product with a high SPF factor, for the hours you may be in the sun. If you are not convinced that commercial sun screens offer real protection from sun damage, fill a spray bottle of dilute vitamin C, consume more CoQ10 for a few days before and after exposure, and take along natural coconut oil.
What you wear will be a personal choice, as long as it is suited to the weather and the occasion. Rafting on white water will be chilly, since canyons may block the sun and the water is always cold. Wet suits can really help on mountain waters or anywhere in the fall and winter. Of course, cool clothes or bathing suits will be fine on a cruise or leisurely sail.
Any time you are on the water, the weather is liable to change. Foul weather gear is the traditional waterman's answer to squalls and thunder storms. You are probably familiar with the bright yellow slickers that deflect rain, wind, and sea spray. New gear can be more fashionable and less bulky, and comes fully lined for use in the cooler months.
Safety equipment that should go along includes a radio for weather reports, a flotation device for every passenger, a ship to shore radio or another way to summon help if needed, a floating flashlight, and lots of water. Food is always doubly appreciated when you are cut off from land, and lip balm takes on added value in incessant sun and wind. UV protection sunglasses are very important, since the sun's glare is magnified by the water.
Of course, there are many other great ideas: gloves to keep the canoe paddle from wearing away the skin on your hands, a personal flotation device (no longer needs to be blaze orange and bulky, or always under your chin), a strap to keep your sunglasses or goggles firmly in place, a folding ladder to let you swim off the boat and get back in, and fishing gear to let you catch dinner. Towel, good books, radios for music and news, good friends - all of these can make things afloat easier and more pleasant.
Esential gear to bring on a boating trip is what personal taste and common sense tell you. You can also check out boating experts, from friends to the US Coast Guard, for advice.
About the Author:
Taking the boat on Lake Ontario this weekend? Don't get caught without an boating exam. Take time today to sit a boat test. You can take the test online and have a pleasure craft operator card.
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