Читать книгу Canoeing & Kayaking South Central Wisconsin - Timothy Bauer - Страница 25

• Carefully review the map before and during your paddle, being mindful of take-outs and potential portages. Sometimes it’s a good idea to mark a branch on a tree or a bridge by the take-out with a bandana, colorful cloth, or surveyor’s tape to help signal that this is where to pull into. You don’t want to miss your take-out! (Just don’t forget to remove your reminder.)

• Whenever you know you’ll be running a sudden drop or continuous rapids, it’s a good idea to scout the river from dry land first so as to avoid unpleasant surprises while on the water, when it could be too late.

• When on lakes or large rivers, always paddle defensively when motorboats and Jet Skiers are around. Make yourself visible and keep a wide berth of their wake. Always point the front end of your boat (the bow) into the direction of an oncoming wave to avoid capsizing or getting swamped.

• Always bring extra water and plenty of sunscreen, and be sure to include safety equipment, such as a weather radio, first-aid kit, throw rope or rescue line, a bilge pump or sponge, dry bags, snacks, and rain gear. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses, too. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.