Canoe and Kayak Safety

Rule #1 

- Always wear a PFD / Life Jacket (Portable Flotation Device)
Preferably, one designed for Kayaking / Canoeing.  Other types will most likely limit your movements and after 30 minutes, you'll tempted to remove it.
Getting one with pockets is always a good idea.
- Some are made specifically for women, others for child.  Some of them are also made for specifically for fishing.  I would not recommend to go too cheap as you may "pay" for trying to save few bucks.  

Rule #2
- Read Rule #1 again.

Rule #3
Always check the water level/weather before going paddling.

Rule #4
Know were you are going: Rivers can have hidden dangers.  Check with local kayaking/Canoeing groups, river watershed association, etc.
Check our resource page for more   

Hypothermia:

Rule of thumb #1
When the combined temperature of Water + Air is below 120°F, Hypothermia risk starts to sneak in. 

Rule of thumb #2
In water below 50°F, you are at serious risk of hypothermia.  Water at 50°F (10°C) can cause death in one hour.
Hypothermia may cause disorientation, muscle mis-coordination and confusion.
Hypothermia is a gentle name for "Cardiac Arrest"

Water Temp                  Hypothermia Risk

60°F and up                    Low
59°-55°F                         Moderate
54°-45°F                         High
Below 45°F                    Extreme

    If you fall in cold water, your body will have the reflex to gasp for air.  If your head is underwater, you may swallow some water.  Then comes the critical failure scenario...
- Your second reflex will be to caught violently to try to expel the water in your lungs.
- As you lungs cannot remain "empty" of air, the third reflex will be to gasp for air again... Do you catch my drift?  Don't joke with that.
Wool and synthetic clothing are better than cotton: they retain less water, dry faster, and are generally warmer.  

- Always Let someone know where you are going,  how long is the trip and when you are expected to return.  Take the habit to give the a quick "check up" call, especially if you are late.
Best of all, if you can, go in groups, not alone. 

Waterproof bags are an excellent way to carry your cell phone.
Ziplock bags are OK, but won't provide a "tough" protection.
Dry Pak Cell Phone Case is perfect for the iPhone type. 

Always leave some air inside the bag, with air inside, it floats!  a sinking cell phone has no use.

Waterproof bags.  With AIR inside. As explained above, anything that floats is better than anything that sinks.

Water bottles. You'll be thirsty!  If you carry regular water bottle with you, take the habit of:  Opening the bottle, take a sip, close the bottle.  Now it Floats!

On long trips, always carry a spare paddle, you can find very cheap ones that will save you the day.  Being left without propulsion is a not a funny experience.
The Carlisle Magic at less than $65, with free shipping is a really good deal, plus is an excellent starter kayak paddle for fresh water.
see below for a good selection of tested paddles 

- J-B Water Weld is an Epoxy Putty that cures underwater in 30 minutes
It weighs 2 Oz, and may save you a lot of trouble if  Boat meets Rock!
It also can fix a leaking gas tank, an appliance and in some case, it can even fix a paddle.  At less than $10, it's a must to have with you.  I have used it to fix cracks in a Canoe with no fuss. I always have one on hand with me.


Paddles 
Your level, size, style, and time spent on the water (and wallet thickness too) will determine what you need.
From Starter paddles to top notch carbon-kevlar paddle, you'll find a very wide range.  Avoid the very cheap as they are often too heavy, or poorly made. 
For Sea Kayaks or White Waters, you'll have to buy a more resilient fiberglass or carbon paddle type.   Checking reviews is also always useful.

Spare Canoe Paddles
I use them when with teens, as they can take a beating or two. (the paddles) (I can't comment on the teenagers)

Solo Canoe Double Paddles
They are Kayak paddles for Canoe, and they are GREAT!