When first deciding to take a float trip adventure there are many factors to consider prior to arranging the trip. You will need to decide how many people will be attending the trip, whether or not it’s going to be a daytime or evening excursion, what types of supplies will be needed and lastly whether or not you will be using a personal canoe or a rental. The advantage of advanced planning will allow you and your family and friends, to enjoy a stress free environment for your first float trip.
The benefits of having a canoe on your first float trip are vast, starting with the fact that you can get a canoe to seat up to four other people, which allows the inexperienced floater to bring a more experienced person along to guide the group. When first floating, going with a small group allows for more attention to be focused on the actual process of floating. This will help you gain experience, becoming more adept and knowledgeable in the future should you decide to float on your own.
A canoe is a craft that is usually operated by human power using paddles, however, you can also use a canoe that is powered by a small motors and possibly a sail. Canoes used on float trips are typically powered by rowing in the direction of travel, this can be done by two or more people. You can paddle by sitting or in a kneeling position in the hull of the canoe, the oars used can be single or double bladed.
There are many types of canoes available but the ones used for floating or white water travel are called, “tripping” canoes. These have a wider hull and allow for more comfort when floating on a lake or river, they have more stability and durable. Another model is known as a “river” canoe, this is the one used for river floats because it is made of stronger materials such as ABS or Kevlar.
By using a canoe it is important to remember that to maintain balance is to keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Using a canoe also allows for ease of communication between paddlers and this is another advantage for someone who is on their first float. Communication between the paddlers and guide is crucial to the welfare and safety of the entire group.
Another important thing to remember is that paddling must be done in tandem if the canoe is to get anywhere. If you are new to floating, the guide will likely bring along another experienced floater to assist and train you on the proper method. There are many types of strokes that you will be trained in, such as the cruising or forward stroke, the back stroke, J-stroke, Superior stroke, the pitch stroke, the pry stroke and many others. Your guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to learn the proper stroking techniques and when to use the strokes.
To be considered a traditional float trip, one must exclusively use human power to propel the canoe. You can go on a one-day float or you can also combine the float trip with camping if you choose, the decision is yours. Canoeing is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the weather and take in the wilderness. You will find that a canoe offers comfort, storage and enjoyment whether you are a beginner or an advanced canoeist, people often find that retreating back to nature is just what they need to recharge their inner battery.
