It is quite easy to get caught up in all the excitement of planning a canoeing trip and forget some of the essentials that you need to take with you in order to not only keep yourself but anyone else with you safe. Below we have put together a list of some of the essentials that you should be taking with you. For anyone planning on taking a canoe trip through the Wye Valley, this guide will be of some help.

A Helmet

Whilst you do not strictly need to wear one of these if you are gently paddling along the river Wye, if you plan on hitting any patches of white water then they are pretty much essential. When out canoeing during the summer months you may benefit from wearing some sort of sun hat in order to keep you protected as there is very little in the way of shade when in the middle of a lake. Similarly, when out during the winter, be sure to wear some sort of knitted hat to keep your head warm.

Food and Water

Although this seems like common sense, you would be surprised by how many people head out on a canoeing trip without taking any form of fuel or hydration with them. Given the energy required to paddle a canoe, especially when it is hot, there is a very real risk of becoming dehydrated. The last thing that you want to happen whilst out on the water is run out of energy and feel too sickto paddle back to dry land.

A Lifejacket

This is the most important thing that you can take with you when heading out on a canoeing trip. Even if you have a wealth of swimming experience it is important that you wear some sort of buoyancy aid at all times whilst canoeing. This is because at a moment's notice and without expecting it at all, you can find yourself tipped over and in deep water. The buoyancy that a life jacket provides also makes it that much easier to get yourself back into the canoe if you do go into the water - something that can be difficult without this aid.

A Dry Bag

Regardless of how long you are out on your canoe, you need to always take a dry bag with you. This is because it keeps everything that you have with you, including any valuables, dry and safe should the canoe tip over or capsize into the water. In a dry bag you should put a spare change of clothes in case the ones that you are wearing get wet, cash money, some food and drink, your mobile phone, and anything else that you need with you.

Cash Money

Another common sense item, but not the less important to have with you when on a canoeing trip. This is needed simply because you never know when it may come in useful to have. It does not need to be much, just some coins and some paper money.