Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
HOW TO CANOE A RIVER VER
LIFE JACKET
Safety first. Wear a life jacket on any body of water, but especially on the rough waters of the Hudson. A standard vest will work, but consider one specifically for paddling that has less padding around the shoulders. OUR PICK: ASTRAL YTV, ASTRALDESIGNS.COM
DRY BOX
A small handy dry box to keep p things like phone and wallet easily ily accessible will make communication ication and buying lunch a whole lot easier. OUR PICK: OTTERBOX 3250, 50, OTTERBOX.COM OTTERBOX.C
SUN PROTECTION P
Beware of the sun in all seasons. season Not only does it come from ab above but it can burn you when it bounces off the water.
OUROUR PICK:PIC BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN AUSTRA SUNSCREEN SPORT, BLUELIZARD.NET
BOAT
Traditional canoes work great, but new paddlers are often more comfortable in more stable kayaks, some even use spray skirts to stay dry in waves. OUR PICK: • FIRST BOAT: OLD TOWN DISCOVERY 169, • BOATER: WENONAH 17, WENONAH.COM • FOXWORX GUIDE PADDLE, FOXWORXPADDLE.COM
SAFETY GEAR
Check the rules in your local lo body of water. water Depending on boat boa length and location, loca some municipalities mun require paddlers to bring brin whistles, radios, radio or even signal sig flags. OUR PICK: WEST MARINE MAR VHF75 FLOATING FL HANDHELD HANDH RADIO, O, WESTMARINE.COM WESTM S CO M
DRY BAG CLOTHING
Wear gear that will dry quickly when it does inevitably get wet. Wear sandals or neoprene booties, depending on weather. Keep rain gear close, including rain pants, in case the water splashes or rain falls.
OUR PICKS:
• COLUMBIA PFG BAHAMA II LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT, COLUMBIASPORTSWEAR. CO. ZA• PATAGONIA STRETCH WAVEFARER WALK SHORTS, PATAGONIA.COM
• KEEN EVOFIT ONE SANDALS, KEENFOOTWEAR. COM There is nothing worse than wearing wet clothes after a day on the water. Keep your gear in a dry bag to stay comfortable. Get it big enough to fit everything. OUR PICK: CABELA’S BOUNDARY WATERS DUFFEL BAG,CABELAS.COM