Essential Gear for Whitewater Canoeing

Essential Gear for WW Canoeing

To paddle whitewater rivers in an open canoe you really only need 5 pieces of equipment.

1. Canoe

2. Paddle

3. PFD (personal floatation device)

4. Helmet

5. Float Bags

That’s it.  Once you’ve acquired these 5 essential pieces of equipment you’re ready to get on the river.  In the following weeks I will be adding details and personal opinions on each piece of the essential whitewater canoeing  gear list, plus I will be writing about the other gear used by river paddlers (i.e. cold water clothing, throw bags, dry storage…)

I will also be adding links to where you can get deals on new and used paddling equipment.  

Of course, the gear is the easy part.  Anybody can go out and purchase equipment, it’s the skills and the desire that that can’t be bought.  The desire comes from within, the skills come from training and education.  Keep checking back, I’ll be writing about your options for gaining the skills to start river paddling.  I will also do my best to inspire and create the desire to move you from the flat to the white.

Are you open to the challenge of open canoe whitewater paddling?

The Northern Open Canoe Access Project provides ...

the Training

the Inspiration

and the Equipment

to get you paddling a canoe on whitewater.