Canoeing
Paddles, like boots have to be sized to the young man and dang it they keep growing. Chin to floor is a reasonable length (a little long is better than too short). For, flat water, a spare paddle per boat is more than sufficient, but for running a river each person needs a spare, at least. While they are ugly the aluminum and plastic paddles are cheap and durable and light. I can get 2 for the price of a single wooden paddle… makes sense to me.
Personal flotation – spend some money here since the life you save may be your own. Each person should expect to provide their own. Look for something that will keep your head out of the water in case you are knocked unconscious.
The counterpart to the backpack in a canoe is a dry bag. Fortunately the troop owns a bunch of these. Obviously you can buy or make your own as well. Also, line stuff sacks with trash bags, and pack in Ziploc bags and you have additional insurance.
Some folks have been asking about buying canoes. Don’t feel like you have to go out and buy a canoe. We have access to a lot of boats so spend time using these different boats before you even think about buying. That said, I think you should study the geometry and components of a boat, rather than studying brands or product lines. Terms like “rocker” and “tumble home” are important. Look at the bowline, will the shape shed water, or will it scoop it up? Is the boat symmetrical? That is can you put two in it one way, and then, single boat it by reversing direction? Or, is it asymmetrical with only one bow and stern? A boat with extreme rocker will be vary agile and better for whitewater, a boat with average rocker and balanced symmetry will track straighter and offer greater versatility, it can be used on open water, and, stretched to handle some white water — but, it is an average boat rather than a specialized boat. For most of us that is good. Boats come in several different materials, Royalex again is probably your best average material. It splits the difference between cost, durability, repair-ability, and weight. You can get Old Town boats at LLBean, ask for factory seconds, for a price break. You can shop Uncle Henry’s but be cautious buying a second hand boat. Look for mis-matched gunnels and wrinkles in the sides, replacement thwarts, all show the boat having been wrapped around a rock. Don’t buy a hog backed canoe (that is one with reverse rocker), and worry about leaks, if the boat has been patched, put it in the water before money changes hands.
