These are just a few of the basic rules to be followed by anyone while out canoeing

- One of the most important rules is to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Make sure it fits and is worn properly.

- Making sure your canoe is trimmed properly, (sitting level in the water) is an over looked aspect of canoeing safety. You see many paddlers out on the water ignoring this basic rule. Please trim your canoe as described in the articles above or below.

- Dress for the day. Meaning, if the weather is cool, dress warm and bring an extra set of dry cloths sealed in a dry bag for emergency use. Bring a hat and wear some sort of shoe. Foot injuries are common in canoeing.

- Pay attention to the weather. Don't go out if the weather is looking bad and head back early if a change for the worse is evident.

- Don't attempt to paddle waters you don't feel comfortable in. An example would be after heavy rains, creeks and rivers tend to flood and run swift, this can be dangerous and should be avoided.

- It is always safer to paddle in numbers, and leave a float plan. A float plan is simply letting someone know where you’re going, and when to be expected back.

- It is always a good idea to carry a spare paddle secured in the canoe. If the canoe is capsized, when recovered, you can be assured of having as least one paddle to use.

- In the worst case scenario, and a capsize does occur, ALWAYS STAY WITH THE CANOE. Many people have drowned thinking they could swim to safety when in reality the swim is farther than it looks.

- It is safer to paddle in numbers, and leave a float plan. A float plan is simply letting someone know where you’re going, and when to be expected back.

When preparing for a trip, don’t forget some of the basics:

- Paddles
- Extra ropes or lines are a good idea. They should be neatly stowed as to not be a hazard.
- Life jacket with whistle attached.
- A basic first aid kit.
- A dry change of clothes in cooler weather
- Plenty of water

These are some basic safety rules for canoeing, but definitely not all. Common sense goes a long way.

Using a motor with your canoe

You won't hear many paddling purist talking about motors and canoes, but judging by the amount of canoe motor brackets we, and other accessory businesses sell, it's a fact of life. These tips are for square stern canoes as well as double ended canoes with motor brackets.

CAUTION:Using a motor on a canoe can be dangerous if not done properly!

Extremely dangerous!!

This canoe is grossly out of trim. The bow is out of the water with the stern deep in water.
This canoe is highly unstable.

Danger of capsize: high!!

YES!

This canoe is trimmed; the bow and stern are drawing the same amount of water.
The canoe is much more stable with this level load.

Add a person, (go tandem).

Add weight in the bow until the canoe is trim in the water. You can do this by using 5 gallon water jugs.

If using an electric motor, put the battery up front.

Other tips for motoring a canoe are:

To avoid quick or sharp turns and motor movement.

Try your motor close to shore without gear in the canoe until you familiarize yourself with the operation of the canoe and motor.

Secure motor to the seat frame with a safety or rope.

Secure your gear - any canoe can capsize.

Always wear a life jacket.

Safe Motors for Mohawks

Electric: 17-42 pound thrust. Short shaft

Gasoline: Light weight 1-1/2 to 2 HP

Tips for paddling a tandem canoe solo

Balancing your load is on of the most important rules of canoeing, next to wearing a life jacket.