Top Ten Objects to Bring in 2010!

Top Ten Objects to Bring in 2010!
While canoe season is 85 days away and summer is 115 days away it is never too early to start thinking summer. So while it may still be winter you can still have a summer mindset with the top ten objects to bring in 2010. While all these items are not completely necessary for a good time the more you bring the more likely you will have a blast!
1. Good Friends – Recreational activities as fun as canoeing deserve to be shared with several people. Canoeing tends to bring people together and create everlasting memories. Bring as many friends as possible to share your canoeing experience.
2. Waterproof Camera- Think of the great pictures you can take on the Hocking River. The Hocking is scenic and undeveloped much like it was one hundred years ago. Therefore there are abundant opportunities for great photographs. Odds are you will want the camera when a Great Blue Herring flies a few feet in front of you or when a few deer cross the river. Also you will want to get good photographs of your friends and family. A waterproof camera is strongly recommended. If your camera is not waterproof we would recommend keeping it in your car. Plastic bags rarely work in keeping cameras dry. A reusable waterproof camera is for sale at the Canoe Livery for around $10
3. Wacky Water Tubes - What do we mean by wacky water tubes? To name a few, wacky water tubes include giant floating turtles, gorillas, and whales. Adding a tube of this nature adds extra fun. Not only will you be the envy of fellow canoeist but you also have the option of jumping of the canoe and riding a giant whale pass a few river bends. While we do not have carry wacky water tubes in our office, (they can be found easily online) we do carry basic tubes
4. Water guns- Water guns also add to the fun in the hot summer.
5. Water shoes-The worst footwear to wear would be nice shoes because it is guarantee they will get wet and dirty. Flip flops will immediately come off while swimming in the river, old sneakers will remain soaked hours after the trip (plus your feet will get stinky) and going bear foot exposes your feet to sharp rocks on the bottom of the river bed. One might ask “What is left to wear?” Water shoes!! Water shoes are an absolute inexpensive necessity. We sell them at our shop between $10-15.
6. Cooler- Bringing a cooler is recommended, especially on the longer trips. However we do not allow stroayphroam coolers simply because if the canoe capsizes the cooler will bust and leave debris across the river. The average width of a canoe is three feet. Keep this in mind when deciding what size cooler to bring. Since the river is undeveloped much like it was one hundred years ago there are numerous river banks to stop for a peaceful lunch. Stopping on a river bank for a snack or ice cold beverage is one the most enjoyable experiences on the Hocking.
7. Trash Bags- Most people want to keep the river clean for future generations. To this end it essential to canoe from the mindset of leaving only footprints. Being prepared with a trash bag ensures that all debris will end up in its proper place. Also be a good citizen and pick up a few bottles and cans along the way.
8. Lifejacket for the rope swing- Most of people can stand up in the Hocking River since it was an average depth of 3-4 feet. While bringing a lifejacket is required by law it is also a necessity if you are considering jumping of the rope swings. There are two rope swings located on the Hocking River. Once one is completely out on the rope swing they are approxamitely 15-20 feet above the water.
9. Sunglasses- Keep the sun out your eyes will still maintaining a relaxed look.
10. Back Rests-Being comfortable is one of the most important characteristics on a river trip. Back rests are necessary in being relaxed throughout the entire trip. Fortunately we include backrests at no additional charge on our rentals

Did I miss anything? Let me know what your thoughts are in the top ten items to bring while canoeing
Shane