What to Bring page.
For all trips and classes on the water you need to consider a couple of things.
1. WATER - Know what the water is like [how cold? How likely you will be in it?] The water in our classes and trips [Potomac, Seneca Creek, Chesapeake is always relatively cold save mid summer. Winter 40's, Spring early 50's late 60's, Summer 70's-80's. If the Air is cold, windy, cloudy, rainy you will have a problem if not dressed or prepared properly. You will not be able to get warm if you get wet. If the air is warm, you won't have a problem if you get wet if you can just get out of the water dry off and let the air warm you up.
2. WEATHER - Think thunderstorms and wind, hot and cold, wet and dry. Know what the weather is like and will be like on the trip. [here is a local weather link] Our weather, Washington and Baltimore. Is not all that predictable. On even nice days its a good idea to have at least paddle jacket [or 55 gal trash bag] handy to keep you dry and out of the wind.
3. Real LIfe
- for Always : 1.Wear clothing other than Cotton next to your body [polypro, silk, synthetics, wool etc. NOT Cotton. Wet Cotton always makes you colder. Jeans don't work well.] In clear sunny weather above 75 degrees this is not a big deal. But if it rains and storms while you're out there, even if it's 75, it can become a frigid experience as well as a big deal]
2.Carry an outer layer that is a wind breaker /rain stopper. A plastic trash bag can work about as well as a $300 Gortex Parka. Under the outer layer and over the "next to your body layer" wear an insulating middle layer poly or wool that is appropriate for the expected air temperature.
3.Wear shoes that can get wet and wont fall off when you turn over or need to pull your boat off of a rock. River shoes are great , old sneakers work just as well. Flip flops won't work. $200 Nikes will get dirty and wet but work just fine. Your feet will get wet. It's a rule.
4. Carry drinking Water with you .
5. Bring your own life jacket for really tiny kids and pets; OR LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE IF YOU PLAN TO ARRIVE WITH 12 KIDS and a Schnauzer EACH of whom WEIGH 42 POUNDS. We have a limited # of PFD's for 50 pounders and glue and duct tape to ensure a perfect fit if you have more kids than we have small jackets.
6. Don't forget lunch and a snickers if you haven't made arrangements for us to supply same. Cameras are nice. Lots of photo ops. Make sure you can keep them dry in an upside down boat or rain storm.
7. EYE GLASS RETAINERS. Everyone who paddles more than twice is required to lose one pair eyeglasses. Leave your loose rings on the window sill above the sink. Make sure you have the strainer in the drain.
8. Zip lock bags for your cell phone [if you must], wallet etc. and they may still get wet. Use a zip lock in a dry bag. and they may still get wet.
9. and 10. Make sure your car keys are where they wont get lost. Your pocket won't necessarily make that happen.
- FOR SHIRT SLEEVE WEATHER Hat, sun screen, lip stuff, sense of humor, dry bag of dry clothes. light gloves if your hands are dainty. More water. Bug Spray [we have only 6 bugs on the whole creek], Sun Glasses, personal meds,...more later. [wind break is still a good idea]
- FOR COLD WEATHER 1. In really cold Winter weather you need a wet or dry suit. Sometimes both. 2. Moderately cold late Fall, early Spring. Same as winter.but your insulating layer will be less. Note that Down filled coats are worse than worthless on the water if they get even a little wet 3. Dry bag with dry clothing and something to start a fire. You need to dress for the water temperature and the length of time you may be in it....even if you expect not to!
- RAINY WEATHER 1. Rain suit over poly pro fleece & a wide brim hat to keep rain from running down your neck. 2. Take a big trash bag and use it as a poncho. 3. Dry clothes in a dry bag or dry place at the take out. 4. Wool socks . You still need to dress for the water and especially wind in rainy weather.