Utah has dozens of lakes and rivers that are navigable by kayaks and canoes – navigating them safely should be the first order of business. There are a number of great resources out there to consult for Utah (and other states), but one of the most comprehensive is paddling.net. This site includes the following items of interest:
CATEGORY: Equipment / First Aid (Safety)
- Handheld VHF Radios by Michael Gray
- Building the Paddler’s First Aid Kit by Tim Sprinkle
- Weather Radios: Do I really need one? by Michael Gray
- GPS Navigation: What can it do for you? by Tim Sprinkle
- Binocular for Kayaking by Tom Watson
- Allergic Reactions by Kevin Callan
- New Simplified CPR Procedure by Tom Watson
- Flashlights for Paddlers by Tom Watson
- Treating the Big Chill by Kevin Callan
- Headlamps for Paddlers by Tom Watson
- Creek Boating Safety Equipment by Ken Whiting
- Laser Light Signals by Tom Watson
- Top Camp Gadgets for Christmas by Kevin Callan
- Rescue Gear by Ken Whiting
- Cool Camp Gadgets & Fashionable Undies by Kevin Callan
- Beyond the First Aid Kit by Tom Watson
Another great resource on safety related issues with links to excellent resources is commanderbob.com.
Once you have safety issues mastered, the next order of business is getting the right equipment. For kayaks, check out this site and for canoes, check out this site.
Next, it is time to go paddling. Check out this site for local paddling location information, this site for an outfitter, and this site for a local guidebook. Paddle, enjoy and be safe.
