PADDLE ROUTES AND PUT INS
USEFUL INFORMATION ALL PADDLERS NEED TO KNOW
PADDLING INFO
Like in all outdoor sports, there are inherent hazards in paddling.
Your chore is to notice those hazard before it becomes an issue.
Do not try to turn around in heavy winds, but do get to shore fast.
body to lean outward.
While paddling a lake or a river....
ALWAYS WEAR A PFD.
Especially in cold seasons. It only takes minutes to be overcome by hypothermia.
And take a paddling course, to insure you have all your ducks in a row.
Never paddle close to, or near wildlife. Just enjoy them from a distance.
PADDLE RULES AND HINTS
UNCLE CHUCKS LIST OF KAYAKING RULES.
Rule #1……..Always buy as long and as narrow of a kayak, as you can afford, with rudders.
Rule #2……..Never go on the water without wearing your PFD.
Rule #3……..If your nose goes over/outside your cockpit rim, so you will go.
Rule #4……..Always carry your “ESSENTIALS”
Rule #5……..Always render aid to other paddlers in need.
Rule #6……..Stay upright at all times.
Rule #7……..Never paddle in high winds. Go ashore and sit it out.
Rule #8……..As you start your paddle, ALWAYS paddle up stream, or up wind. Why?
Rule #9……..Like hiking or mountaineering, always leave your paddle location, destination, time in and out, return time, and when and who to call if you are overdue.
Rule #10……If you do not have all your essential gear, do not paddle.
Rule #11……Repair or replace any gear that is worn or needs work, before your next paddle.
Rule #12…..Use common sense before and when you are paddling.
Rule #13…..Use paddle strokes that will allow you to relax while paddling.
Rule #14…..Obey all laws, regulations, and law enforcement directions.
Rule #15…..And NEVER back talk or sass authorities.
Rule #16…..Take extra food, paddling snacks, water or purifier on every trip.
Rule #17……Stay upright.
Rule #18…..Never paddle while drinking.
Rule #19…..Wear proper clothing, sunscreen, gloves, and a wide brim sun hat.
Rule #20…..Check all weather sites, and notifications.
Rule #21…..Lead a paddle for the Spokane Mountaineers, and invite the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and the CDA Canoe and Kayak Clubs.
Rule #22…..Log onto…InlandNWRoutes.com for paddle locations and directions to the launches. Please keep in mind, our website is under construction.
Rule #23…..Be sure to secure your boats correctly to your vehicles. And take a long coated cable and locks to secure your boats when not near them.
Rule #24…..Always pass boats on your left, just like cars.
Rule #25…..Take a beginners class before you head out the first time. BE SAFE!
not done yet.
Rule # Have tooooo much fun!
After the paddle, I thot of some things that I feel is pretty important.
The items below are things I take on every paddle trip I do. Because you just never know when an accident or high winds will pin you down.
In a medium large dry bag, I always have these items. Think of them as the”Essentials” for a safe paddling.
Altho I’ve only gone over three times, each have been getting into the kayak after lunch, etc. (Sullivan Lake has a very steep shore line below the water line.)
Starting at the bottom of the dry bag…
A cheap rain suit, tops and bottoms. Use a cheap rain suit from Walmart
A fleece pair of pants & jacket. The thicker the better.
A complete set of underwear.
A set of wool gloves, a wool stocking cap, a pair of wool socks, and a pair of waterproof over mitts or gloves.
A designated pair of paddling gloves, for kayaking only.
And most importantly, a very plush terry cloth bath size towel on top of the above.
You will need to strip down, dry off, and redress as quickly as possible.
If you go over, in non summer conditions, you must act fast. Each paddle partner should know exactly what to do, and react with lightning speed to help or save a fellow paddler.
If by chance you go overboard, you will need to have every piece of the above.
Also think about carrying the following.
A whistle in your PFD pocket
Look at different sit and back pads. You may have to cut it to fit, so no sharp corners are poking your legs. Do not use blow up sit pads. They leak.
A 13 or so essentials kit.
If the winds are up too high, DO NOT paddle. Go to shore and sit it out. The above emergency kit and clothing will be necessary.
An assortment of dry bags from phone size to larger.
Emergency red flashing headlight.
And for night paddling, you must have port and starboard side red and green lights on the front respectfully, and a white light on the back. The p & s lights should only be seen from there respective sides only. The white light should be visible from all directions.
Optional equipment.
A bilge pump
Waterproof headlight and extra batteries, ( Not rechargeable)
Cockpit covers to keep your interior clean in transit.
A rain skirt for rough waters and rainy days. However, from 1991 to date, I’ve only used mine twice. But I really needed it. If you can find one that’s waterproof and has a sealable opening for accessing your below deck personal stuff, buy it. Having to take off your skirt while paddling is a pain. Think dry bag closure systems.
A coiled strap so you can’t loose your paddle, and in rough seas, a coiled strap between you and your kayak. I’ve never been in seas that needed them, tho.
A soft side cooler for water and food.
A towel to cover your legs from the sun. It allows for air movement.
A large sponge for cleaning and removing water from the cockpit.
A kayak sail for down wind cruising. Walmart has them to order for 17$.
A wax to keep your kayak clean, shiny and has easy water run off.
There is a wax called 303 for boats. Don’t know the brand. Or Meguiar’s Ultimate quick wax.
They both don’t show white scratches.
For general reference, I am listing the accepted,
“International Scale of Grading the Difficulty of River Cruising Routes.”
GRADE I
EASY
(Practiced Beginners)
Sand banks, bends without difficulty, occasional small rapids with waves regular and low.
Correct course is easy to find; but care is needed with minor obstacles like pebble banks, gravel bars, and fallen trees, etc, especially on narrow rivers.
River speed less then hard back-paddling speed.
GRADE II
MEDIUM
(Intermediate)
Fairly frequent but unobstructed rapids, usually with regular waves, easy eddies, and easy bends.
Course generally easy to recognize.
River speeds occasionally exceeding hard back- paddling speed.
GRADE III
DIFFICULT
(Experienced)
Maneuvering in rapids necessary.
Small falls, larger regular waves covering boat, numerous rapids.
Main current may swing Nader bushes, branches, or overhangs.
Course not always easy to recognizable.
Current speed usually less the fast forward paddling speed.
At peak runoff periods, like April to July, you may encounter some class III rapids.
Always scout your paddle route ahead of time.
Snags and deadheads are common.
GRADE IIII
Very difficult
(Experienced)
Long rocky rapids with difficult and turbulent passages requiring precise maneuvering.
Scouting shore is necessary and rescue is difficult.
Not for open canoes or kayaks.
PLEASE, when you are paddling and need to relieve yourself, PLEASE make sure you are 200 feet from ANY WATER SOURCE.
Please burry your human waste 6” or deeper, and if there are rocks around, stack them on your filled in dig.
I carry an old Nalgene bottle to be able to pee on board. Women can use a Lady Jane devise to aid peeing on board.
PACK IT IN- PACK IT OUT
PLEASE help to keep the rivers and lakes clean.
Whether you are burying human waste or fish parts (DO NOT DIGARD GUTS & HEAD BACK INTO THE WATER., PLEASE use the same protocol as disposing of human waste.
And please remember the old adage....
IF YOU CAN CARRY AN ITEM IN FULL,
YOU CERTAINLY CAN CARRY IT OUT EMPTY.
During low water levels, on the Upper CDA River it is best to put in at the Shoshone Creek or further down stream.
If you contact the USFS Ranger District you are paddling in, they will have brochures to show you put ins and take out locations along their rivers.
AND MOST IMPORTANT, ALWAYS WEAR A PFD, AND HAVE TOOOO MUCH FUN.
CARING FOR YOUR GEAR & BOATS
As you get out of the water, before loading, check the water line on your boat for scum and pollen. It’s easier to clean off wet, then later after it has dried. Check your paddle to see if it is clean.
As long as your boat is clean, why not wax it. It allows you to go faster. HAHA
I use McQuire’s ULTIMATE QUICK WAX spray wax, its fast and easy. Do your paddle also, It’ll cut thru the water smoother.
If anything you take with you gets wet, dry it in the sun so it doesn’t mold.
It’s wise to prop open all dry bags to let dry.
Every so often, blow up your dry bags and check for leaks. A great product to stop leaks, is called STOP LEAK. A dab will dry in 15 minutes. I’ve even glued a tear with it.
A couple of times a season, go swimming with your PFD.
A dip will clean it off, and you can see if it’s still buoyant enough.
While you are at it, check to see if your bilge pump is working properly. The gasket in the pump chamber can get dry. Use olive oil to lubricate it.
*Their may have been some BS above.*
YOGA & STRETCHING ONBOARD
Years ago a girlfriend and I paddled heavily for years. We developed a full set of stretches and poses to do while paddling. Sooner or later you will get sore from sitting to long. If you know yoga & stretching, adapt what you know to relieve any sore spots.
JUST REMEMBER, DO NOT ALLOW YOUR NOSE TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE BOAT’S COCKPIT RIM.
You may have to go to shore once in a while to do stretching.
Remember if the shore is private property, do not trespass. But you can wade just off shore. Private property does not include any ground under water. Please be respectful. Clean up yours and others mess.
If you are carrying a cooler or stuff that is best cool, wet a towel and throw over the cooler. Repeat as necessary.
Always be aware.....not every outing goes the way you envisioned.
Be fluid, by using the information you gathered for this outing, redirect your plans wisely.
When paddling with other people, make sure to tell them you are coming along side.
It gives them a minute to adjust gear out of your way.
Like in all outdoor sports, there are inherent hazards in paddling.
Your chore is to notice those hazard before it becomes an issue.
- put on proper sunblock before you leave home.
- reapply sunscreen after each swim. And don’t forget to apply sun screen to the back of your hands.
- Wind is by far the most hazardous weather concern.
Do not try to turn around in heavy winds, but do get to shore fast.
- Sit out the winds until it’s safe to paddle.
- Stay very close to shore when conditions are rough.
- When you are considering a paddle, ALWAYS paddle up stream on rivers, or against the winds on a lake. Two hours of paddling down wind, may take many more hours to paddle back up stream, or against the current.
- NEVER, EVER, ALLOW YOUR NOSE TO EXTEND OVER THE INSIDE OF YOUR COCKPIT RIM. By not following this advise, you will go for an unschedule swim.
body to lean outward.
- Use care when you get to shore in the winds. Do not allow your boat to go sideways to the shore line. You will get swamped, if there are waves.
- With the front of your boat almost touching the shore, get out of your boat. Secure all your equipment and your paddle. And do not let go of it.
- Never let swimmers come up to the side of your boat. Offer them the front so you can keep an eye on them. That wise, you won’t be dunked. This is especially important if the person in the water is having health issues.
- Whenever you are not paddling, make sure your paddle blade lays parallel to the water. If need be, you can use the blade as resistance to the water, to keep you upright. A vertical blade slices thru the water, and over you go.
- CAUTION! During high flow, watch for log jams and debris.Always look way ahead for hazards. They happen fast, so the more time you have the better.
- Also, be careful near eddies where streams enter the river, and where the river makes abrupt turns.
- As you are about to put in, it is wise to check the waters temperature. If the water or the air temperature is cold, a dry or wet suit, is a good option to be safe.
- Like going for a solo hike, you should let a responsible person know your plans, when you are planning on returning, and when to call the authorities if you are over due. If your plans change, for what ever the reason, be sure your responsible person knows about your change. If you don’t, the rescue teams may be miles away looking for you. Which adds to the dangers of paddling.
- Other things you may consider to take with you, are as follows. A dry bag with the following. Starting from the bottom up, a wind jacket, a fleece jacket & pants, a full set of polypropylene underwear, underwear, a wool stocking cap-wool gloves- wool socks, a large bath towel to dry off with, and several chemical hand warmers. Amazon sells large brim hats for around 15-29$. Mine are Solaris and Sunblocker. Apply sun screen often to ALL exposed skin, especially the back of your hands.
- And it’s very importantly, keep a close eye on your fellow paddlers. If anyone on your paddle starts to act odd, consult your other paddlers and take action to insure their safety. Each person on a paddle, has the responsibility and obligation to look out for others on the trip.
- If you come along a person or group that is having an issue, stop and render assistance. If you don’t, and they have serious issues, you will feel bad, when you learn of their problems on the evening news.
- Like serious hiking, scrambling, or climbing....
- DO NOT BE MACHO.
- A macho attitude, can get you in trouble, in an instant.
- Other things to take with you are maps, extra food & water, sponge, flares or signaling devise, a whistle, a spray skirt, dry bags, a knife, sun screen, duct tape, a First Aid Kit, a bilge pump, water sandals, and your 13 essentials, to name a few.
- When packing your kayak, balance the load front to back, with slightly more weight in back. That will keep your bow up, and cause less pushing thru water.
While paddling a lake or a river....
ALWAYS WEAR A PFD.
Especially in cold seasons. It only takes minutes to be overcome by hypothermia.
And take a paddling course, to insure you have all your ducks in a row.
Never paddle close to, or near wildlife. Just enjoy them from a distance.
PADDLE RULES AND HINTS
UNCLE CHUCKS LIST OF KAYAKING RULES.
Rule #1……..Always buy as long and as narrow of a kayak, as you can afford, with rudders.
Rule #2……..Never go on the water without wearing your PFD.
Rule #3……..If your nose goes over/outside your cockpit rim, so you will go.
Rule #4……..Always carry your “ESSENTIALS”
Rule #5……..Always render aid to other paddlers in need.
Rule #6……..Stay upright at all times.
Rule #7……..Never paddle in high winds. Go ashore and sit it out.
Rule #8……..As you start your paddle, ALWAYS paddle up stream, or up wind. Why?
Rule #9……..Like hiking or mountaineering, always leave your paddle location, destination, time in and out, return time, and when and who to call if you are overdue.
Rule #10……If you do not have all your essential gear, do not paddle.
Rule #11……Repair or replace any gear that is worn or needs work, before your next paddle.
Rule #12…..Use common sense before and when you are paddling.
Rule #13…..Use paddle strokes that will allow you to relax while paddling.
Rule #14…..Obey all laws, regulations, and law enforcement directions.
Rule #15…..And NEVER back talk or sass authorities.
Rule #16…..Take extra food, paddling snacks, water or purifier on every trip.
Rule #17……Stay upright.
Rule #18…..Never paddle while drinking.
Rule #19…..Wear proper clothing, sunscreen, gloves, and a wide brim sun hat.
Rule #20…..Check all weather sites, and notifications.
Rule #21…..Lead a paddle for the Spokane Mountaineers, and invite the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and the CDA Canoe and Kayak Clubs.
Rule #22…..Log onto…InlandNWRoutes.com for paddle locations and directions to the launches. Please keep in mind, our website is under construction.
Rule #23…..Be sure to secure your boats correctly to your vehicles. And take a long coated cable and locks to secure your boats when not near them.
Rule #24…..Always pass boats on your left, just like cars.
Rule #25…..Take a beginners class before you head out the first time. BE SAFE!
not done yet.
Rule # Have tooooo much fun!
After the paddle, I thot of some things that I feel is pretty important.
The items below are things I take on every paddle trip I do. Because you just never know when an accident or high winds will pin you down.
In a medium large dry bag, I always have these items. Think of them as the”Essentials” for a safe paddling.
Altho I’ve only gone over three times, each have been getting into the kayak after lunch, etc. (Sullivan Lake has a very steep shore line below the water line.)
Starting at the bottom of the dry bag…
A cheap rain suit, tops and bottoms. Use a cheap rain suit from Walmart
A fleece pair of pants & jacket. The thicker the better.
A complete set of underwear.
A set of wool gloves, a wool stocking cap, a pair of wool socks, and a pair of waterproof over mitts or gloves.
A designated pair of paddling gloves, for kayaking only.
And most importantly, a very plush terry cloth bath size towel on top of the above.
You will need to strip down, dry off, and redress as quickly as possible.
If you go over, in non summer conditions, you must act fast. Each paddle partner should know exactly what to do, and react with lightning speed to help or save a fellow paddler.
If by chance you go overboard, you will need to have every piece of the above.
Also think about carrying the following.
A whistle in your PFD pocket
Look at different sit and back pads. You may have to cut it to fit, so no sharp corners are poking your legs. Do not use blow up sit pads. They leak.
A 13 or so essentials kit.
If the winds are up too high, DO NOT paddle. Go to shore and sit it out. The above emergency kit and clothing will be necessary.
An assortment of dry bags from phone size to larger.
Emergency red flashing headlight.
And for night paddling, you must have port and starboard side red and green lights on the front respectfully, and a white light on the back. The p & s lights should only be seen from there respective sides only. The white light should be visible from all directions.
Optional equipment.
A bilge pump
Waterproof headlight and extra batteries, ( Not rechargeable)
Cockpit covers to keep your interior clean in transit.
A rain skirt for rough waters and rainy days. However, from 1991 to date, I’ve only used mine twice. But I really needed it. If you can find one that’s waterproof and has a sealable opening for accessing your below deck personal stuff, buy it. Having to take off your skirt while paddling is a pain. Think dry bag closure systems.
A coiled strap so you can’t loose your paddle, and in rough seas, a coiled strap between you and your kayak. I’ve never been in seas that needed them, tho.
A soft side cooler for water and food.
A towel to cover your legs from the sun. It allows for air movement.
A large sponge for cleaning and removing water from the cockpit.
A kayak sail for down wind cruising. Walmart has them to order for 17$.
A wax to keep your kayak clean, shiny and has easy water run off.
There is a wax called 303 for boats. Don’t know the brand. Or Meguiar’s Ultimate quick wax.
They both don’t show white scratches.
For general reference, I am listing the accepted,
“International Scale of Grading the Difficulty of River Cruising Routes.”
GRADE I
EASY
(Practiced Beginners)
Sand banks, bends without difficulty, occasional small rapids with waves regular and low.
Correct course is easy to find; but care is needed with minor obstacles like pebble banks, gravel bars, and fallen trees, etc, especially on narrow rivers.
River speed less then hard back-paddling speed.
GRADE II
MEDIUM
(Intermediate)
Fairly frequent but unobstructed rapids, usually with regular waves, easy eddies, and easy bends.
Course generally easy to recognize.
River speeds occasionally exceeding hard back- paddling speed.
GRADE III
DIFFICULT
(Experienced)
Maneuvering in rapids necessary.
Small falls, larger regular waves covering boat, numerous rapids.
Main current may swing Nader bushes, branches, or overhangs.
Course not always easy to recognizable.
Current speed usually less the fast forward paddling speed.
At peak runoff periods, like April to July, you may encounter some class III rapids.
Always scout your paddle route ahead of time.
Snags and deadheads are common.
GRADE IIII
Very difficult
(Experienced)
Long rocky rapids with difficult and turbulent passages requiring precise maneuvering.
Scouting shore is necessary and rescue is difficult.
Not for open canoes or kayaks.
PLEASE, when you are paddling and need to relieve yourself, PLEASE make sure you are 200 feet from ANY WATER SOURCE.
Please burry your human waste 6” or deeper, and if there are rocks around, stack them on your filled in dig.
I carry an old Nalgene bottle to be able to pee on board. Women can use a Lady Jane devise to aid peeing on board.
PACK IT IN- PACK IT OUT
PLEASE help to keep the rivers and lakes clean.
Whether you are burying human waste or fish parts (DO NOT DIGARD GUTS & HEAD BACK INTO THE WATER., PLEASE use the same protocol as disposing of human waste.
And please remember the old adage....
IF YOU CAN CARRY AN ITEM IN FULL,
YOU CERTAINLY CAN CARRY IT OUT EMPTY.
During low water levels, on the Upper CDA River it is best to put in at the Shoshone Creek or further down stream.
If you contact the USFS Ranger District you are paddling in, they will have brochures to show you put ins and take out locations along their rivers.
AND MOST IMPORTANT, ALWAYS WEAR A PFD, AND HAVE TOOOO MUCH FUN.
CARING FOR YOUR GEAR & BOATS
As you get out of the water, before loading, check the water line on your boat for scum and pollen. It’s easier to clean off wet, then later after it has dried. Check your paddle to see if it is clean.
As long as your boat is clean, why not wax it. It allows you to go faster. HAHA
I use McQuire’s ULTIMATE QUICK WAX spray wax, its fast and easy. Do your paddle also, It’ll cut thru the water smoother.
If anything you take with you gets wet, dry it in the sun so it doesn’t mold.
It’s wise to prop open all dry bags to let dry.
Every so often, blow up your dry bags and check for leaks. A great product to stop leaks, is called STOP LEAK. A dab will dry in 15 minutes. I’ve even glued a tear with it.
A couple of times a season, go swimming with your PFD.
A dip will clean it off, and you can see if it’s still buoyant enough.
While you are at it, check to see if your bilge pump is working properly. The gasket in the pump chamber can get dry. Use olive oil to lubricate it.
*Their may have been some BS above.*
YOGA & STRETCHING ONBOARD
Years ago a girlfriend and I paddled heavily for years. We developed a full set of stretches and poses to do while paddling. Sooner or later you will get sore from sitting to long. If you know yoga & stretching, adapt what you know to relieve any sore spots.
JUST REMEMBER, DO NOT ALLOW YOUR NOSE TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE BOAT’S COCKPIT RIM.
You may have to go to shore once in a while to do stretching.
Remember if the shore is private property, do not trespass. But you can wade just off shore. Private property does not include any ground under water. Please be respectful. Clean up yours and others mess.
If you are carrying a cooler or stuff that is best cool, wet a towel and throw over the cooler. Repeat as necessary.
Always be aware.....not every outing goes the way you envisioned.
Be fluid, by using the information you gathered for this outing, redirect your plans wisely.
When paddling with other people, make sure to tell them you are coming along side.
It gives them a minute to adjust gear out of your way.