Ok, before you all yell at me again for suggesting that you properly store your gear for winter, you have to remember that not everyone lives in Florida...or even Georgia for that matter.  Some of the readers of this site actually live where it snows, and snowing it has been.  Also,  I know there are the die-hard kayakers out there who put on dry suits and brave the sub-arctic temperatures and my hat goes off to you.  Really, it does.  But again, thats not everyone who reads this site. 

Most of you out there probably came back from your last paddling trip not realizing it would be your last for some months and just threw your canoe or kayak gear in the corner of the garage, or worse, you left it in your boat.  This is just a friendly reminder that that stuff you just balled up and tossed somewhere is pretty expensive.  Also, you're going to expect it to be in good working order the next time you use it.  So go ahead and give your spray skirt, paddle jacket or dry top, gloves, booties, rope bag, and even your paddle a once over and make sure it is all clean, dry, and free of corrosion. 

For a full list plus some tips on how to store your paddling gear read: Top 5 Storage Tips for your Paddling Gear

And, you know what?  I changed my mind.  Go ahead and yell at me if you think its crazy to store your paddling gear since you'll be using it all winter.  I like to get yelled at!

And who said December is not the time of year to go kayaking?

The Miami Children's Hospital 2009 Miami Kayak Challenge will be held this Sunday, October 5,  at Oleta River State Park.  

There will be both a Competitive Race with three age divisions and a Recreational Race.   Registration includes both breakfast and lunch and there will be an awards ceremony after the race!

For more information check out the event's Facebook Page.

Ok, so I set you all up with my last post regarding the reason I write some of these basic how to articles.  This one is on How to Put on a PFD  properly.  The American Canoe Association reports that the vast majority of water sport related deaths are the result of people not wearing their PFD, or personal flotation device.

While wearing a PFD is fundamental to canoeing and kayaking, they are often worn improperly.  The main reason for this is primarily due to all the straps and adjustments that make paddling PFDs fit so well.  People tend to put their PFDs on with half of the straps already tightened, the assumption being that the size shouldn't change from the last time it was worn.  Unfortunately, depending on what is worn under the PFD significantly affects the resulting adjustment.  Also, when PFDs are thrown in the trunks of cars and packed away until the next paddling trip the straps often get adjusted in the process.

For all of these reasons, all of the straps should be loosened prior to placing the PFD on each time.

Read more on How to Put on a PFD.

I know I start out many of my blog posts here with the typical

It might seem silly to write an article about...

So sometimes I hesitate to begin that way.  And while there is some truth that it may sound silly to some to post articles regarding the  fundamentally basic aspects of paddling canoes and kayaks it is also essential that I do so.   I can't tell you how many times I've seen people not holding canoe paddles properly, carrying kayaks incorrectly, or taking forward strokes with way too much effort.  Alright, I'll be honest.  I was there once too!

It is for these reasons that I write Basic Canoe and Basic Kayak skills, technique, and gear explanations.  So, if you already know it all when it comes to paddling, thanks for bearing with these basic concepts.  If you still have some room to grow, I hope you're getting a lot out of these types of Paddling 101 pieces.