having just got my first canoe i am wondering what kit i need(throwlines,boyancey aids ,air bags etc)and do i need the river/canal membership bcu i think or is this optional any advice at all will be most apprechated cheers perry
Number one get a BA, G@YC will look after you no doubt
as for the rst its up to you, a throw line is always handy, as for air bags I have one bagged boat and two without, I have come round to the idea that bags arn't really necessary unless doing big WW, but that's a whole other debate
If your going to be paddling canals a lot the BCU membership pays for itself as opposed to British Waterways permits.
If your not going to be paddling things that require you to be a BCU member then the choice is yours.
A dry bag is good investment for carrying Kit and a spare change of gear etc
Having a paddle also pretty essential too
But to get you out on the water I would go with 3 essentials,
1. canoe
2. paddle
3. BA
The rest is optional, but some are less optional than others.
What Gav said
Get yourself sorted with quality basics first, birthdays and christmas will sort out the rest. Never known a paddler stuck for a pressie idea when asked..
I have only just recently started paddling and have not long had my own canoe, the first time I went out all I had was my Canoe, two paddles and a BA, have now just added a drybag and a length of floating rope to the front, but thats all. Oh not quite I have taken Retro's Whiskey Jack Paddle
(02-06-09 10:34 PM)Mrs R Wrote: [ -> ]Oh not quite I have taken Retro's Whiskey Jack Paddle
Oh and it helps if you can create a reason to buy yourself something new by giving all your old paddling tat to 'the wife'.
Oh how i wish my wife was into paddling...
Sorry Mr n Mrs R
Not forgetting that all important essential bit of kit, a camera so you can share all those wonderful moments afloat with the rest of us.
Hi Perry
Glad your enjoying your new boat
BCU membership gives you a waterways licence along with £10m 3rd party liability cover, members discount offers and a bi-monthly magazine and for circa £35 a year is worth it, we have some forms and info in the shop. A good BA is a worthwhile investment especially if you are taking the youngsters out, a throwline can double up as a swim line as well so double purpose.
Hopes this helps?