If you enjoy nature and the outdoors, canoeing may be the perfect activity to get involved in. It lets you enjoy the waters like never before and helps you create long-lasting memories. To ensure your first canoeing experience goes according to plan, you'll want to consider these tips:

Rent the Right Canoe 

The type of experience you have out on the water is predicated a lot on the type of canoe you rent. There are several factors you'll want to keep in mind to make the best decision. First and foremost, you'll want to consider the size of your canoe. If you're just by yourself, you'll need a smaller canoe that's easy to navigate. If you're going with multiple people, you'll obviously need something much larger that allows everyone to have ample legroom. 

You also need to think about where you'll be canoeing. If you plan on traveling down fast streams, it's important to select a canoe that's made out of durable materials. If you're just canoeing on a lake, a canoe made out of lighter materials will suffice. 

Paddle as a Group 

If you plan on canoeing with other people, such as your friends and family members, it's important that everyone works as a group; otherwise, paddles may swing everywhere and the canoe may start going in the wrong direction.

Take some time with your group to practice paddling in sync. Use commands so that everyone in the canoe is on the same page, and can thus paddle in the same direction. Having an in-sync group also prevents you from having to paddle too hard and thus exerting a lot of energy. 

Pack the Right Supplies

Canoeing can be a fun adventure, but you'll still need to bring the right supplies because you never know what could happen out on the water. You'll certainly need a first-aid kit, featuring bandages, any necessary prescription medication, emergency blankets, and disinfectants. If someone on the trip gets injured, you want to make sure you'll have the right medical supplies to respond appropriately.

You'll also want to bring plenty of sunscreen, even on overcast days. Apply copious amounts to any parts of your body where skin is showing. Other items that will come in handy include life jackets, binoculars, extra clothes, and sunglasses.

Canoeing gives you the chance to explore new surroundings and get in a good workout. As long as you make the necessary preparations leading up to the canoeing trip, you won't run into many problems. For more information on planning your next canoeing adventure, contact companies like T​ennessee River Blueway.