Family-Outdoors

From Iowa DNR Canoes are an ancient means of transportation, and originated many times in places like Australia, the Amazon and the northern United States. Today, modern models and materials give paddlers a variety of performance options, and knowing how to pick the right one will help you get the most functional, fun and usable canoe for your needs. Know the tips below to get one step closer to paddling. 1. What It’s Good For The first thing you should determine when buying a canoe is why you want it in the first place. Do you want to be able to put in for a spontaneous short trip anywhere, or do you plan out long excursions? Do you like the serenity of calm water, or are you all about the challenges of rapids? Determining what type of water you want to paddle will help you make the first choice in buying a canoe: do you want a recreational or touring model? Recreational models are great for those who want to fish, do photography or just mess around in the water, whereas tour...

The Mississippi River at Merrick State Park. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) What student, or adult for that matter, does not spend at least a few minutes each day staring out the window wishing they could be outdoors enjoying the beautiful spring weather instead of being stuck inside? That wish actually came true for 43 high school students in Cassville, Wis. on May 10, 2012.  Students spent the day paddling from learning station to learning station on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge , McGregor District, listening to fellow students and refuge staff talk about wildlife, habitat and our natural resources.  Much preparation and forethought went into this day of paddling. A week before the event, refuge staff went to the high school, spread 22 canoes out on the football field and led students through the fundamentals of canoeing. They practiced the correct way to get in and out of the canoe safely, how to steady the canoe for their ...

Image via Wikipedia Image via Wikipedia Canoeists and kayakers anxious to hit newly-thawed rivers and lakes across the southern part of the state should consider the potential danger of cold waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With temperatures predicted to be in the 70s for the next several days, many paddlers may be coaxed toward the water. Such weather can prove dangerous, or even deadly, if people don’t consider the consequences of cold water shock and hypothermia that can result from tipping into the water. Even though the air is warm, water temperatures are still in the 40s or lower. “Falling into cold water can cause immediate cold water shock,” according to Tim Smalley, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “That’s when cold water causes you to involuntarily gasp for air. If your head is underwater when that happens, drowning can occur in a few seconds.” The DNR recommends these safety tips for canoeists and kayakers: ·  W...