Family-Outdoors

Embarking on a paddling adventure with your family is a fantastic way to explore nature, bond, and create lasting memories. Whether you're navigating a serene river or a lively stream, safety should always be a top priority. Here’s a guide to ensure your family paddling trips are both fun and safe. 1. Choose the Right Waterway Assess Skill Levels: Select a river or stream that matches the experience and skill levels of all family members. Beginners should start with calm, slow-moving waters. Be realistic! Research Conditions: Check for water levels, flow rates, and weather forecasts. High water levels and strong currents can make paddling dangerous, even for experienced paddlers. This USGS Water Conditions site is a good starting point. 2. Wear Proper Gear Life Jackets: Ensure everyone wears a well-fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times. Appropriate Clothing: Wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothes and avoid cotton. In cooler weather, consider wetsuits or dr...

DNR’s Division of Outdoor Recreation has launched a new interactive ' Where to Paddle ' map that is designed to highlight Indiana’s water trails. The ‘Where to Paddle’ interactive map is a free resource designed to help paddlers who own a boat and those who want to rent one.

Here in a few days, we are headed on a float trip to one of Missouri's less traveled streams...so I am not talking about the Meramec or Current Rivers. There will be a party of five in a 12 foot jon boat and a 14' canoe. We are also bringing an inflatable kayak. That's about all the details I will give right now about the actual trip logistics, but I'll report all the happenings after we return. What I will say is that I built a pretty cool rack to carry our canoe and jon boat down to the river. Since I cannot weld and am way too cheap to buy a ready made rack, it is built from wood. I will include some pics after our trip is over. I constantly am given grief by my wife and kids about the hoosier contraptions I build for these types of trips. Several years ago, we took a trip to Montana, Wyoming, and a few other places out West. I built the most outrageous contraption to stow out gear in my crew cab Chevy S-10. My kids would not be seen in it in our home town, but admit...