TIPS for Adventures on the Water ...
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The better the planning, the greater the fun ..... but Always be aware of the hazards of all water sport activities. 
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Important things to consider:
* Your Health: canoeing and kayaking is a strenuous sport, you should of had your health checked within the last year.
* Know your limits. Do you tire easily, is your heart in good condition, consider these things before determining the length of trip.
* You should know how to swim before learning how to canoe or kayak.
* Following pediatric safety guidelines, Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
* all children under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian sign waiver.
Being prepared:
* Wear (supplied by us) approved type 3 flotation vests at all times.
* Wear aquatic/water shoes; the river is full of glass, metal and sharp rocks.
* Carry a first aid kit and flashlight.
* Bring plenty of fresh drinking water.
* Bring food and snacks, in a water tight container or packaging.
* Carry map of the trail with emergency phone numbers.
* Take rain gear and a change of clothes (in watertight containers).
* Take UV skin and insect protection.
* Take your own litter bag- do not throw trash in or along the river.
* Before taking your first canoe trip, learn the basic principles of canoeing so you can use the canoe safely and skillfully.
Planning for your trip:
* Check recent and predicted weather conditions.
* Even though the nearby rivers are class one rivers, it is very dangerous to canoe when it is flooded.
* Call the U.S. Corps of Engineers (919) 921 - 3390 to get information on river levels.
* Visit water release schedule: https://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp
* Allow for extra trip time during low water flow conditions.
* Allow 2 mph canoeing time on the river under normal conditions
* Allow 1 mph for inner tubes
* Allow sufficient time. It is better to finish earlier than planned than to finish after dark.
* Test equipment before leaving shore.
* Your Health: canoeing and kayaking is a strenuous sport, you should of had your health checked within the last year.
* Know your limits. Do you tire easily, is your heart in good condition, consider these things before determining the length of trip.
* You should know how to swim before learning how to canoe or kayak.
* Following pediatric safety guidelines, Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
* all children under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian sign waiver.
Being prepared:
* Wear (supplied by us) approved type 3 flotation vests at all times.
* Wear aquatic/water shoes; the river is full of glass, metal and sharp rocks.
* Carry a first aid kit and flashlight.
* Bring plenty of fresh drinking water.
* Bring food and snacks, in a water tight container or packaging.
* Carry map of the trail with emergency phone numbers.
* Take rain gear and a change of clothes (in watertight containers).
* Take UV skin and insect protection.
* Take your own litter bag- do not throw trash in or along the river.
* Before taking your first canoe trip, learn the basic principles of canoeing so you can use the canoe safely and skillfully.
Planning for your trip:
* Check recent and predicted weather conditions.
* Even though the nearby rivers are class one rivers, it is very dangerous to canoe when it is flooded.
* Call the U.S. Corps of Engineers (919) 921 - 3390 to get information on river levels.
* Visit water release schedule: https://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp
* Allow for extra trip time during low water flow conditions.
* Allow 2 mph canoeing time on the river under normal conditions
* Allow 1 mph for inner tubes
* Allow sufficient time. It is better to finish earlier than planned than to finish after dark.
* Test equipment before leaving shore.
Play it safe -- don't be sorry:
* Never boat alone. Two or more people are the preferred minimum.
* Do not overload the craft. Center the load.
* Place food, sleeping bags, and a change of clothes, etc. in
watertight containers and tie them securely to the boat.
* Wear non-slip shoes at all times as you may have to get out on sharp rocks in the water.
* Secure glasses.
When you spill or capsized:
* Be aware of your responsibility to assist your partner.
* Stay calm and hold on to your boat, it has flotation.
* If others spill, go after the boaters first; then rescue the boat safely.
Respect property:
* Help keep the waterways clean! Carry refuse with you and dispose of it properly.
* Don't cut or damage living trees.
* The river trail is a publicly and river is flowing through private property. Thus, river users should not trespass, abuse or litter the waters, banks or shorelines of the trail.
* Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but ripples.
* Never boat alone. Two or more people are the preferred minimum.
* Do not overload the craft. Center the load.
* Place food, sleeping bags, and a change of clothes, etc. in
watertight containers and tie them securely to the boat.
* Wear non-slip shoes at all times as you may have to get out on sharp rocks in the water.
* Secure glasses.
When you spill or capsized:
* Be aware of your responsibility to assist your partner.
* Stay calm and hold on to your boat, it has flotation.
* If others spill, go after the boaters first; then rescue the boat safely.
Respect property:
* Help keep the waterways clean! Carry refuse with you and dispose of it properly.
* Don't cut or damage living trees.
* The river trail is a publicly and river is flowing through private property. Thus, river users should not trespass, abuse or litter the waters, banks or shorelines of the trail.
* Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but ripples.
The littlest things can prove invaluable if you have boating emergency: a whistle, a flashlight, a cup or small pail for bailing, and a rope would make a good start .... and don't forget to include a bottle of water or any medications that you may need in case of a prolonged wait for help.