HOW TO PADDLE SAFELY

With a little bit of preparation, spending a day on the water can be relaxing and fun for everyone. Review guidelines regarding safe trip planning and gear recommendations. Additionally, be aware of current weather and river conditions to ensure a successful trip. Make sure you learn about the different water hazards you may encounter in Ohio’s rivers and streams, figure out how to identify them from the water, and learn how to navigate them if you run into any. Never paddle in water that’s too low and avoid water conditions beyond your skill level. These may vary depending on the section of river you want to paddle, so check with local experts or access point owners ahead of making your trip.