Your NWA's Kayak, Canoe & Stand-Up Paddleboard
💨 Wind
“Is it going to push me where I don’t want to go… or make everything harder?”
👉 (Bonus: wind + water = waves… even on lakes)
🌦 Weather
“Am I dressed for this… or about to be cold, wet, and regretting life?”
👉 (Sunburn and hypothermia both count as bad decisions)
🌊 Waves
“Is this water calm… or is it about to toss me around?”
👉 (Boat, skill level, and ego should match this answer)
💧 Water
“How cold, how fast, and how deep is it?”
👉 (Cold water doesn’t care if you ‘only plan to swim for a second’)
THE NON-NEGOTIABLES - (Don’t even show up without these)
- Life Jacket (PFD) – Worn & buckled.
Not in the boat. Not “close by.” Not “I’ll put it on later.”
👉 If you can’t swim in it right now… you’re doing it wrong. - Helmet – If there are rocks, your head is not tougher than them.
👉 The river has a 100% win rate. - Proper Shoes – Closed toe.
👉 Flip flops and rivers don’t get along… your toes will thank you.
- Water & Snacks – Because tired + dehydrated = dumb decisions.
👉 And the river LOVES dumb decisions.