Done more than dipped your toes in? Taken the plunge? Remember these key points and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Have you ever got out of the wrong side of the bed? Well, I’m guilty of getting out of the wrong side of a canoe. While the situation itself was quite humorous, the story doesn’t read so well in text, so I’ll spare you the story. Suffice to say, I ended up wet and the lessons for what you can do if you also happen to find yourself “out of your depth” (so to speak) are worth knowing if you plan on jumping in a canoe.
When most people think of capsizing in a canoe, they usually picture everyone in the boat ending up in the water, and the boat upside down. This isn’t always the case. Sometimes only some of the canoe occupants end up in the water. And it’s entirely possible that even though everyone falls in the water, that the canoe remains upright. No matter what the case, if someone ends up in the water unexpectedly, then follow these simple steps.
Canoe Capsize Procedure
Look out for number one. Everyone knows that you are the most important person in the world. Are you okay? Can you breathe? Are you inside an upside-down canoe? Just like in any first aid or emergency situation, the most important job is to not make things worse. Get yourself free of any gear you might be tangled in and ensure that you aren’t about to run into any hazards (perhaps the wind is blowing you towards an oyster encrusted pylon).
Check on your buddy. Only when you are in the clear is it time to check on your co-paddlers. Do a quick head count. Is everyone above water and accounted for? If someone is missing, then use your arms to sweep below the canoe and try and locate them. It’s possible that they are inside an air bubble formed under an upturned canoe, but they may have their feet caught under a seat or thwart and need help to free themselves. Give them a hand without getting yourself in trouble.
Get attention. Once everyone is okay you are free to take a deep breath. If you’re with other paddlers, then get their attention so they can give you a hand. If there are other parties nearby, then signal for help if needed.
Grab your paddle, leave your gear. If you see your gear floating away, then let it go. But grab a hold of your paddle as soon as you can. Once you get back in your canoe you can chase your gear, but only if you have a paddle to do the chasing! (If some of your gear sank then it’s not going anywhere, and you’ll have time to mourn that loss later.)
Grab your boat. Hang on to the boat on the upstream or upwind side (or end). If you are close to shore, hold onto the canoe with one hand and use the other to sidestroke toward shore. If there are other boats about then get their assistance. If you’re not near the shore, then you’ll need to recover your boat in a different way. (Check out this canoe rescue video for a great demonstration of the way we recommend getting it done.)
Whether you capsize on purpose or by accident, follow these steps and you’ll be sure to be on the right track for getting back on the water when you’re ready for more.
Happy paddling!
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I am an outdoor professional with 20+ years experience leading and teaching groups in all manner of outdoor activities in the Australian bush. I firmly believe that people should recreate in natural places in the outdoors, because those experiences provide unique and positive outcomes for participants, the environment and our communities.
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Every corporate group is different. Conference organisers and event planners often need experiences that can adapt to tight schedules, group dynamics and venue locations. At Valley Outdoors, our nature-based programs are designed to be flexible, allowing corporate groups to shape meaningful outdoor experiences that fit seamlessly within retreats, conferences and business events.
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We had the pleasure of working with Valley Outdoors, an outstanding guided tour business based in Kangaroo Valley. The team offers bespoke experiences — from abseiling to canoe journeys — with a genuine focus on connecting people with nature. The recent acquisition of the iconic Kangaroo Valley Safaris is a real testament to their passion for growing adventure tourism in the region. A wonderful Australian tourism business doing it the right way. 100% recommend!
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Omar
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Met the owners and they are lovely!!
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Joe Nissim
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Had a brilliant trip with Valley Outdoors. Trev and Sarah were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The trip itself was spectacular and thoroughly enjoyable too- beautiful scenery and great to be exploring Kangaroo Valley for a few days.
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Alekya Polu
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We have recently visited Kangaroo valley and have done River Cannoying had a very good experience, we are glad that we have chosen Valley Outdoors for Hiring our Cannoying boat and equipment, the owner was so kind and gentle and professionally guided us and well prepared us with all the necessary information for Cannooying in the river, we told them we are not professionals,doing it for very first time.Their equipment including the quality of boats were really good.I also ended up in buying some swim warmers with decent prices,they were of so good quality with rare colours available which you barely can find outside I definitely recommend my friends to this shop.
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Lisa Shakhovskaya
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Had the best experience ever! Trav is an amazing guide, we had so much fun. We got to see a few azure kingfishers (dream come true!), a wallaby and a bunch of water dragons. Highly recommend for anyone visiting KV!
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Y B
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The absolute BEST time. Thank you Sarah for your pleasant and kind nature. Andy our kayak guide was brilliant. Highly recommend
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Alexander Iskrenov
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We had a great afternoon in a canoe cruising down the river. Sarah was extremely friendly and patiently walked us through what we should expect. Brie took us to the place and everyone received an excellent crash course on how to handle the equipment. The density of wildlife is truly astonishing - wombats, lyre birds, kingfishers, red belly blacks to name a few. We are looking forward to visiting again!
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Irene Bartlett
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From the first contact with Sarah I was blown away by her kindness and gentleness.
My friend and I had an awesome adventure with valley outdoors and our guide Matt was just incredible. His knowledge of the river and wildlife was so educational.
I would highly recommend this business to anyone who is looking for something different to do and to see parts of kangaroo valley that most people don't get to see .
Thank you everyone for a fabulous experience.
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Michael Marr
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4 person expedition in single kayaks from Hampden Bridge to Bendeela Camp ground with Ken. Beautiful day, perfect temperature. Some fun, small rapids and 45 mins to a small beach for a coffee, chocolate and Lilly stop and then another 45 mins to the end. Stunning scenery, has the river to ourselves. Highly recommend doing this with Valley Outdoors,who are so well organised and friendly. Pleasure to deal with.
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Georgia S
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What a trip. The scenery!!! Incredible and I can't recommend Valley outdoors enough. An incredible professional team. We felt so supported with planning and in the execution of our trip - the hire gear was all in great condition. We enjoyed having the company of many wallabies, goannas, cheeky food stealing possums and Mountain Goats. So cool and especially our kiwi friends enjoyed seeing them in there natural environment
Memories forever. Thank you
We respectfully acknowledge the Wodi Wodi People, of the Dharawal language constellation, as the traditional custodians of the Gangagruwan/Kangaroo Valley in which we live and work. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities and we pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
