SAVE THE BEER!
TIE IT DOWN!
During those infrequent occasions when things go sideways and the boat turns over and you and all your belongings and clothes and gear and food and water go floating away, you might have a momentary reflection that you could have done something sooner to save the beer. Or whatever else might have been important to you to keep with you during your journey.
This past Buffalo Bayou Regatta, I came across a couple that was emptying the water from their boat, and wringing out their clothes. They were complaining that their cell phone and wallet had ended up at the bottom of the Bayou. Gone, but not forgotten.
Gee, what could someone have done to prevent such a loss?
TIE IT DOWN!
There are bungee cords, small ropes, shoelaces, waterproof containers with loops on them, coolers with snap-on lids, and plastic packaging options to keep your belongings connected to your boat in case it overturns.
It isn't like overturning while paddling is an unanticipated event. You couldn't have foreseen that anything loose in your boat might wander off by itself in a swift current? Or sink to the bottom? I almost said something. It wouldn't have helped.
But, if you, kind reader, are reading this now, and it provides an extra reminder that maybe you should put some effort into tying your stuff to your boat the next time you are out enjoying one of our favorite outdoor sports, I will consider this reminder successful.
Save your beer. Tie it down.