Lists.
OK. I admit it. I’m on the spectrum. For years, I tried to maintain order in my life by using lists. Todo lists. Equipment lists. Family lists. Grocery lists. I used lots of lists.
Then I got married and my now ex-wife would make fun of me whenever she saw me making a list, or checking a list. She maintained that: “If I was smart enough, I should be able to remember things, and shouldn’t need a list.” So I stopped. But that’s a different story.
I can blame her for why I haven’t made anything of my life, now, right?
Anyway.
I’m a firm believer that lists help organize and make your life more secure. There is a reason airline pilots and surgery teams always use lists.
I do do the “Keys, Cellphone, Wallet...” Dance every time I leave the house. Stuff for a paddle trip can be arranged into 6 categories.
Boat
Clothing
Shelter and camping
Food, water and cooking
First Aid and emergencies
Communications and electronics.
Here is an equipment list for a typical paddling trip. Oh, and even if the plan is for an “afternoon” paddle. You should take at LEAST a tarp for a temporary shelter. Occasionally, a “three hour tour” turns into an overnighter, or multi-year extended excursion.
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Boat
PFD
Tie Downs
Patch Kit
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Paddle
Repair Kit
Ropes
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SPARE PADDLE
Painters, Bow and Stern
Bailer and sponge
Throw Bag
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Clothing
Swimsuit
Extra Shirt
booties
Handkerchief
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Spare pants
Jacket
Poncho
pajamas
All packed in waterproof bags
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Water shoes
Hat
Extra socks
Gloves
Underwear
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Shelter and Camping
Ground Cloth
Pillow
Clothes Line
Umbrella
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Tent and Stakes
Sleeping Pad
Headlamp
Camp Chair
PEE Jar
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Rain Fly
Sleeping Bag
BackPack
MAP AND COMPASS
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First Aid and emergencies
Bandaids
Aspirin
Knife
Needles
Utility saw
Tweezers
Soap
Aftershave
Gauze bandages
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Meds
Triple Antibiotics
Alcohol wipes
Whistle
Thread
ID. Cash
Lip balm
Toothpaste
rubber Gloves
Towel
All packed in waterproof bags
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Ibuprofen
Bug Juice
Sunscreen
Duck Tape
Fire Starter
Toilet Shovel kit
Afterbite
Razor
List of local HOSPITALS
TOILET PAPER
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Food, Water and Cooking
Cook Pot
Electrolytes
Food
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TWO water bottles
Stove Kit
Lighter
matches
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Water Filter
Water Purification chemicals
Silverware Kit
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Electronics, communications
Power Bank, extra batteries
All packed in waterproof bags.
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Notebook
Pen, pencil
Cellphone
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Camera
Garmin (or similar)
Radio
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And then, there is stuff for "AFTER THE TRIP." In the car, at the take-out, Dry clothes and towels. Dry shoes. Cold water to drink. Maybe a snack. These aren't absolutely necessary, BUT OH, SO NICE TO HAVE!
Be safe out there!
See you On The Water!
Harmon