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I know what you’re thinking... However, this section
is NOT about spanking your partner. It’s about experiencing
Nature’s beauty from the water!
Canoeing, kayaking or rafting can be the theme of your
next Romantic Getaway. A short day-trip or an entire paddling
journey can add adventure and Romance to your camping
trip. Paddling is also one of the BEST ways to find an
isolated and private campsite!
You and your partner MUST be comfortable with some physical
activity and know how to swim for this activity to qualify
as a good idea. Planning, information gathering and a
little money will be required for creating a successful
and Romantic water adventure.
REMEMBER: Don't watch (or mention) the movie Deliverance
before your canoeing excursion. Doing this may spoil your
Romantic action during a random stop. If you don't know
what I'm talking about, be glad you don't!
Renting a Boat
You don’t need to purchase a canoe, kayak or raft in
order to experience a Romantic Getaway on the water. Buying
boats is an expensive investment. I suggest you rent a
boat from a retail shop, marina or an outfitter. If you
plan to rent a boat and venture forth on your own be prepared
to describe your past boating experiences and your competency
to the sales person.
Be completely honest about your paddling skill level
and your expectations. Ask the sales people for their
advice on where to go and what to see in the area. Tell
them you are planning a fun and Romantic date. They might
be able to offer you directions to a secluded Romantic
beach or camping spot!
ROMANTIC IDEA: Make frequent stops while paddling. Enjoy
the shores and stretch your legs. Have a picnic on a secluded
beach and go for a swim. Think skinny dipping!
Paddling Tours
The safest and easiest way to enjoy a paddling adventure
is to join a tour group. This option is certainly BEST
for open-ocean kayaking and white-water rafting.
It’s IMPORTANT to know what type of trip you are seeking.
When you know what you are looking for you can then find
an outfitter that will meet your needs. First, ask yourself
the following questions:
- How physically fit are you?
- Do you want something relaxing or challenging?
- How long are you willing to paddle?
- Do you want a private guide or do you want to travel
with families, other couples or singles?
There are often many outfitters and options to choose
from. Here are a few quick questions to ask when searching
for an outfitter that will give you the BEST Romantic
paddling experience:
- Company History:
Ask about the company. Find out how long the company
has been around and how much experience their guides
have. Do their guides have any special training (like
first aid)? To ensure a quality Romantic experience
you probably don’t want risk your lives with an inexperienced
outfit.
- Difficulty:
Find out the paddling difficulty. Be honest about your
experience level and physical fitness. Also, express
your goals (relaxing or challenging).
- Guide-to-Client Ratio:This
question is IMPORTANT. You are paying good money to
have an expert guide you. Make sure you receive this
service. One guide for every 4-6 guests is the minimum.
- Clientele:Make
sure you are okay with the mix of people on your tour.
Traveling with other couples can be really fun. However,
paddling with a bunch of young kids can be really annoying.
Know before you go!
Rating Rapids
Be sure to know the rapids lingo if you are considering
paddling down a river. Always find out the class of rapids
you can expect to encounter. Be sure you are paddling
down a river section you and your partner can handle.
Definitely prepare yourself for getting WET if it’s anything
over Class II rapids.
Class I: Unobstructed
moving water with small ripples requiring no maneuvering.
(Skill Level: None)
Class II: Gentle
waves with up to three foot drop. Channels are clear,
wide and easily negotiated. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling
Skill)
Class III: Whitewater
with between three to five feet drop. Requires significant
maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling Skill)
Class IV: Whitewater
with large waves, rocks and considerable drop and sharp
maneuvers. Rafts can flip and passengers can get tossed!
(Skill Level: Whitewater Experienced)
Class V: Violent
and hazardous whitewater with large waves, large rocks,
and huge drops. (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Class VI: Extremely
DANGEROUS! Avoid these types rapids if you value your
life.
Paddling Trip Necessities
The following are a few things you MUST have on your
boating trip:
- Drinking Water:
Avoid dehydration! Bring extra drinking water and drink
it frequently.
- Dry Bag: If
you are transporting food, camping equipment, cameras
or clothing you need a dry bag. Waves, rapids and splashing
your partner can quickly soak your gear and even tip
your boat. Be sure your gear remains safe and dry. A
soaking wet sleeping bag is NOT Romantic!
- Food: Paddling
will make you hungry! Snacks are crucial when spending
extended time on the water. Remember to store the food
in a watertight bag or container.
- Footwear:
You should always use footwear. Sandals from brands
like Teva or Chaco work best. Old sneakers or neoprene
booties work too. Your footwear can really save you
from slipping or cutting your feet when portaging or
getting in or out of your boat.
- Life-jacket:
You must have a Coast-Guard approved life preserver
for each person in your boat. You know the type. It’s
orange and designed to float your head out of the water
even when unconscious.
ROMANTIC IDEA: I know you want have sex in your boat! The
bottom of you canoe or raft will likely be too uncomfortable
on your knees or back without some padding. Use your life-jackets
and towels for padding. Try to also keep your center of
gravity low to avoid tipping the boat over.
- Sun Protection:
The sun’s light reflects off the water intensifying
its potency. Protect yourself by using sunscreen, sunglasses
and a hat. Spending hours on the water without this
protection can cause dangerous sunburn.
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