Paddling enables people of all ages and abilities to experience nature with unrivalled closeness and variety. Adventures range from brief outings to challenging treks, but even the simplest trip can quickly lead to danger if proper precautions are not taken. No matter what type of canoe or kayak you're using, there are basics every boater should know. Always wear an appropriately rated and sized personal floatation device (PFD). Learn your craft: start slow and seek proper instruction. Practice your skills, rescues and first aid techniques in a variety of conditions until you are thoroughly familiar with them. Dress for the water temperature. Weather conditions can change quickly, turning a warm afternoon's paddle into a challenge to remember. If you prepare to get wet, you'll stay warm whatever nature brings your way! Protect yourself by learning to read water and weather, and never leave shore in conditions for which you are unprepared. Consult local tide charts and maps, talk to experts and be aware of weather forecasts. Never paddle alone. Let people know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Finally, be on the lookout for potential hazards such as other boats, weather and other natural dangers. These paddling basics will help keep you safe, warm and just where you want to be–on the water!

• To avoid loss or damage, remove all accessories from your boat before transporting it.
• For your safety and to avoid unnecessary scratches on your car, all boats except the shortest should be installed on the roof of a car by two people, and placed on a quality support. To do this, please use your common sense to lift the boat, that is, forcing with your legs, not your back, to lift the boat onto the stand.
• Once the watercraft is placed on the roof rack, use a pair of straps or ropes to secure the mid section of the watercraft to the roof rack, being careful not to over tighten.
• Each end of the boat should be tied to a vehicle bumper. However, be careful not to strap the bow and stern lines too tight, as this could warp the hull.
• If your watercraft protrudes behind your vehicle more than 3.5 feet (1 meter), attach a red flag to the protruding end to alert other motorists and pedestrians.
• To transport multiple boats, please use a stacking bar and appropriate padding.
• REMEMBER THAT YOUR BOAT IS ATTACHED TO THE ROOF OF YOUR CAR. You do not want to go into your garage with your boat still fixed there. It might sound strange said like that, but it's happened before.
  

STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE

To ensure that your boat follows you on all your adventures for years to come, we recommend that you first apply a good type 303 protective wax to the entire surface of your boat and repeat the operation several times during the season.

Hanging storage

The best places to hang your boat are at the top of a garage or the bottom of a porch. However, you must do it the right way, and most importantly, never use the handles to suspend your precious craft.

We strongly suggest that you use a harness system or 2 '' wide nylon straps. Hang the canoe upside down and place the harness or straps around the hull to distribute the weight on the gunwales. If possible, use a strap on the bow, one at the stern and the other in the center to distribute the weight evenly.

** Do not hang the canoe by the carrying handles. **
These handles were not designed for this type of use and could be damaged.

Storage with trestles

If you choose to store your boat on trestles, we recommend that you use trestles whose support surface is not rigid. It is advisable to secure your boat using straps. These straps should not be too tight. There are different shapes of trestles: H, X, Y or L. Why not make them yourself, guided by your imagination? Make sure they are of a height that will allow you to be comfortable if you have to use them for cleaning or for maintenance
your boat. Always place your canoe upside down on the trestles.

Winter storage

Always store your canoe upside down.