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Saturday, start at Union Canal Canoe Rentals, 1929 Black's Bridge Rd., Annville PA 17003--west of the dog-leg in the road, just above the island in the middle of the map above. 

SEE YOU ON THE SWATTIE!  TIPS

Don’t put your or other people’s lives at risk.  Wear your life vest!

Knowing how to read a river will save you energy and increase your enjoyment on the trip.  The challenge for the canoeist is to find the deeper (darker water) channels.  On a river bend, the water moves faster and is deepest on the outside of a curve.  Choosing these channels can reduce the number of times you “beach” your boat.

While many bends are clear of debris, fallen trees and brush (strainers) also pile up on outside curves.  Strainers trap solid objects such as overturned boats and people, but allow water to pass through.  Always avoid getting swept into the bank or into a strainer.   The order of rescue is people, boats, then gear.

Also, water at the base of a dam creates a hydraulic that can pull you in both tipping and trapping a boat and any occupants.  Because they don’t look dangerous, many drownings occur at low-head dams.  Avoid dams!  Listen to your safety guides.

1)      It’s important that we share the water rights to the Swattie with others.  Display courtesy and respect to landowners, other boaters, and anglers.

2)      No alcohol!

3)      Watch for overhanging trees, brush piles, submerged logs, and rocks that could tip you.

4)      Don’t stand in your canoe.  Keep your weight low.

5)      Put your heavier, and hopefully more experienced canoeist in the rear seat.

6)      To signal the canoes behind you, always expose the flat side of your paddle and:

a.      Extend your paddle to the left to indicate a “left turn.”

b.      Extend your paddle to the right to indicate a “right turn.”

c.      Hold your paddle horizontally overhead to signal a stop.

d.      For help, hold the handle and move the paddle in a circular motion overhead.  If you lose you paddles, swing just about anything (except your partner) overhead.

7)      Upstream “V’s” suggest submerged rocks.  Downstream “V’s” suggest gaps/paths between rocks.

8)      To steer left, paddle hard on the right and/or the rear person can drag his paddle on the left.  To go right, do the opposite.