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It is prudent to lash every piece of gear to the canoe so that loss overboard does not occur in the event of a capsize. Neglect of this precaution, when it sometimes appeared completely unnecessary on safe waters yet upsets did happen, has taught a number of us the wisdom of always being prepared.

Another point to be remembered about the stowage of kit is the general rule that it needs to be evenly distributed. This is particularly important with heavy articles like a portage trolley. Mine goes immediately behind me or amidships just in front of my seat. Attention to stowage gives a boat good trim so that both bows and stern require the same depth to float.

All items likely to be required during the day – camera, maps and picnic lunch, for instance – should be packed so that they are at hand without the need to unload the entire lot of gear. If placed in the cockpit they must not obstruct the paddler’s feet: usually there is plenty of room for them between his thighs and the sides of the craft or else behind the backrest.

It is better to launch a canoe before placing kit on board, with the exception of light packages. For one thing the carrying of a heavily laden boat may well damage it, and for another doing this can be an unnecessary physical strain and cause a hernia. I could almost hear ominous cracks as I watched a double-seater folding canoe sagging in the centre when lifted at either end while loaded with a fortnight’s supply of tinned foodstuffs!

Elsewhere will be found information on safety requirements such as the wearing of lifejackets and the placing of buoyancy bags inside a canoe to ensure flotation after an upset. A summary of common-sense rules to safeguard life forms Appendix F, and these should be borne in mind at all times.

As well as wearing your lifejacket, it is essential to look after it whilst in use and when stored at home during winter. My brief remarks on this subject specifically concern the BSI model ‘approved to British standard’ sold by the firm of Ottersports Ltd who recommend that their lifejackets are returned annually to them for testing.

This type is worn uninflated, in which condition it has inherent buoyancy of thirteen-and-a-half pounds. This is enough to bring you to the surface after falling in.

Then you climb back on board or swim to the bank holding on to your canoe. You should only blow up the lifejacket (its nonreturn valve prevents air escaping between puffs) if you seem likely to be in the water for a long time. Although preventing him from drowning, an inflated jacket has a tendency to immobilize the wearer.