Careful planning can really make or break a paddling trip. On a perfect outing, all the surprises will be good ones and the challenges will be those you've prepared for.

The first time you go out, try and pick a relaxing destination and a good stretch of weather. (You want things to go right on your maiden voyage, and nothing shines as brightly as a sunny day.) Make sure you head for a place that's appropriate to your skills and equipment - if you're heading for a river, remember that high water can change a "beginning" stretch into something even experts avoid.

To choose a destination, prioritize what's important to you and your paddling partners. Good fishing and wildlife viewing? Solitude ? Scenery ? A short driving distance ? Be flexible - chances are you'll have a good time if you've got a good attitude. This website, local outfitters and guidebooks are excellent sources of information for possible destinations.

Try to plan around predictable elements like late afternoon winds or tidal cycles: there's no point in fighting a headwind if you could just as easily paddle the other direction or be in camp already. And remember to consider seasonal factors like mosquitoes and water levels.

Once you get maps, spread them out on the dining room table before you depart. It's fun to imagine what the area will look like ahead of time, and it's important to identify possible hazards, drinking water sources, and potential campsites in advance. Maps will also clue you in to interesting side trips like hikes, old mines and historic buildings.

Before you head out for a week or more, take at least one shorter "shakedown" trip. A two-night excursion gives you just enough time to get into the rhythm of your experience, and also have at least one full day away from the car.

Deciding Whether To Paddle Checklist

Planning A Basic Trip Outline

Route Planning

Shuttling

The average number of miles covered in a day will vary from 12 to 20 (or more, on a few water trails). Just where within that range will depend on the nature of the water trail, the time of year, and what else you plan to do with your day other than paddling. Most paddlers usually plan to paddle about five hours per day. This leaves plenty of time for hiking, seeing interesting features, cooking, fishing, puttering around in camp, or just relaxing.

As a rule of thumb, a standard boat will move at a rate of about two miles per hour in relation to the water's surface when paddled by two competent adults at a moderate pace.  Add to this the speed of the current (perhaps 1-2 miles per hour) and you can see that you theoretically should be making about 3-4 miles per hour.  Factor in the variables of wind, rapids, distractions, laziness . . . you'll generally make between 2-5 miles per hour.

If you're on one of the larger water trails with a good current, consider "thwarting" or rafting up the boats for a leisurely float. One or two people in the back of a raft of 6-8 boats can keep you on course (while someone up front keeps a lookout for obstacles).

Using the map, lay out a plan of about where you want to end up each day, and try to stick to it. Don't pass up something you really want to stop and look at -- you may not pass this way again. Try to make camp at least a couple of hours before dark (more in the summer) to leave plenty of time to get set up and cook before dark.

Relax . . . But, on the other hand if you really enjoy paddling hard all day and getting down the water trail in a hurry, choose the longer trips or adjust the estimates of the time accordingly.