Spring is here and the warm weather brings the warm river waters.  Warm rivers bring out the naturalist in all of us, especially here in the Classic City where kayaking outposts aren’t too hard to find. The atmosphere of the boating business in Athens is one of leisure. Relative autonomy on trips is essential to the level of ease which the day takes on and preparation for the day is essential to finding your Zen on the river.In order to best suit you for a day of relaxation, these are the top 10 necessities: The obvious
10. Get the right fit kayak, paddle and life jacket when outfitted for the trip. “There are many places to rent kayaks from Broad River companies. Also, you can rent them from the Outdoor Rec Department at Ramsey,” says Joel Alvey, the past President of UGA Outdoor Adventure Club. “A personal flotation device (PFD) is generally required for all paddlers.” 

9. A bathing suit, or any clothes you don’t mind getting wet.  It’s inevitable that water will touch you, so you might as well make it a component in the enjoyment of your trip. This is a chance to put your Chacos to actual outdoor use beyond walking campus in them. Alvey commented that “closed-toe shoes to protect against glass, fish hooks or other sharp objects” are of use, as well, but are “more essential for whitewater trips.” 

8.  Sun protection. Imperative to any day in the sun. SPF is a no brainer along with sunglasses, hats or both. Squinting the whole time doesn’t seem like a problem until you run into a rock and tip because the sun got in your eyes. “A first aid kit is always a good idea to bring for any trip, one per group,” according to Alvey.    

Luxury items

7. Beer. Bring it. There’s nothing like floating down the broad with a cold one. Really, everything is better with a 12 oz. in hand (and when you’re 21). 

6. Lunch and snacks. Some sort of consistency to keep your body moving effectively. The combination of sun, beer and exercise is often a recipe for disaster with no food intake. We’ve all been there – think day drinking multiplied by a core workout.  

5. A cooler to hold your 12 pack and PB&J. Strap it onto the back of your kayak and you’re golden, pony boy.  

The extra mile
4. Waterproof everything.  A waterproof cooler or even additional bag can hold your phone, wallet, keys, etc., so that you’re not worrying about leaving everything behind. 

3. Get that Lifeproof case for your phone. Being able to have your phone out in the water without having to worry about putting it in a bag of rice later will help keep the stress levels low. Real time documentation of life is one effect of social media (see last article). Utilize those insta filters you hipster, you. BONUS: with a waterproof case you can let Pandora play and jam your heart out to the likes of Sublime, 311, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet—whatever your heart desires.  

2.  Bring along man’s best friend. pets are often times allowed on these trips so feel free to give your pup some water time.  Caution for how strong of a swimmer your dog actually is, getting caught up in a current is not ideal for your furry friend. 

The most important
1. A sense of adventure. Please do not go on a group kayaking trip if you’re going to complain about dirt, bugs, threat of snakes, fish, tipping over, water. It’s no fun for you or anyone within proximity of hearing you gripe. The rivers in the Oconee area aren’t Olympic level training raft tours, so if adventure is not calling your name (which is really unfortunate for you), don’t pretend you hear it beckoning.