![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-JFpT9aR6AXEfRs-Cr76kmEcoGPaY4yVKmVyK7ygeTOKPigt6H6MJqFNHfSldzpSNKq5x440lyLM4g3Vxl7Q8ExQEpYVIxlqEnjDLLhUUXt9m1I0ZPce07YUjVgnYpPEXYC_t19VA60/s320/santorini4.jpg)
Choose a paddling area
- Consider sea and land features, exposure to tidal streams, no landing zones, busy harbours
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPlTIdJHYpBrjMUomjBYFxyZaBg3IQCTJmF6CFD8DOZbFU4HKIOGrTYuxEtH682sfGw70-FQ5V65LZ_aeLbU7yvnO7MxYTXV2xGKilYCoYqFVQ3Z8amD5NAmKwCvpniay9KYYhwCfXpo/s400/page_55.jpg)
Obtain a weather forecast
- Choose a suitable source, using the most recent issue
- Consider the weather patterns of the previous 48 hours
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLYqIvxVASo6yFo7j3g4DpCEMyeBGCy74kvmkS7bKVJWM1hc3bfgkqBKbwQoiZUU9PeydskXrAAh6EIYieHvaPgjBw8VWb1rj5JlwHL-7V1eGIxsZ1H_6hubuYqw5vk3bLhoLF0zEcB8/s320/333.jpg)
Look at the tidal picture
- Interpret the sources of information to gain an impression of the likely conditions
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN651q1Pny_F4RMzs-N_Ysbz8e9gJ_9W6Y-bTcoaEx1VDteExhYlw1-UVMIosuFcdImRxmnqmXp8do7ZrmirM0kGUdtBSis6LPmYjlCbbfAQHz8Lf9ytDu6rlvP1mczdynsQ_a6uYAjI/s320/page_58.jpg)
Consider the day’s objectives
- Time available, distance to travel (journeying v exploration), type of trip – A to B or return
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0PqjVtt0Dj-mpEbh-o6zbTcf5wE5isg0fr9akTt82QX8-9Rz0iTewqwyxNVRuY-_o7Fn-puOl3afkPbu8TNvxKDmGNBj3E2cq5gI02ASLaOdmqzBOscFA08qy_PQxq4E-lagn6FumDk/s320/page_31.jpg)
Work out a detailed paddling plan
- Start/ finish points, emergency bays
- Alternative routes or paddling activities
- Expected tidal stream, slack water times, existence of tidal gates
- Distances, expected times of departure and arrival
- Compass bearings
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSE375f3DbHa718cis-ZVz0gouyyq-I2AIFwnq5uBand9vQncvCQXAt4xwVJr4TKSDmje2KznAs8oFGxF93EYFOFDmSv0EeefKkzgufszGTHPCbIoY8R1Kb4chhO_p6oEyGsYTgUcHik/s400/page_13b.jpg)
Prepare a list of personal/ group equipment
- Always take warm clothing, food and a hot drink, survival bag
- Along with first aid kit, repair kit, flares, towline and spare paddles
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kHt8mTojCzHFfVBkc9u7PoUP7rEQbt2C2jWJBV2RuLbtcajCzg2Q8hde1eyk_7-fvX05LornOIiJcwpLq7j1GPQHuZrdHCC09sgMBZmGoZVTKYvROQGT3nvj3Bst9J4eKyASFFNPw1g/s400/page_97.jpg)
Notify a shore contact of intended trip
- Include details of route card, numbers in group (people/ boats), ETD and ETA
- Notify shore contact again at the end of the day
- Consider when you might want to contact HM Coastguard
Double-check everything!
Enjoy the day :o)