In Oregon, one must have an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit to Paddle a craft over 10 feet long. They have 1 or 2 year permits.  I had not purchased one for 2012 yet, as I’m just about the only one on the lake. But as the summer crowd returns, I just might see someone who asks – so – I got three of them.  We have 2 kayaks and a canoe.  I also borrow paddle boards often, and they are over 1o feet. Kids under 14 do not need a license, so I think 3 will be good. They are transferable – so when my friend comes to canoe on Tuesday, she can use one of the licenses. I am keeping one in my tub, and two in these lil canisters to clip to life jackets or to the SUP board.

I have been reading that the USCG has determined that SUP boards used on the lake are vessels, so the rule to have a PDF goes into effect. I also learned, that at night, I may carry a flashlight, that I do not need running lights on my canoe.  That is way cool. So, if I know I’m going out in the evening, I will wear my head lamp, but I am also going to pack these flash light glow sticks as well. On my Jacket – I have a whistle, my eye glasses holder for when it drizzles and my flashlight.

So – Here is the pack I will carry in my Canoe.  Ear wax for when I swim, Eye Glass Holder, for when it rains, Extra flashlights and whistles, extra carbine clips, and the extra licenses.  This way, when folks come over, we can all be legal. I went through the PFD’s by the back porch and made sure each one has a whistle attached as well.

My little dry box. As I went through the life jackets on the back porch, I switched out this  blue one I’ve worn for a year for Nathan’s fishing PFD. It is a zip up with pockets and has a style better suited for paddling. With more traffic on the lake, I’d like to be prepared! I am looking to find an affordable fanny pack manual inflated belt pack for a PFD to make it easier when we paddle, but have not found one. The lake gets pretty crazy in the summer, so wearing a great life jacket isn’t a bad idea.

I don’t think I’ve shared a lot of my SUP journey on this blog – I have a lot on Facebook.  Last week I put in over 16 miles on the SUP Board.  I just bought a new paddle custom fit for me from Oregon Surf Shop, from Werner. I’ll have to share more, now that I feel like I’m getting better at it, and share what tips I’ve picked up.