Badger's Tip of the Week to go Monthly

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

Actually, this week's "tip" is, in truth, a bit more of a Badger update then a tip. Unfortunately, our Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week will be going on hiatus for the rest of July (as we will be spending more time outside and on the water and less time in front of our computer screens) and when we do come back online, there will be a few changes for this blog. So, while we love bringing you tips every week, we are going to scale back on the amount of suggested tips we bring you so we can make room for some other Badger features.

Not wanting to bombard your Facebook or Twitter feed with too much Badger (even though you do dig us!), we've decided we will be doing tips on a more monthly basis. That's right! We really don't want to badger you too much. But when we get back, we still plan to bring you lots of great content including a Badger's Tip of the Month, a few guest bloggers , and our newly planned Badger's Featured Paddler series as well as our not-so-regular items. So be sure to stay tuned in the future. And in the mean time, in case you missed any, here's our suggestion for this week: you can find all the past Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week posts here: Search Tag: Tip of the Week. We'll see you in a few weeks then. Safe and happy paddling everyone!!!

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Think Of Your PFD Like A Bra

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.
This week's tip is pretty obvious. And it's really more of a reminder then a tip, but here is is: WEAR YOUR PFD***! Hey, we told you it was obvious! But with so many people drowning in canoe, kayak and other boating accidents every year, it is also obvious that not enough of us are getting the message.

When out on the water, too many unpredictable circumstances can develop (such as getting cramps or not being able to swim because of very cold water, or even a serious head injury) so it is really important to remember: DON'T JUST BRING IT - PUT IT ON!

Look... whenever you go out in your canoe or kayak*, you really should wear your lifejacket. We know, we know.... not all of you want to... neither do we at times. But, really, it's not so bad! In fact, wearing a lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD) is a lot like wearing a bra!

So How is a PFD Like a Bra**?
•First off, just like a brassiere, a PFD or lifejacket must be fitted properly to do it's job right. And it really doesn't work if you don't do it up and wear it correctly!

•At one time in history, bras were limited in colour choices (boring beige or white) as were lifejackets (bright orange, anyone?). But both today's bra styles and PFD choices are limitless in the number of colour choices and designs available for numerous types of activities.

•Back in the day, bras, corsets (and yep! Lifejackets too!) were big, ugly, and pretty uncomfortable. However, with modern technological advances, both the bra and the life jacket have come a long way. Brassieres and PFD's are cut and styled for more comfort now, are more lightweight and technically advanced.

•Just like life jackets, there are rules and different bra styles for various occasions. Buying a PFD for whitewater kayaking is different then shopping for a life vest for a fisherman/woman - just as you wouldn't buy a jogging bra to wear with a strapless dress!

Unlike the old orange Life Preservers of the past,
today's Life Jackets are much more technical with
many added safety features and specifications
like this North Water Pro System Rescue PFD.

•As with a bra, when it comes to PFD's, it seems most men don't like wearing one! (In Canada, 90% of boaters succumbing to drowning were male and 78% of those who drowned in boating incidents were not wearing a lifejacket or PFD at the time of the incident). But we know that there are men who wear them.... and yes, that goes for both bras and PFD's!!!

•Just like a good brassiere, a good life jacket must be washed with care, usually by hand.

•Interestingly enough, and for the Clifford C. Clavin in all of us,  Playtex and PFD's are more originally alike then one would think. The inventor of spandex and owner of Playtex supplied materials for the war effort in World War Ⅱ. When the war ended, apparently the company used the materials developed for life jackets (yep! lifejackets!) for other purposes, particularly for intimate apparel and other garments such as girdles and bras (yep! bras!). (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playtex)

•A bra and/or lifejacket is a personal fit. If you gain or lose the right (or wrong!) amount of weight, this could render your bra or PFD as unsuitable. Make sure your life jacket (and brassiere, if applicable!) is sized properly and is appropriate for the chosen activity.

•Let's face it, as most ladies would know, when you first put on your brassiere - or lifejacket - you become very aware of it. But once you get used to it, you don't even think about it anymore. And once it becomes your routine, you may even feel a bit weird WITHOUT it!

•"And, just like a bra, wearing one should be voluntary, not mandatory." From Daniel Pike, a paddling dad from Ontario. Good one, Daniel! Very funny!!!

•For some women, they must wear a bra for support and to help prevent back pain. For EVERYONE, wearing a lifejacket could help prevent death.

Hey - don't think we are too weird for coming up with this correlation as we are obviously not the first to put the idea of brassieres and life vests together. The "Bay Watch" bikini life jacket concept by Bernstrand & Co. certainly takes the idea of bras & PFDs as far as it could ever go! (Source: http://gizmodo.com/) However, something about it's design makes us think it probably isn't Canadian Coast Guard Approved!!!

Image source:
http://www.made-in-england.org/bikini-life-jacket/

Now for the REALLY serious stuff: 
According to www.redcross.ca, over one half of all recreational boating drownings, in Canada, occurred in lakes. About 39% of drowning victims were fishing from a boat or canoe and another 9% were canoeing. And another Canadian Red Cross study covering 15 years of boating deaths in Canada (1991 to 2006), stated it was found that of 2,232 people who drowned or died of hypothermia, only 12% were wearing a life jacket properly. And out of the 94% of Canadians who drowned, 90% of these boaters were found NOT wearing a lifejacket. Those are some scary statistics!

Too many of us think that we can find our lifejacket in an emergency and put it on if we fall into the water. But we aren't being realistic. With pre-existing health problems like low blood pressure or a sudden heart attack, an unexpected head injury, or even just the shock of cold water, could make it extremely difficult for anyone to follow thru with this plan. Already having your lifejacket on BEFORE you end up in the water will definitely make it easier for you to rescue yourself or, at least, be more able to remain floating until someone else can find and help rescue you if needed.

REMEMBER: DON'T JUST BRING IT - PUT IT ON! IT'S NOT ANY WORSE THEN HAVING TO WEAR A BRA, AFTER ALL! And remember fellas, if us girls can do it... then you can too!!!

*There are circumstances where wearing a PDF is not considered mandatory (i.e. racing)

**Because not all who paddle have worn a brassiere in their lifetime (although let's face it - there are a lot more men who have had on a bra for a lark then who would be willing to admit!), we felt we should explain ourselves more....

***Note: PFD, Life Jacket and Life Vest all refer to a Canadian Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Device for the purposes of this article.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Increase Your Chance of Observing Wildlife

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.


"You have to do what you can, do your best with what you are. And you have to believe in wilderness. If you do that you can’t go wrong." – Kirk Albert Walter Wipper


Increasing Your Chances Of Viewing Wildlife In Their Natural Habitat:
Growing up spending summer holidays interior camping in Algonquin Park with my parents, I (Fiona) had the opportunity to view lots of fauna in their natural habitat. Over the years we have had the pleasure (and luck) to view many a Black Bear, Moose, Deer, Fox, Rabbit, Raccoon, and many other forest creatures as well as the Loon, Wood Ducks, Turkey Vultures, Eagles, Ravens, Heron, Grouse, Mink, and more. Some of these creatures we happened upon unwittingly and to the surprise of all parties involved. Others we waited for hours to see, tucked away in our boats in the swamp of some back bay. If you are wanting to see wildlife on your trip into any wilderness region, the following tips will definitely help to increase your chance of success... so get your camera ready!

Not far from our campsite, we found a small snake den.

Time of Day:
Although it is possible to spot an animal at 2 in the afternoon, it is much more likely have success if you watch for wildlife at dawn and at dusk. I cannot remember all the countless evenings, and the very early hours after dawn, when we sat in a swamp, not uttering a word (sometimes giggling either from the boredom of the silent wait - or my Grandfather's soft snoring - which really annoyed my Grandmother). And so we waited... and waited... and waited for some creature... any creature... to come to to water's edge from the dark and silent forest. Thankfully, we were rewarded many times for our efforts. And in my impressionable youth, I was altered by each and every experience in some small way. A love for the wilderness was really getting deep into my blood.

Scanned picture of old photo of a moose
(from Fiona's younger years). Taken at dusk.

Be Quiet, Be Still, Be Patient:
At a place like Algonquin Park, if you sit quietly in a small bay (or even at your campsite) for 15 to 20 minutes, you will have a much better chance of spotting a wild bird or mammal. You will also realize just how loud and hungry those mosquitoes can sound! But remember: no sudden movements. Even to lift your arm to scratch your nose can make noise that an animal can hear (clothing brushing against itself). Try to keep all movement and sound to a minimum and speak in whispers if possible. If the animal doesn't notice you at first, enjoy the moment. Because as soon as you click that camera or cause any motion or other disturbance, they will be aware of your presence - and therefore change their behaviour (or most likely move away from the area and you).

This grouse thinks he is still camouflaged by his surroundings.

Location, Location, Location:
In Algonquin, it is not unheard of seeing a moose or bear* walk right thru your camp site. But you will probably increase your chances by finding a bog, field or shoreline to follow. Animals go were people go. Explore beyond your campsite, walk a trail, portage, or old logging road and you will see lots of signs of animals because animals use the same trails as we do. If you see an animal while you are driving, remember to stop and pullover off the road (there is no need to block traffic or create a dangerous situation for other drivers). As for more natural environments,  meadows or flat low lying wet areas like swamps or muskegs, are great places to watch for wildlife. When you paddle, staying close to shorelines is also a great tip or choose to do a river. In larger Ontario parks, don't be surprised if you spot a beaver, martin or even a little mink along the shore. We have!

Swamps and wetlands are prime locations for wildlife.

Bionic Eyes:
This tip is to remind you to bring binoculars. You will be thankful to get an extra close up view of the wildlife without invading their space - they will linger longer if you respect them from a distance. Note: it is possible that a camera's zoom feature will also let you see more detail.

Herons are shy and amazingly prehistoric looking.

Converse with a Local Outfitter or Old Boy:
Talking with a popular and knowledgable Outfitter, like Algonquin Outfitters, or an Old Boy**, can give you a great window into the best places to view the regional wildlife. For example, they can tell you things like how: "Fill In Name Here" Trail has lots of deer at a particular time of the year; or "Fill In Name Here" Lake has plenty of moose in the back east bay after the first inlet; or even that Highway gets lots of moose along the road side in the Spring licking the salt from the winter roads, etc., etc.

Algonquin Outfitters is a perfect example of a local resource
for local wildlife viewing tips and best locations for success.

The Bigger, The Better:
When there is a larger habitat left intact, there is a much better chance of spotting a wildlife. Larger parks or conservations areas are better then smaller ones. And usually, the deeper the route takes you into the interior of a large park, the less people and the more wildlife you will encounter. In the years that we have been wilderness camping, we have countless memories of many a bear, sometimes even with cubs, and deer with their young too. We have seen a loon fight an innocent but confused wayward moose to drive it away from it's nest. We have witnessed deer drink by the shore's edge and disappear the moment they noticed we were there. We have watched moose dive for it's food at the bottom of a lake. We've seen families of ducks, loons and even some mice. We have watched a bear swim from one island to the next in search of food. We have been surrounded by a swarm of Tiger Swallow Tail butterflies and watched a fox romp playfully thru a field. We have accidentally startled sleeping bears at Captain Dennison's old farm on Opeongo (Algonquin) and have been shocked into fright by countless partridge on numerous portages. We have heard a jackrabbit scream and the cries of a wolf pack. We have seen snakes, frogs, crayfish and some crazy big leaches. We've had a bear drag it's body down the length of the tent we were sleeping in on Tea Lake (Algonquin) and have even experienced that moose that walks thru campsites. We've watched beaver work and otters play. My father (a.k.a. Poppa Badger) has even been lucky enough to actually see the elusive wolf. Most, if not all of these events, took place in large parks and conservation areas like Algonquin, Temagami, and Quetico.

A doe and fawn by the water's edge.

Luck Be A Lady:

In the end, you will also need a little bit of luck. You won't always be successful. More often then not, you will come away without a close-up wildlife experience even if you do everything right. But don't give up. In my personal opinion, one of the most pleasurable experiences about canoeing and camping - in most parts of Canada - is being able to view and co-exist with the local wildlife. Seeing a moose, unaware, tromp down to the shore edge of a bog, and make his way into the water walking thru the deep mud without a struggle, is a surprisingly exhilarating experience. One you will never forget. And if you follow these tips, you too, may be lucky (like we have been) and will experience many chances to see wildlife in their natural habitat, enjoying their existence as the free creatures they were born to be.

Fiona was so inspired by her wildlife encounters that she took to painting

wilderness scenes on canoe paddles when she was in her late teens.

See more examples of her work here: Badger Paddle Art Gallery

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.


*It is also not unheard of to have a bear visit your camp in the middle of the night to pilfer your edibles if he/she can. Never try to attract animals with food. And don't try to domesticate any critters by teaching them to feed from your hand. Keep your supplies in a smell proof container and make your site as bear/critter proof as is possible. 

** An "Old Boy", as Mike refers to them, is a euphemism for an older gentleman who is known to be a long time resident and who has years (and years) of local knowledge and interesting (and not so interesting) facts about the area. Old Boys can often be lured into a conversation with the offer of a cold beer.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Making a Fire with Newspaper

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.


One of the traditions that I remember from my childhood trips to Algonquin's interior was my father bringing that day's newspaper as reading material for his first couple of days in the bush. Of course, it's secondary purpose was to help light the fire at our campsite as well, but only after the paper had been given a good read over by my dad.

I also remember that one of the first skills my father taught me around camp was how to light a fire. And don't kid yourself... it is a skill. It can take a while to figure out the principles of fire-making, but with a few pages of old newspaper and this week's tip, you will be known as THE campfire-starter in no time!

Some people just scrunch up the newspaper into a ball. And that works... some of the time. But more often then not (especially at a windy or damp camp site) your fire needs a bit more sustained heat to get it going and those scrunched up newspaper balls burn really fast and the loose burnt up paper ashes don't hold much warmth (and can even fly away when you blow on them!). Plus it uses a lot of paper.

That is where this week's tip comes in. Instead of scrunching or crumpling the news paper into a ball, rip a few pages of newspaper into 2-3 inch strips and roll each individual strip into loose mini paper logs (See photos below). Tuck the loose end of the rolled paper into centre of the tube to help hold it's structure. Note, you can also use string to tie the roll in place but using extra materials is not really necessary as tucking the end into the roll loosely seems to do the trick just as well.

When finished, these rolled bits of paper will give you a flame AND a coal base to work with for your fire. They burn much slower then a crumpled page of paper. You can even blow on them to increase your flame and air-flow without the same worry that you will blow all the burning paper away. But be careful not to roll these little fire-starter tubes too tight or they will not burn well. Loose is better, for more air flow.

Here is an example (see images below) of a fire lit with ONLY 2 pages of newspaper, ripped into strips and rolled into the fire starter tubes/logs.  These 2 pages of newspaper produced 6 or 7 little rolled fire-starters - just enough to get a good fire going, but you can always add more depending on need. Notice how long the coal base of these little paper log fire-starters last and how hot they keep the fire base until the wood catches.

After making several lil' fire starter logs from only
2 pages of newspaper, this fire is ready to be lit!

These lil' fire-starters really hold the heat!

Of course, you can't beat good ol'birchbark. It works dry or wet and burns hot hot HOT! But this handy natural fire-starter isn't always readily found and should only be harvested from the ground - NEVER take birch bark from a live tree - ALWAYS wait until it falls to the ground (naturally) for collection - or you could cause the tree to die prematurely due to an insect infestation or other disease. And while newspaper doesn't really compare to a birchbark lit fire, at least when you burn your newspaper at camp, you don't have to pack it out.

Well, we hope you enjoy your camp fire... but only after you enjoy reading your newspaper, that is!!!

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Note: Due to weather issues during the writing of this article, the fire in these example images was lit in an indoor fireplace and although this tip is meant for the outdoors, these little newspaper fire starters can be used in indoor fireplaces and wood stoves as well.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Making the Most out of a Wilderness Canoe Trip

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

Besides not having a plug for your curling iron, there are lots of other modern day conveniences missing from life in the bush. While many enjoy escaping from the whirlwind of their contemporary lifestyles, for some first time campers, the culture shock of interior or wilderness camping can be a bit too much... or too little - as the usual complaint amongst newbie campers (especially the young ones) is that they are bored.

To make the most out of your wilderness canoe trip and to help make the experience more enjoyable, there are a number of things you can do.

Start by researching area maps and check to see what books and other literature is available about the area. Don't be afraid to talk to the locals, either, as you are able. If you learn to identify the regional flora and fauna and other local natural features for your trip, it will only help to make your trip more pleasurable. Especially for the kids.

Plan for rainy days by bringing a deck of cards, or a novel to read, to help pass the time. For kids, a home-made "Fidget Kit"* is always a good tool to have around for rainy weather and/or long days spent in the canoe.

Having preferred activities planned for
your trip can be gratifying. Here,
Fiona sketches a tree bent naturally
over time by the prevailing winds.

"Prevailing Winds"
Sketched at Ferguson Bay,
Lake Temagami, September 2000

Another great tip is to plan your canoe trip with a preferred activity in mind; whether it is to fish, sketch/paint, explore, to take photographs, or to write. Keep a trip journal on hand to record your experiences and points of interest. And, to make the tripping experience that much more enjoyable for the next camper, always leave every campsite cleaner then you found it.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

A "Tangle" is a great
addition to a Fidget
Kit to help keep young
hands and minds busy.

*A "fidget kit" can be made from any number of small sensory objects that appeal to a specific child that are calming. Squishy balls/Koosh balls/Spaghetti Balls, and other sensory items can be fun for passing the time. As well as small cause and reaction toys, miniature dolls, or other manipulative objects like rubber bands, stress balls, Silly Putty, play dough, Bendeez, Rapper Snappers, etc. These kits can be home made or bought. They can be individualized and change as the child grows and interests change. See: How to Make a Fidget Kit or click here: Therapro Fidget Kit to see a store-bought example.

Badger's Tip of the Week - Impromptu Kayak/Canoe Repairs

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

While we hope you don't ever find yourself having to use these specific tips, we do believe the following information for emergency boat repairs is extremely useful to know.... because, well... you just never know!

Minor impromptu fibreglass/kevlar canoe or kayak repairs can be done while on a trip, even if you didn't bring a proper repair kit with you. For a minor crack or leak, repair the area by carefully burning/melting some polypropylene rope and then dripping the liquid into the crack. Let cool.

Polypropylene can fix a small leak when
brought to it's melting point.

For a larger hole or damaged area, seek out and respectfully harvest some Birch bark and Balsam sap from the surrounding forest.  Use a thin piece of Birch bark as a temporary emergency patch held in place with some gum from a Balsam tree. (If you do not have these specific species available to you, research your local flora and fauna to become familiar with substitute materials for those specified in this week's tip.)

Use the "gum" from a Balsam tree as a sticky adhesive.

Use the bark from a Birch tree as a temporary patch.

These are all meant as temporary repairs, of course. We would always recommend repairing your canoe properly as soon as your trip has ended, but in an emergency, these quick fix tips could possibly get you back to civilization with much less worry. And, if you end up getting all that sticky sap on your hands, just grab some rubbing alcohol or on-the-go hand sanitizer from your first aid kit, apply to the sticky area and rub vigorously. The alcohol should dissolve the resin.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger's Tip of the Week - Paddle For The Planet

This week's tip is about getting involved!

According to the Blast Paddler's website:

• Each year, three times as much rubbish is dumped into the world’s oceans as the weight of fish caught. (www.marinebio.org)
• 32% of the world’s fisheries are overexploited, depleted or recovering, which threatens the health, economy, and livelihoods of communities all over the world.
• The global fishing fleet is estimated to be 250% larger than needed to catch what the ocean can sustainably produce. (www.marinebio.org)
• Every year tens of millions of sharks die a slow death because of finning. Finning is the inhumane practice of hacking off the shark’s fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea. The sharks either starve to death, are eaten alive by other fish, or drown (if they are not in constant movement their gills cannot extract oxygen from the water). Shark fins are being “harvested” in ever greater numbers to feed the growing demand for shark fin soup, an Asian “delicacy”. (www.stopsharkfinning.net)

So... what can we do about it?!!

Well... we can PADDLE FOR THE PLANET!!!

Again, according to the Blast Paddler's website:

"Paddle For The Planet 2011 ( PFTP ) is a global effort to to raise awareness about the terrible things that are happening in the Ocean we use daily.


Our common goal is to hold a world wide seires of “relay” style paddle events through whicl all paddlers participate in and become part of a global effort increase awareness of what’s going on in our oceans and want to create an opportunity to make a difference. We want to allow all paddlers the opportunity to help, and by doing so, help bring about change, by merely doing what we love to do – paddle. Paddle for the Planet’s aim is to support Marine conservation, and as the campaign grows over the ensuing years, we endeavor to support all kinds of Marine Conservation.


For the first couple of years we are going focus our efforts on an initial campaign to raise funds for a marine reserve in Raja Ampat, Indonesia and keep it protected. Each year we want to grow this idea and see the project branch out further and further, as more paddlers get involved keeping more and more waters protected. You can help make a difference.


How does it all work, and why is it on the 5th of June:


June 5th is World Environment Day, so there there is no more fitting date for us to hold Paddle For The Planet.


We want paddlers paddling for the planet in Every Time Zone on that day! Ideally they will paddle between 5km to 10km ( so they are on the water for around an hour ).


Even just one or two people paddling together in the same area as a group is sufficient!


We really need your help to make this a success, and to get this WORLD WIDE paddle happening."

Digger does his part for the cause.
He really "digs" the earth!!!

To get started, become a fan (or "Like") the Paddle for the Planet page on Facebook, download and print the Paddle for the Planet logo here:  Paddle For The Planet Printable Logo Take your picture with the printed out logo and upload it to Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/Paddlefortheplanet ... then help to spread the word and remember to get out and paddle on Sunday! And don't forget to take lots of pictures to share with the paddling world!!!


Note: If you will be in Muskoka area, Badger Paddles will be hosting a Paddle For The Planet get together on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Buck Lake/Illfracombe Beach on Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville Ontario, Canada.  Nothing too official. All you need is your boat, paddle and proper gear to participate.  We sure hope to see you there!!! And the first dozen paddlers to show will be rewarded with some free Badger SWAG!!! Email us for details and/or directions.

Badger's Tip of the Week - Tarpaulin: Don't Get Caught Up The Creek Without One

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

tarpaulin |tärˈpôlən; ˈtärpə-|noun1 heavy-duty waterproof cloth, originally of tarred canvas.• a sheet or covering of this.2 historical a sailor's tarred or oilskin hat.• archaic a sailor.ORIGIN early 17th cent.: probably from tar 1 + pall 1 + -ing 1 .tarp |tärp|noun informala tarpaulin sheet or cover.ORIGIN early 20th cent.: abbreviation.New Oxford American Dictionary

There is a list of essential gear that many paddlers abide by. And, although that list may differ a bit according to individual need, if you don't already have a tarp as part of that mandatory gear list, then this week's tip just may change that. A tarp (and some rope) is a great emergency tool and can also greatly improve quality of life around a camp site. Once you realize the number of ways in which a tarp (stuffed anywhere into a boat or pack) can be utilized in any number of situations, then you probably won't want to get caught up the creek, river or lake, without one either.

This photo by Mike Ramsay - Missinaibi River Trip, circa 1997.
They (Mike and 3 other guys) used make-shift tarp sails on their
Swift Royalex Dumoines to travel sections of this vast river.
(Mike also slept under a tarp on this trip.)

Some Things You Can Do With A Tarp

• Use it as a ground sheet. (either under your tent to protect the floor or as a "picnic blanket" while you eat).

• Can be used as a substitute tent fly (who hasn't gone on a camping trip where someone forgot their fly?).

• Use it alone as a shelter for sleeping (string some rope between two trees and use rocks and/or logs to keep the sides down)(find 4 trees to substitute as poles and tie the tarp between them, low to the ground and sloping down on one side - to divert water away from you incase it rains).

• Use it as a wind break - create a wall by stringing the tarp between two trees.

• Use it as a rain shelter - create a roof by stretching the tarp between trees - slope the tarp (or find a tall tree-wood pole) so as to not collect rain water and weigh it down in the middle.

• Use it as a sun shelter - tie the tarp off between trees, etc. at an angle away from the sun.

• Make a canoe sail with it (using long tree wood poles usually found on location rigged to your satisfaction) See above photo.

• Use it as a make-shift stretcher to carry a sick/injured person over short distances/portages.

• Use it to collect or catch water for drinking and/or washing.

• Use it in an emergency to help a person retain much needed warmth (by wrapping them in a tarp after putting them in their sleeping bag).

• Can be cut strategically and used as an emergency stand-in rain poncho

• Can be used to make a Bear Burrito* (when hanging your food is not possible).

• Can be used to collect and transport larger amounts of small bits of firewood or to keep firewood dry during a down pour. 

• Use it to make an outside area private for the purpose of changing or latrine use (wrap tarp around one or two trees to create a corner stall and secure to other trees on each side).

• Can be used to fashion a quick backpack (put your stuff in the middle of the tarp and wrap it up in a tight roll, add some rope and your imagination and you have yourself a make-shift pack).

• If the tarp is a strong colour visually, it could be used as a way to signal if you become lost or stranded.  Find an open area or clearing and spread the tarp out flat on the ground (holding it down with rocks at the corners) so your location can be seen from the air.

• Add some duct tape or tarp clips to your rope bag and who knows where your tarp could take you! See: BLUE TARP KAYAK

So as you can see, whether you are planning a day paddle or an extended period away in the bush, a tarpaulin can make a huge difference in your trip - especially when it really matters most. We always bring a tarp with us on our paddling adventures and have had to dig it out more then once and were always glad we had it. In fact, having a tarp on hand could possibly help to save our lives one day. And yours too.

*A Bear Burrito is when you take all of the food packs and gear that you would normally hang in a tree (as a precaution against bears) and wrap/roll/fold them into a neat (some what smell-tight) tarp package a few hundred metres away from your camp site.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger's Tip of the Week - Sticking Ferrules

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

This week's tip is an old one and it comes from Poppa Badger, who is an avid fisherman. Thanks Poppa!!!

A Quick and Natural Remedy

for 2 pc Fishing Rod Ferrules that Stick

After storing and/or carrying around a 2 piece fishing rod in inclement weather, sometimes (when we go to join the two rod halves), the ferrules can prove to be resistant or even get stuck. If you are finding it  a bit difficult joining your rod together, next time try rubbing a little bit of "grease" from the side of your nose (using your finger) onto the male ferrule of your rod, to help glide it into place more easily.

Rub some of the oil from your skin (side of the nose) onto
the male ferrule portion of your two piece fishing rod
before joining the two halves for easy assembly.

The natural oils in your skin around your nose (usually considered one of the most oily parts of the face) help to lubricate the metal pieces when joining the rod together. And this "grease" does not cause any sort of suction effect like oil based lubricants can. A useful tip for someone who wants to get their "fish on" in a hurry without the hassle of digging thru their condensed fishing kit for another solution.

Apparently, this is also a good tip for KAYAKERS as well. According to Gord Baker of Algonquin Outfitters, "The nose grease trick works on well on kayak paddle ferrules as well.". That's good to know, thanks Gord!!



Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger's Tip of the Week - How to Make an Algonquin Screwdriver

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

Most Algonquin Park visitors are aware of the NO CANS or GLASS CONTAINERS rule within the park's interior. This can propose a real challenge for those who like to relax with an after dinner drink by their campfire. Out of respect for the Park rules, some have come up with an easy solution: THE ALGONQUIN SCREWDRIVER. Easy to make, the Algonquin Screwdriver is just a mix of drinking water, Tang and Vodka. While it is true that wine does come in a Tetra Pak, the Algonquin Park Screwdriver mix is truly for the hard-core. (Does anyone feel Mike's influence for this weeks tip yet?!!)

The Algonquin Screwdriver mix is just
Drinking Water, Tang and Vodka to taste.

How to make THE ALGONQUIN SCREWDRIVER: Just mix up some Tang (according to the package directions and the size of your container) - make sure you leave some room in your container for the vodka - and add the Vodka to your taste. For a single serving: Try mixing approximately 6 ounces of drinking water with 2 ounces of Vodka, plus 2 tablespoons of Tang. Cheers!

HINT: For extended journeys, bring a couple of smaller bottles instead of one large one. Buy plastic bottles only OR buy glass and TRANSFER your vodka (or your preferred choice of alcohol) to a reusable container like a Nalgene or a stainless steel container for travel within a wilderness area.

Note: Within Algonquin Park, Alcohol is restricted to a registered campsite only and is prohibited in all public areas including beaches and roadways. Drinking is only permitted for adults who are of the legal drinking age. Cans and Bottles are prohibited in the Park Interior. Please check with Algonquin Park staff for clarification of all Algonquin Park rules and regulations BEFORE you start your Park adventure.


Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.