Nani Wa'a

Keep an eye on water depth and the ocean current. While it can be tempting to head into deep water, ocean currents are more powerful than they appear to the eye.

A dry bag is a smart investment for a canoeing trip to keep your valuables safe. Dry bags are waterproof bags that are perfect for storing a camera, cell phone, extra jacket, car keys, and anything else that, if immersed in water, will be damaged.

One of the best ways to stop a canoe in motion is to stroke in the opposite direction to the stroke you were just doing. Another way is to paddle horizontally across the canoe, pushing your grip hand straight up across your body while pulling the shaft against the canoe with your lower hand.

Some clear canoe rentals offer video recorder rentals that allow visitors to document their experience. Use caution if bringing personal electronics around water.

Early morning is the best time for seeing marine life as that is when they feed. Turtles are the most common visitors, but fish, octopi and sometimes even whales can visit depending on the season.

In shallow water, keep oar strokes shallow to avoid stirring up sediment on the floor and disturbing the view. Shallow strokes will also ensure the canoe travels slowly.

Canoers should always make sure there is a bailing device on board (something that can scoop out and remove the water from the canoe in the event that you capsize). These are also handy for easily removing any water that finds its way into the bottom of the boat.

A pushstroke is a type of canoe stroke that pushes the canoe away from the paddling side. Here, you insert the blade straight down and slightly under the canoe, with the grip hand out over the water. Then push with the shaft hand and pull down with the grip hand using equal pressure.

Unless specifically offered, do not feed the fish or other marine life. Their diets are often specific to the time of year, and they shouldn’t be encouraged to approach humans.

Did you know that your grip on a canoe paddle can determine how easy or difficult it is to propel to boat forward? More often than not, if you hold the paddle with a relaxed grip, it will be much easier to move through the water.

Don’t throw any trash over the canoe. Littering can endanger marine life and ruin the quality of the viewing experience for you and other renters.

To turn a canoe, row entirely on one side instead of alternating paddle strokes. The canoe will turn in the direction of the paddle strokes.

A life vest is always recommended when you are boating, even in shallow water, and this includes canoeing. This especially becomes critical if you are canoeing for the first time or are a weak swimmer (or even a non-swimmer).