• Careful Route Planning: Build a day-by-day itinerary, confirm permits, and pre-load topo maps/GPS for safe navigation.

• Safety Measures: Share your route, camps, and return date with an off-trip contact and set check-in windows.

• Shuttle System Mastery: Pre-stage vehicles, hide a backup key, and document rendezvous points to avoid end-of-trip chaos.

• Whitewater Gear Strategy: Use a pack raft or dry-bag sling for heavy gear in whitewater to keep the SUP light and maneuverable.

• Leave No Trace: Follow LNT for camps, fires, waste, and wildlife to protect riparian corridors.

• Packing Essentials & Backups: Bring spares (paddle, PFD parts, fin, repair kit) and distribute critical items across the group.

• Right SUP Equipment: Choose durable, performance-oriented gear—e.g., Glide Inflatable Paddle Boards—and dial in fins, leash, and dry-bag rigging.

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A thoughtful route plan is the backbone of a great trip. Sketch a realistic daily mileage based on conditions (wind, current, portages) and group ability.

• Maps & GPS: Download offline topo maps and add waypoints for put-ins, take-outs, water sources, rapids, bail-out trails, and camp options.

• Permits & Regulations: Some lakes, rivers, and designated camping corridors require permits or reservations. Secure them early; it supports conservation and puts you on the ranger’s radar if something goes wrong.

• Water & Resupply: Identify potable sources or bring a filter/treatment. Plan refill points—moving water is convenient but still needs treatment.

• Weather & Flow Windows: Check wind forecasts, river levels, and dam release schedules. Build a “Plan B” camp or short-day option into each segment.

Safety Tip: Share your full itinerary (PDF or note) with an off-trip contact: start/finish, camps, check-in times, vehicle plates, and emergency plan. Confirm when they should call for help if they don’t hear from you.

Shuttles make or break river trips. A smooth plan means stress-free takeouts.

• Vehicle Staging: Leave a vehicle at the take-out with water, snacks, dry layers, and a first-aid kit for the drive home.

• Key Management: Use a magnetic hide-a-key or code lockbox at the take-out. Keep a second key sealed in a dry pouch on a designated paddler.

• Rendezvous & Timing: Save shareable map pins for both ends and note “no-service” zones. Screenshot directions before leaving coverage.

• Commercial Shuttles: If using an outfitter, confirm pickup windows, fees, and exact pull-out landmarks.

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Whitewater demands agility. Keep the SUP light and your center of mass low.

• Pack Raft Assist: Ferry most of the heavy dry bags in a compact pack raft through technical sections; your SUP stays nimble and safer.

• Rigging & Leashes: In moving water, use a quick-release waist leash. Keep deck clutter minimal and secure all loads with cam straps (not bungees).

• Board Choice: Durable, purpose-built inflatables excel. Glide’s Lochsa is optimized for whitewater; for mixed touring/river, a stable all-around or light-touring Glide inflatable balances control and efficiency.

• Fins: Use shorter or flexible fins to reduce hang-ups; consider a tri-fin setup for stability in pushy water.

Protect the places we love to paddle.

• Camps: Use established sites where possible. Keep camps compact and at least 200 ft from the water unless regulations specify otherwise.

• Waste: Pack out all trash. In sensitive corridors, use WAG bags or follow local cathole rules. Strain dishwater; scatter it well away from camps and water.

• Fires: Check restrictions; prefer stoves. If fires are legal, use existing rings, burn only small dead and down wood, and douse thoroughly.

• Wildlife & Sound: Store food securely, respect closures, and keep noise low—dawn and dusk belong to the locals.

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Redundancy is insurance—especially far from the car.

Core Safety

• USCG-approved PFD (belt pack acceptable for flatwater; vest style for whitewater/remote trips)

• Quick-release leash (rivers) / coiled ankle or calf leash (flatwater)

• Group first-aid kit + blister care; personal meds

• Emergency comms: satellite messenger or PLB; whistle; signal mirror

• Headlamp + spare batteries

Repair & Spares

• iSUP repair kit (patches, PVC adhesive, valve tool)

• Spare fin + screw/clip; fin key (US-box)

• Duct tape/Tenacious Tape; zip ties; small multi-tool

• Spare paddle blade clamp or backup 3-piece paddle

Navigation & Camp

• Printed map in waterproof sleeve + pre-loaded GPS

• Water filter/treatment; stove + fuel; lighter + fire starter

• Shelter (tent/tarp), sleep system appropriate to temps

• Dry bags (5–20L mix) + compression straps; deck rigging

Clothing

• Quick-dry layers; insulating mid-layer; wind/rain shell

• Sun protection: hat, UPF top, sunglasses + retainer, sunscreen

• Footwear that drains and protects; camp shoes

Food & Water

• 2–3L per person capacity + refill plan

• Calorie-dense snacks; simple dinners; electrolytes

For multi-day loads, durability and predictable handling matter.

• Board: A robust inflatable with woven drop-stitch and fused rails handles abrasion, deck rigging, and variable loads. Glide Inflatable Paddle Boards (e.g., O2 Retro for all-around touring; Wander/Quest for longer mileage; Lochsa for whitewater focus) are purpose-built for these demands.

• Pump: Bring a compact hand pump or micro-electric with manual backup; confirm valve compatibility.

• Paddle: 3-piece adjustable carbon or carbon-hybrid for strength-to-weight and packability.

• Seat Option: Glide’s AirThrone kayak seat and kayak blade add sit-down efficiency on long hauls or windy crossings.

• Fin System: US-box gives you fin flexibility for depth and tracking needs.