• Firstly decide on the type of trip you want to do (eg fitness, touring, scenic, rapids etc) and then work out where you want to go.  You can get ideas from maps, from talking to other paddlers, from guide books or by selecting from the lists of flat water trips or white water trips on this website.  Study relevant maps to work out travel times and, where possible, plan to start your trip early in the day.
• Take note of the prevailing weather conditions and forecasts so you can prepare for what is ahead - pack clothing for sun and/or rain protection as necessary.  Check tides, water levels or river flows to ensure the conditions are right for your trip.  Check out road conditions and make sure your vehicle is capable of getting you to and from the access points - a basic mechanical inspection is recommended before venturing into rugged or isolated locations.  River paddlers should take particular notice of regional rainfall data to ensure they are not inundated by sudden and potentially dangerous flood surges (remembering that water surges can result from rain that fell upstream days, weeks or sometimes even months earlier).
• If your trip involves traversing or camping on private property, make sure you have the necessary permissions from landholders.  Many land owners will readily allow access to canoeists who seek prior permission and respect the property owners' rights, however they may not be so accommodating if you are discovered on their property without permission.

• Paddlers should ensure they have the medical and physical fitness necessary to complete the trip, bearing in mind that the effects of the wind, tides and coastal or river currents may impact on your boat speed and fatigue levels.  It is advised that you do not paddle alone for safety reasons and make sure that your paddling companions are aware of any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to complete the trip.  Carry a first aid kit and ensure that at least one member of your party has some basic first aid knowledge - especially relating to dehydration and heat stroke, hypothermia, sprains, tick and snake bites.  Be realistic about your paddling abilities and use your common sense - although incremental challenges are a good way to improve paddling skills, be wary of taking on trips that are clearly well beyond your capabilities.
• Ocean paddling can often be quite unpredictable as weather conditions can change rapidly.  Open water boaters should therefore have solid paddling skills including proficiency in self-righting and deep water re-entry techniques.  Consider carrying an EPIRB now that owners can pre-register trip details online with the search and rescue authorities. 
• Those tackling white water rapids should be familiar with the International River Grading System and have the necessary paddling and river-reading skills, including the ability to quickly identify river hazards like barbed wire fences, submerged trees and weirs.  As fences can be a particular problem on some rivers and creeks, be wary of letting anyone with questionable eyesight be the group leader on a white water trip. 

• It is important to ensure that you have an appropriate craft for the type of trip you intend to undertake.  For example a canoe or kayak over 4.5 metres in length is ideal for flatwater touring trips where covering long distances is the prime focus.  However the explorers out there who want to check out every small side creek and inlet while cruising down the river will often opt for the increased manoeuvrability of a smaller (ie under 4.0 metre) craft even though it will have slower overall speed.  Touring kayaks, and particularly those with rudders, are really only suitable for deep water applications and care is often required even in gentle Grade 1 "gravel race" type rapids.  Boats used on rivers of Grade 2 standard and above would normally be purpose built white water craft.  Also, those using open canadian canoes should be aware that their relatively low gunwales make them more vulnerable to being swamped in open water situations. 
• If your own boat was not really designed for the type of trip you want to do, look to borrow or hire a more appropriate craft as is can be fatiguing and sometimes even dangerous to undertake a trip with an inappropriate boat.         

(4)   Do I have the right equipment?

• Regardless of where you go you should always wear a personal flotation device (pfd) - it is like buckling your seatbelt as soon as you get into your car - if you do it automatically then you will be prepared for any eventuality.  Likewise make sure your boat is trip-ready with positive buoyancy, footrests, hand toggles and safety lines where appropriate.  Carry a roll of good quality fabric backed adhesive tape with you in case emergency repairs to your boat are required.
• Prepare an emergency kit that goes with you on every trip.  It may include a torch, cigarette lighter or matches, basic first aid items, space blanket, water and high energy food bars - all stored in a water-resistant bag or container.
• Other items to take might include: map, compass, raincoat, spare clothes, towel, mobile phone, GPS unit, binoculars, camera etc and a canoe/kayak trolley may even be useful if you have to carry your boat a fair distance.  Of course make sure you have the essentials like food, water, hat, sunscreen and appropriate footwear (many paddlers favour neoprene dive boots for footwear). 
• Open water paddlers should have a spraydeck, spare (break-down) paddle, relevant nautical charts and self-rescue equipment that may include paddle float, bilge pump, drogue (sea anchor), throw bag, signal mirror, V-sheet, hand flares and/or a personal locator beacon (EPIRB).  They must ensure they are familiar with all relevant statutory requirements (Queensland paddlers can find further information at Maritime Safety Queensland) and ensure they are carrying sufficient safety equipment to satisfy those requirements. 
• White water paddlers must have a spraydeck and helmet and may also consider taking a rescue knife and possibly even a nose plug if they intend to "play" the river.  Ensure at least one member of your party is carrying a spare (break-down) paddle.   

(5)   What to remember before I set off on my trip.

• Firstly make sure you tell a responsible person exactly where you are going and when you are expected back.  
• Never rely on ANY storage compartments in your boat to be completely waterproof.  Even many so-called "dry bags" and gear barrels are only water resistant and will let water in if submerged.  Any critical items eg phones, cameras, sleeping bags etc should be put  into dry bags before being sealed in your boat's storage compartments.
• If you are wearing glasses make sure they are secured in case of capsize - likewise with other important items like car keys.
• Always ensure that footrests, knee braces, back bands and other fittings are correctly adjusted and that drain plugs, hatches, inspection ports and flotation bag valves are properly secured before launching your craft.