It's always fun until the canoe leaks, the camping stove fails to light or the bicycle crashes. With warm weather comes loads of opportunities for outdoor activities, but forgetting to check out equipment stored over the winter before hitting the water, woods or road can lead to frustration or danger.
Experts recommend spending a few minutes or a bit of money and saving headaches or worse.
Canoeing Inspect canoes for secure seats and rails. Examine the hulls for deep gouges or scratches that need repair. To prevent sun damage to plastic in the hulls, use commercial water-based sprays that shield ultraviolet light and are similar to products for car interiors. Wipe on with a soft rag for five to 10 minutes. Light sanding and an application of linseed oil helps preserve woodwork.