They can inspect the ropes, paddles, hull, and gunwales for wear or damage during the trip. Once under way, the duffer gets first crack at the Bush Kids' Kit. When not paddling, the duffer can be trolling a fishing line, even when chances of fish are not high. This teaches how to hold a line, patience, checking a hook for debris, the effects of paddling speed on lure depth, and how to troll without fouling the paddler behind. A duffer can use a dip net to bring in pollens, leaves, insects, and flotsam for inspection.
Paddlers can prompt further research with magnifying glass or measuring tape.
Kids need genuine questions. The duffer can count and time strokes to compute speed. Later on shore, a child can count strokes between sticks 100 feet apart, to calculate strokes per mile and average mph. A plumb bob aids comparative depth measurements in sections of river or where landing depths threaten boot height. A small spirit level offers random checks on lateral trim if a canoe pulls off line.