A properly outfitted river canoe is safer, more comfortable and won't get damaged as easily. Outfit it with:
- extra flotation securely attached
- grab loops on the ends
- thick, floating painters (end ropes)
- knee pads glued in
- lots of glued in anchor attachment points
- thigh straps (optional)
The flotation is your insurance policy. It keeps the canoe on the surface and much less likely to wrap around a boulder, plus it is easier to rescue.