Oh yeah, on the what to bring question: (beyond the legally required stuff, which in Canada is PFD, 50' floating throw rope, whistle, & some kind of bailer. Drinking water is just common sense.)
I thought it was weird the government makes me take a pennywhistle paddling, but....OK. Gets a laugh from anyone who happens by.
my list:
SHOES! Never know where you're going to land.
Ten dollar bill--ditto. (NEVER wallet or keys. I lock the car and stash the keys in one of the front wheelwells, tucked into the spring. A habit learned the hard way.)
A detailed map in a plastic case, and compass.
Snack--apple and a sandwich, whatever it is it will taste three times as good on a rock in the middle of nowhere.
Nice to have:
In spring or fall, a nip of Scotch!
Binocs and/or camera are nice when I remember them. If conditions are going to be too rough to be snapping pics, (i.e. full-time two-handed paddling), remember, you'll probably land somewhere gorgeous at one or more points in the trip.