I haven't been paddling long, but the survival training I learned in the USMC definitely applies here. One thing that has been mentioned a couple times is judgement, you can't really have enough of that. However, before we went out on patrol in Iraq, we submitted our patrol route to HQ. For sure, you can get into nature and dive deep inside yourself better when you're alone with the elements, but it can never hurt to let someone know your route and expected return time, maybe shoot them a text when you get in and a "if I don't text you by...then..." can't hurt either.