Don't put out to sea without an oar.

What it means

Boldness without preparation is just recklessness. Before any big venture, check that you have the basic tools to get yourself back. Then go.

The source

"Don't put out to sea without an oar." This Czech proverb is recorded in Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 248. Translated from the original Czech by Spartan Surfers.

"Nepouštěj se bez vesla na moře."

Original Czech, Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 248. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "Don't put out to sea without an oar." mean?

Boldness without preparation is just recklessness. Before any big venture, check that you have the basic tools to get yourself back. Then go.

Who said "Don't put out to sea without an oar."?

Czech proverb. Source: Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 248.

What is the original Czech?

Nepouštěj se bez vesla na moře. Translated from the original Czech by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Don't put out to sea without an oar." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Don't put out to sea without an oar." (Czech proverb, Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 248, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/dont-put-out-to-sea-without-an-oar