What is canoeing?

So you are wondering - what is canoeing?

Let's find out.

Canoeing is a physical activity that takes place in an open top boat called a canoe.

The canoe is propelled using a single paddle blade. A canoe can be operated by one person, but is more commonly operated with two people - one at the front and one at the back.

Some canoes ready to go for a paddle on the lake

The person at the front provides the 'thrust' - paddling - and the person at the back provides the 'direction' - steering.

Canoes are very versatile and can be paddled on flat or white water - with suitable safety equipment. They are light enough to be 'lined down' (towed down on a line) through large rapids or even portaged (carried) around them.

Canoes have been used for wilderness transport for many years and can be loaded with supplies. By canoeing, they can cover large distances compared to transporting on foot.

The word 'canoe' has been translated into many languages including Arabic, Turkish and Greek. The Finnish word for canoe is kanootti.

The earliest usage of the word 'canoe' dates back to 1708.

Paddling with a single blade - Here's Moo demonstrating...

Canoes can be launched easily into rivers, lakes and even the sea - in sheltered coves.

They are a brilliant way of seeing the great outdoors in relative safety.

With careful planning, they can be loaded with camping equipment and a multi-day expedition can be undertaken.

These are amazing fun and can bring together the whole family.

In general, an open canoe is very stable and it takes a large wave or off balance weight movement to capsize it.

Once capsized though, and without airbags, it will fill with water. Caution should be exercised when dealing with a capsized canoe.

With two people in the water, a canoe could be emptied, righted and re-entered. This is called a 'self rescue' and is essential to learn when canoeing on large expanses of water such as lakes.

Canoeing has been an Olympic sport since 1936. Canoes used for Olympic disciplines are referred to as C1 - single seat - and C2 - double seat.

The most exciting event is the canoe slalom. This involves the paddlers proceeding down a white water river whilst negotiating upstream and downstream slalom poles.

A slalom paddler in a C1 canoe. He is negotiating some white water

Canoes give the opportunity to explore the wilderness and see life from the river. Trips in a canoe can be longer with more equipment carried making the trips comfortable and motivating.

They provide stable platforms from which to fish or take photos.

Give canoeing a try - you'll enjoy it.

Here's a video showing Dave and Moo paddling a canoe on a Reservoir:

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