10 IMPORTANT CANOEING ADVICE

I adore ships. honestly, canoes. They are basic. Without any fanfare, they float. Their origins can be traced back 10,000 years to prehistoric dugout canoes, and more recently to the discovery of a 250-year-old, well-preserved birch bark canoe. There are many different types of specialty canoes available, such as outrigger canoes used for ocean races and whitewater canoes that resemble stubby bathtubs and are designed for running steep, frothy whitewater. There is something fundamental about simply exploring by any old canoe you can find in the middle of these two extremes. My favorite time to be on the water is in the early morning when the water is as smooth as glass and the sun is just rising.

But with canoes, there is a problem. For beginners, getting them to move straight can be an exercise in pure frustration. Here are some crucial tips to help you get started in a tandem canoe and keep you safe on your upcoming adventure.

1. Paddle on opposite sides of the boat.  Your craft won’t pitch back and forth as a result, and the boat will be more stable in motion. If you’re in choppy water or trying to make progress against a headwind, kneel for added stability.
2. Paddle in synch with your partner.  Yes, establish your rhythm. Setting the tempo is the responsibility of the bow (front) paddler, and the stern (back) paddler’s job is to follow that tempo. This guarantees that your forward momentum is being maximized. Until you master a couple more steering techniques, specifically the J-stroke and the sweep stroke, calling a “switch” frequently will help keep your boat moving straight. Watch a video with information on steering motions.
3. Keep your paddle shaft vertical.  Not as easy as it sounds. A vertical paddle shaft will ensure that your paddle blade is vertical during the power phase of your stroke, maximizing forward propulsion every time. The alternative is what we refer to as “lily-dipping,” which is fine when the good conversation takes priority over going somewhere specific.
4. Wear your darn PFD.  You never know when something silly will occur and you’ll find yourself in the drink by accident. In 75% of drownings involving paddle sports, no personal floatation device was present. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 20% of fatal paddle sport accidents. Invest in a comfortable PFD if you intend to do a lot of canoeing so you’ll be more likely to wear it. If it’s worn out, so mildewed you can’t wear it, or strapped to a thwart when you take that swim, it won’t save your life.
5. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Consider this sobering statistic: a person dressed in street clothes has a 50% chance of swimming 50 yards in 50-degree water. Hypothermia is the real killer – zapping core temperature and compromising motor control.
6. Know your limits. A map and some sense of the adventure before you is part of good trip planning. Measure before you go. Novice paddlers typically cover about 2 mph on flat water. Experienced paddlers looking for a workout can cover 3-3.5 mph. Anticipate what river currents might do to your speed and itinerary.
7. Sunscreen in all the right places.  Sunlight reflected off the water will cause burns in unexpected places, such as behind your ears and under your nose. There is more reflection off metal surfaces in an aluminum canoe. Keep those pricey glasses where they need to be with a wide-brimmed hat, an alligator clip, or sunglasses on a keeper cord, which will also increase your level of sun protection. On a chilly October day, my father once overturned his canoe while bravely saving his partner’s cap from sinking. A swift boat rescue and the ability to get a paddler weighing more than 250 pounds back in the boat and out of the chilly water averted a near-disaster and lost hat. Which brings me to my next piece of advice.
8. Practice getting back in your boat.  Practice canoe rescues over canoe escapes if you’re paddling alongside another vessel. The best advice is to paddle close to shore and in the lee if you are paddling alone. Keep your boat as close to the shore as you can while still being able to swim to it. I really like the Canadian re-entry method. It is effective in choppy waters and for people who are less athletic. Have the swimmer reach one end of two boats that are being held side by side by a rescuer after you have T-rescued the capsized boat. As you float on your back and hook a leg over a gunwale of each boat, place a hand on each one. After that, arch your back and plunge your buns into a boat. Ta-da, on boards.
9. Beware of flat river-wide horizon lines.  They frequently have low-head dams. Despite having a small 2-4 foot drop and a benign appearance, underwater currents can ensnare and hold boats and the people inside them due to the way water hydraulics function. Recognize these risks and learn how to navigate around them.
10. Pack something fun along for a little floating flair.  Along with plenty of water, think about including entertaining snacks, a picnic for a floating dinner date, fishing gear, binoculars, and extra chocolate. The night sky can also be enjoyed while floating in the middle of your preferred lake if you pack headlamps and glow sticks for each end of your boat. Bring your inventiveness to the water.

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