Canoeing
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Window on ... Canoeing Frequently Asked Questions |
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 | Q. I would like to try canoeing but where do I go? A. There are several sources that can give you information about where to go and who to contact. A local library might be a good starting point (see Sources of Information). |
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| Q. Why are there different types of canoes? A. Canoes are used in different locations so their design needs to match where they are going to be used. Touring Kayaks are designed for quieter stretches of water, while Sprint Kayaks are more streamlined for race competitions (see About Canoes). |
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| Q. I went in a larger canoe on a white water rafting trip while I was on holiday but I thought only kayaks were used in rough water. Was the large canoe a Canadian Canoe? A. Whitewater kayaks are designed for rough water but some larger boats that take more people have been specially designed for this activity. They are similar to Canadian canoes but they are much safer in this type of water. You probably had to wear a life jacket and the leader of the group would be qualified to take groups on this type of activity. |
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| Q. Will I need a lot of equipment to start canoeing? A. No. You can hire the expensive equipment such as the canoe and life jacket. You just need some warm clothing and suitable footwear (see Getting Started). |
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| Q. I have never canoed before. Will I find it difficult? A. You will be given plenty of help and support from an instructor to get you started. Some people learn more quickly than others but you will soon become confident handling your canoe. Look at the basic manoeuvres that you are likely to learn at the outset (see Learning the Basics). |
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| Q. I am looking forward to my first lesson but I am worried about what will happen if I capsize? A. An instructor will be with you all the time to make sure you are OK. The instructor will let you practice getting in and out of your canoe before you enter the water. He will then practice the manoeuvre again in the water and encourage you to roll over so that you will know what to do if there is an emergency (see Learning the Basics). |
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| Q. I have heard that some canoes can be used in a swimming pool. Is that true? A. Yes, small kayaks called bats are sometimes used in a pool to practice techniques (see About Canoes). |
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| Q. I have been canoeing a few times and would like to try something more adventurous. How can I do this? A.You have probably been working with an instructor so he will know what level you are up to and how confident you are. Discuss the possibility of moving onto more demanding canoeing techniques with your instructor (see Learning the Basics: More advanced work). |
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| Q. Where is the best place to learn how to canoe? A. Try your local Water Sports Centre or Outdoor Pursuits Centre. You could join a local group or form a group with your friends and book a few lessons with an instructor. |
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