A Window on ... Canoeing Getting Started

	A Beginner's Shopping List These are things you will need: Kayak or canoe Paddle A buoyancy aid such as a foam-filled, waistcoat jacket Suitable clothing
	Kayak or Canoe This is the most expensive item of equipment you will need. Most beginners hire a canoe from the water sports centre where they receive instruction. If you are new to canoeing you will be given a touring kayak to use. (See About Canoes for more information). When you have been canoeing for some time you may decide to take up the sport seriously and buy your own kayak. Ask for advice from your water sports centre to make sure you get something that suits you.
	Paddle When you hire your kayak, you will be given a paddle to use. If you are using a Canadian canoe, the paddle will have a single blade. If you are using a kayak, your paddle will have two blades, one at each end of the shaft, set almost at right angles to each other. A paddle for a touring kayak is usually slightly longer than that used for whitewater canoeing. Traditional paddles had flat blades but most paddles now have curved blades. These work more efficiently to drive you through the water. The amount of curve on your paddle varies according to the make. If the blade is too small, it will not give you enough power, if it is too large it may be difficult to handle. When you decide to buy a kayak your supplier or water sports centre will advise you about a paddle but by that stage you should know the type you need to suit you. The cheaper blades are made of moulded plastic.
	A Buoyancy Aid This is usually a foam-filled waistcoat filled with at least 6 kg of buoyancy material. Waistcoats have extra fastenings around your waist to make them secure. They should be a good fit, not too loose and not too tight. It is essential for your safety that you wear one whenever you canoe even if you are a good swimmer. All canoes can and do turn over, the aid will help you come to the surface even if you panic. Most buoyancy aids become less effective with age so they should be well looked after and replaced when their buoyancy decreases. Always clean them in fresh water and let them dry before you store them inside. Most water sports centres have buoyancy jackets that you hire when you have your canoe lessons.
	Suitable Clothes Your choice of clothes will depend on the time of year but it is usually colder in the water than out of it. Your clothes should keep you warm even when they are wet but they should not hinder your movement. There is a range of specialist clothing available that includes wetsuits, thermal suits, waterproof cagoules or dry suits but some of these items are expensive. To start with you could wear a woollen or thermal sweater, a cagoule and tracksuit trousers under your buoyancy aid. You should also wear running shoes or trainers to give you a good grip for the basic canoeing manoeuvres.
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.