Canoes, Kayaks, and Accessories

Being outdoors is invigorating. Humans naturally feel better when surrounded in serene natural environments. Exercising outside makes working out enjoyable, people who exercise outside are over sixty percent more likely to continue the activity than those who exercise indoors.

Paddling is a great exercise; it provides a cardio, aerobic exercise and a great core and upper body work out. The muscles used are muscles vital to posture. Arms also see a significant increase in muscle mass. Fear not ladies, because the work done is proportionate to the resistance it means women won’t get bulky- just the toned arms they dream of.

Almost every civilization has evidence of canoes. The oldest canoe found is near seven thousand years old. Early canoes were made of wood and hollowed out trees. The first kayaks were frames made of whale bones or wood with animal skin stretched around the frame. The hide was treated with fat to water proof.

In the 1800’s the designs of the natives were studied and improved designs were developed. Today’s canoes are aerodynamic, lighter, and more durable. The canoe or kayak first made its appearance in the 1924 Olympics. Many parts of the world still rely on canoes for transportation, fishing, and agriculture. Canoes are still used in some tribal burial rites as well.

The type of canoe to purchase depends on the kind of paddling, how many people involved, and the level of experience. Traditionally in a canoe one sits on a bench type seat or kneels directly on the hull. A kayak has the paddler seated with legs extended straight in front. A canoe paddle has one blade and a kayak paddle has two blades.

Family are camping canoes should be large enough to fit plenty of gear and have multiple seats for passengers. (Typically four to five seats) Canoes used for fishing should be stable and also have room for gear. A racing canoe will be light and narrow; while shorter canoes are good for white water. V-shaped hulls turn better, handle more effectively and are less likely to overturn. Avoid aluminum canoes which are very heavy and hard to maneuver.

Kayaks made for the sea weigh about one hundred pounds. The most enviable ones made from a carbon fiber composite. Whitewater kayaks weigh twenty-eight to forty-five pounds. They have float bags to prevent boat from sinking if it is flipped over. If long distance paddling will be the kayak’s destiny purchase one with a rudder, this helps the boat track and makes paddling a little easier.

Although the bare necessities for paddling are a paddle and a boat it is wise to have equipment that will keep the paddler safe. A good paddle will take stress off of the joints. Bent shafts alleviate stress on the body and promote proper strokes. The paddle length will vary depending on the type of kayak and the height and shoulder width of the paddler. An extra paddle should be purchased and always kept secured in the canoe or kayak in case of emergency. A fun twist to add eliminate the use of a paddle is a small sail- much like a kite- that can be used to pull the boat on windy days.

A life jacket should always be worn as well. In some states it is even a law. If one is whitewater kayaking a helmet should be worn. Spray skirts keep water out of kayak, which will keep the load light. A kayak full of water is a heavy kayak. Serious canoers will have kneeling pads. The paddler should also have a rope bag in case of emergencies. A dry bag is also useful for storing snacks and cameras.

Proper paddle technique leads to less soreness. Take a lesson before beginning kayak or canoeing to learn how to properly hold a paddle. Since having a paddle buddy is just safer check out festivals and expos to find instructors and comrades. With instruction a student will learn how to enter the craft in the water and also in places where they can launch off a shore or bank.

Getting outside and exploring the ocean, a lake, or a river can be exhilarating. Paddlers learn a lot about themselves on the water. Friends can be made and peace can be found. So why wait? Grab some sunscreen and hit the water!

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