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Both canoeing and kayaking involve paddling a small craft through water. They are low-impact activities that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Canoeing and kayaking can be done as a hobby, a competitive sport or as a fun activity on holidays.

You can paddle on rivers, lakes and the sea. While ‘canoe’ and ‘kayak’ are often used interchangeably, a few basic differences include:

  • – this is an open vessel
  • the person either sits or kneels inside the canoe
  • uses a single-bladed paddle to push the craft through the water. – this is an enclosed vessel
  • the person sits inside the kayak with legs extended
  • uses a double-bladed paddle

There are exceptions – some canoes may be enclosed and some kayaks may be open depending on their intended use. In most cases, the craft is adapted or designed to fit the demands of the intended environment. Some of the different types of canoeing and kayaking activities include: – this is what most people imagine when they think of canoeing or kayaking.

You can take a gentle paddle down a calm river, do some sightseeing in calm ocean waters or explore an inland lake system. – this is paddling in the sea. Sea kayaking is becoming a popular water sport in United States.

This discipline requires extreme skill and fitness

– this is a lengthy race, for example, down a long river such as the Murray. – the person must, against the clock, negotiate a white water course. This includes steering around obstacles (typically, poles suspended over the course).

Athletes must manage a 4.5 metre-long, 11 kilogram, very unstable, composite craft down a river anywhere from flatwater up to grade 4 rapids. Canoeing and kayaking are low impact activities that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Specific health benefits include:

  • Increased muscle strength particularly in the back arms
  • shoulders chest from moving the paddle Increased torso
  • leg strength
  • as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso
  • applying pressure with your legs Reduced risk of wear-and-tear on joints
  • since paddling is a low impact activity

Some other good reasons to paddle include: Kayaking and canoeing can be peaceful and meditative or can be exhilarating – depending on where and how you do it.

Paddling is a great way to enjoy our waterways

General tips for beginners include: Join a club – the best way to learn how to paddle is to join a local club.

Contact Canoeing Michigan for further information. While it’s possible to learn a great deal about the sport through reading, lessons will improve your technique, reduce your risk of injuries and help you become more aware of safety issues when on the water. Be a competent swimmer – since paddling involves the occasional tip into the water, make sure you are a competent swimmer.

If necessary, brush up on your swimming technique. Try before you buy – paddling can be an expensive pastime. Consider borrowing or hiring equipment at first until you are sure that you enjoy canoeing and kayaking enough to pay for a full kit.

The exact requirements of a full kit differ slightly depending on the type of paddling you plan to do and the demands of the waterway, but a basic kit should include:

  • personal floatation device (PFD) such as a life vest or jacket. spray deck which is a cover that helps to keep water out of the craft

Items you should take with you when you paddle include: mobile telephone inside a waterproof container.

The risks of sea kayaking call for extra safety equipment

In addition to the basic kit and items listed above, a sea kayaker would need: distress signal devices such as orange smoke sticks, red flares, parachute distress rocket or dye markers marine radio. General suggestions include: Learn how to paddle from experienced teachers.

Contact your local club

Know how to use your first aid kit

Take a first aid course if necessary

Make sure your preparation and skills are adequate for the planned paddling activity.

Be visible to other crafts

Put reflective tape or fluorescent paint on your helmet, life jacket and canoe or kayak.

Always wear your personal floatation device and helmet

Make sure you know about potential hazards in the proposed waterway. Seek local knowledge if paddling in a location for the first time, consider air and water temperature, currents, tides and wave action.

Check weather conditions before you paddle

Don’t paddle alone. Always tell someone about your plans, including where you intend to paddle and when you expect to be back.

Dress for the conditions

Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen (or higher) to all exposed areas of skin.

Avoid dehydration

Take plenty of water to drink

Keep your equipment in good repair

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