Canoes and Kayaks Part 2

What Canoes and Kayaks?

Canoes and Kayaks are an outdoor activity. Canoes and Kayaks are a sport that propels the canoe through the water. The name ‘canoeing’ or ‘paddle sports’ is a generic name for both a canoe and a kayak.

Canoes and Kayaks can be done for fun or as a sport. Often people think that a canoe and a kayak are the same. But they are different in shape and size. A canoe can be open-decked or closed-decked.

Canoes and Kayaks can be paddled by one or more people, who either kneel or sit using a single bladed paddle.

Background of Canoes and Kayaks

The history of the word canoe came from the word ‘Keenu’ which means, ‘dugout’ and they were shaped out of big tree trunks. Canoes and Kayaks were often used for main transport over long distances, and they would go to various areas, like North American and the Amazon Basin.

Canoeing started around 1865 by John MacGregor who is also the founding member of the Royal Canoe Club.

How to use yor Canoes and Kayaks

There are many strokes you will learn in canoes and kayaks over time, but the main ones are:

J-Stroke: Which is a stroke you do in the shape of the letter J, you use it to alter the way the canoe is going.

Sweep Stroke: To turn the canoe.

Stern Rudder: To turn the canoe sideways.

Why Canoe and Kayak?

Canoeing is a great way to explore areas, which you may not see otherwise, if you’re not in a boat. You get to see beautiful wildlife, amazing scenery, and the peacefulness of the countryside. It’s also great if you feel like an adventure and you can bring your camping equipment and sleep out in the outdoors!

Canoes and Kayaks are a great way to spend a family day out, and there are many rivers and lakes which let you hire a canoe for the day.

If you fancy doing a river trip you should try doing the river wye, in Wales. As you can rent a canoe and do one of their amazing journeys, either from 1 day or up to 4 days, that’s totally up to you.

Start doing Canoeing and Kayaking

The best way to get into canoes and kayaks is to look on the BCU website and find your local canoe club. http://www.bcu.org.uk/