How to Get in a Canoe...

Canoeing opens up a world of scenic visions and smells. Imagine gliding a calm river on a perfect summer day, smell the cedars or pine groves, as the sun's rays glint in and out  of branches. On a perfect day canoeing is fun and relaxing but beginners do need some basic instruction and preparation.

A first step is to select a canoe, avoid buying right away until you determine if canoes are for you. Instead rent or borrow one under seventy pounds for easy portability, light canoes are hand-carried. Pack basic gear, paddles, life jackets, first aid kit, ropes, duct tape, compass, and matches. Optional items would be a swim-suit and a clothes change. Prevent slipping inside the boat by wearing sneakers or wading shoes. Oh! Take snacks and water or soda, too.

Secondly, choose a good paddle length. Expert paddlers suggest sitting vertical in a straight-back chair, measure from the seat to your brow, add about twenty-four inches for straight paddles or six inches less for curved paddles. Also view  a demo on paddle strokes; knowing what strokes are used for turning is important.

Thirdly, please refrain laughter here; get in the canoe. Why, because for some it is easier said than done sometimes. Adhere to the 3-point contact rule, hands on each gunwale (side) one foot down or the reverse.

Boarding with two paddlers goes like this: with bow (front) slightly on the beach, straddling the bow to balance the front person faces the stern (back). The stern person steps in aided by a paddle by placing it in the bottom of the craft for support. He then applies the “rule”, of crouch and crawl to stern. Then he slowly turns to sit letting hand holds go. First on, then  anchors the boat with paddles while the front person (bow) repeats the entry steps minus the long crawl.

There is actually a 17-step pictorial to board a canoe and is is worth a look (no kidding). It is common to flip a canoe just getting into it!

See the tutorial at: http://www.redrockstore.com/getincanoe.html