by Natasha Jervis Peace Be With You Canoeing can be an amazing sport for you and your family and friends to enjoy. A relaxing activity, known as one of the less risky outdoor water sports, canoeing can take you to exotic places, where other watercraft cannot reach. You can maneuver a canoe into any area you want – through swamps and small lake formations, over rapids and out on the ocean. Canoeing provides a sense of serenity, quiet and peace, and while it is a great workout, it doesn't require any massive muscle power. It is a leisure sport to enjoy while building up the bicep muscles, something that the fit and the not-so-fit can do together.

This is not to say that this paddle sport is boring or does not provide any thrills. Truly, the amount of excitement to be derived from canoeing depends entirely on your destination. You can slowly paddle through a calm lake, or take your canoe on the white water rapids, depending on your skill level and thirst for adventure. Many people tend to think canoes are only for quiet afternoon fishing or heading out on an overnight camping trip, but there are many ways to take canoing to the level of extreme sport. If you are a beginner at canoeing, and feeling a bit nervous about getting out on the water, you can become familiar by sitting in the canoe while it is still ashore. Feel how it is to sit on the wood and sturdy yourself. Imagine water below and having a paddle in your hand. Canoeing may seem simple to most, but there is still safety precautions and skills that you will need to stay safe. Jacket Required The first step you will take in your canoeing adventure is to put on your life jacket. Your life jacket is always a safety necessity because you never know if you would be bumped out of the canoe. It is best to be safe and wear this flotation device at all times, even if you think you don't need it – if you fall out of the boat and get bumped on the noggin, it doesn't matter how strong of a swimmer you are. Once you have a properly-fitted and fastened lifejacket on, it's time to hit the water. You'll want to be careful getting in the boat. If you are trying to get in the canoe from a dock, pull the canoe parallel to the dock. The closer the canoe is to you the easier it will be for you to get in safely and dry. If you are stepping out from land or a steep bank then you might want to wade out into the water, up to your ankles and then step inside the canoe. Canoes are, of course, notorious for tipping so make sure you use a lot of caution when you are getting in. Move across low and place both hands on either side of the canoe if you can reach. Lift only one foot at a time and place it in the center of the canoe for balance. Steady yourself with your hands and then lift the other. Move to your seat slowly and sit down. The next important thing you need to learn is how to paddle appropriately. The person that sits in the front, (also called the bow of the canoe) is positioned a bit closer to the center which gives them room for their legs. The person that takes the back of the canoe, (also called the stern) is placed closer to the back end to make the paddling more efficient. The person that takes the front position is responsible for keeping the bow angled in the right position. Both paddlers should sit in opposite sides of the canoe to keep it balanced. There are three main strokes in canoeing which are called turning, bracing and propelling. While an instructor certainly can help you learn to paddle more efficiently, any experienced canoer can show you basic strokes. Once you are venturing into choppier territory, you make want to take lessons or learn more about steering. A River Runs To It Canoeing is simple, but it can also be a lot of fun and take you places no one has been before! Some top companies and adventures to experience the art of canoeing are: Gunflint Lodge in Minnesotais a hot spot for canoeing — people have been returning to this popular lodge since the early 1920’s. Summer is a special time up at Gunflint, and it can be a great escape for quiet, peaceful canoe trips, relaxation and time with family. Canada’s Premier Outfitter is a well- known and respected trip provider. Enthusiasts can visit 4,800 sq kilometers of Row Inc. in Idaho is a popular company that provides a variety of outdoor water sports and recreational activities, along with canoeing. They can take you down the Salmon River canyons and help you learn all you need to know about paddle sports Wanapitei Canoe in Ontario is Canada’s oldest canoe trip company. They can take you to visit the Canadian North and see rivers such as the Coulonge River or Dumoine River. Ready for more great paddle sports? Check out our section on kayaking and whitewater rafting.