You CANNOT canoe anywhere you want. Most inland waterways in the UK require a license before you can use them. Some you cannot use at all. Similarly some harbours require a license (Langstone) and others you don’t (Portsmouth). The BCU can be contacted for further access information.
Be aware when canoeing that land bordering rivers etc is probably private and so again permission must be sought before going ashore. When ashore remember to damage nothing and leave no litter.
A paddles length is measured from blade tip to blade tip. The blades themselves can be either wide or narrow, long or short, symmetrical or asymmetrical. Each of these results in a different characteristics in handling.
The choice of kayak and your own body proportions will influence the length of the paddle. Wider boats with high decks will require a longer paddle to save banging your knuckles or paddle on the boat. Look for a paddle with an oval in the grip area as this will fit the hand better. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to curl your hand over the top blade when the paddle is held vertical with the bottom blade on the ground. Alternatively you should have no more than two (and no less than one) grips to the end of the shaft from your normal grip position [ie put paddle on your head at its centre and with your elbows bent at 90 degrees grip the paddle (weight lifter stance!).
Wide blades create more resistance than narrow blades but will provide a faster acceleration. Once you have reached cruising speed it will require more effort to maintain your stroke with a wide blade than a narrow one. The larger blade will give you more support against the water for rolling and bracing.
Asymmetrical blades balance the pressures against the blade face to reduce twisting and flutter. Similarly angled blades have the same result.
Touring paddles are usually long with a skinny asymmetical blade. Often they can be split in two for storage.
White water paddles are built heavy duty to handle the rough and tumble of the water. The blade is usually symetrical with a shorter wider blade.
Surfing paddles are similar to white water paddles but are lighter having shorter asymmetrical faces.
Multi-use paddles are a combination of the above.
A spray is used to cover the open cockpit of a kayak to prevent water getting in and filling the kayak. It is a must if you are going into choppy water or attempting eskimo rolls. Similarly for deep water rescues emptying a kayak over your boat without one is asking for trouble.
All Spray decks must have a Grab handle at the front and be easily removed if need be.
The spray deck is worn like a skirt and fastens around the cockpit rim. When getting into a kayak with a spray deck remember to lift it up before getting in else you’ll end up siting on it.
A variety of waterproof materials may be used in its construction.
Canoes were developed thousands of years ago by the native people of North America. The word Canoe is derived from the native word kenu meaning dugout.
Kayaks were developed originally by the Eskimo and were made from animal skins stretched over a bone frame.
There are two types of canoe:
The shape of the canoe may vary depending on its use.