Canoeing
Photo: Laubenstein Ronald, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Canoeing or kayaking is an excellent way of exploring natural or cultural landscapes along a suitable waterway. A canoe or kayak can navigate very shallow and narrow passages, where any boat would not fit, and brings the environment very close to the traveller. It is often a less arduous way to travel in the wilderness and gives a very different perspective on cultural landscapes. It is often also a reasonably cheap way of travelling.
While whitewater sports is one of the main uses of canoes and kayaks, this article concentrates on more quiet voyages. The odd rapids require some whitewater skills, but those who are not confident in taking their vessel down the rapids can instead portage (carry) it past it. Also experts do portaging, as some rapids may be unnavigable at low or high waters, and there may be overland passages (such as from a road to the waterway or between waterways).
Also sea kayaking has its own article, about voyages along coasts and across big lakes, where wind and large waves are major concerns.
TypesCanoes have been common on most rivers since prehistoric times, often with many paddlers.
PrepareBefore going on a voyage, you should know enough about handling the vessel to estimate what distances can be pleasantly covered and what passages may be too difficult, have a basic understanding of possible risks, and…
Get inA pair of canoes or kayaks will fit on the roof of a normal car and several can be taken on a trailer.
Stay safeBasic safety equipment includes life vests, usually a lighter type than what is used while boating. If rapids are involved, also helmets are used.
DestinationsRivers, lakes and inland archipelagos are the typical destinations. Some have a flourishing canoe tour business, others are yet to be found by the bigger crowds, or are too odd or too much off any beaten path to ever be.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Canoeing" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Laubenstein Ronald, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons