2torial #0487:
Learn2 Canoe

Can you canoe?

There's something adventuresome about a canoe. It's become a universal symbol of the outdoors, conjuring images of camping trips, youth camps, and early explorers. But while high adventure is always an option, canoeing can also be a fine way to spend a leisurely afternoon. If you've never paddled before, this 2torial will dispel some of the mystery.

Before you become an ardent canoer and buy your own boat, you'll probably want to borrow or rent one. Many outdoor recreation stores, hotels, and lodges rent canoes complete with regulation life jackets, paddles, ropes, and seat cushions--and they may help load it onto your car or into the water. Call ahead to find out what gear and assistance they supply.

Modern canoes are generally 14 to 19 feet long (4.3 to 5.8 meters) and hold up to six people. The average is 16 to 17 feet (4.9 to 5.2 meters) and holds up to four people. How many people a canoe holds depends on its weight capacity, how much gear you have, and the boat's design.

Note: This 2torial explains techniques for a two-person canoe on a placid lake or mellow river. For more instruction on paddling canoes, contact local recreation or sports stores, the American Red Cross, youth camps (like the YMCA), or adult education centers for class information.