Canoeing Equipment

·        Canoes- The most important piece of equipment you’re your  

canoe trip is, of course, the canoe. There are several different types of canoes to choose from depending on the type of trip you are taking.

1. Recreational Canoes- These canoes aremade for flatwater paddling and are relatively easy to paddle. They are easy to manage and are very useful for fishing, birding, or photography.

2. Versatile Canoes- Like their name implies, these canoes are made to handle calm water, whitewater, and everything in between. They offer more capacity than recreational canoes making them ideal for camping trips. They also offer great maneuverability.

3. River Canoes- These canoes are made specifically for whitewater and rapids. They have an increased upward curvature at the ends to allow for maximum maneuverability, a necessity when avoiding river obstacles. They have high sides to keep out water and are impact- and abrasion-resistant. 

 

·        Paddles- The second most important piece of equipment

is the paddles. Paddles vary based on the materials they are made out of, the shafts, and the grips.

1.Materials-

o       Wood- Wood paddles are the most popular type of paddle, given their beautiful appearance. They offer a smooth stroke and retain the heat of your hands in cold temperatures. Wood paddles do require some maintenance, but many manufacturers have equipped them with overlays to avoid this.

o       Fiberglass- Fiberglass paddles are a great choice for whitewater canoeing since they are extremely durable. The weight of the paddle varies greatly and is proportional to the price, with the heavier ones being the most expensive.

o       Polyethylene/aluminum-These types of paddles are typically used for beginning canoers. They are very durable and make a great spare paddle since they are fairly inexpensive. They are not suited for long trips since the aluminum is uncomfortable to hold and can become quite cold.

o       Straight- This is the most traditionally used type of shaft since it works for all paddling conditions. They can be used for a variety of maneuvering strokes.

o       Bent- This type of shaft is most efficient on flatwater. The bend in the shaft helps position the paddle most efficiently in the water.

o       Palm- The palm grip is a tear-drop shaped grip that fits comfortably in your hand, giving you great control and longevity.

o       T-Grip- This is a great grip for whitewater canoeing since it’s shape gives you the best control over your paddle.