Joining the canoe world.

[greg.g]

Hi all.
Since moving to Snowdonia earlier this year we bought an inflatable Seveylor canoe to test the water so to speak.
Well, Alison really enjoyed it and it set the ball in motion.
Today we went out and Ali placed an order for a Venture prospector 155 in corlite as a Chrissy pressie. I am one lucky boy
We won't get delivery till mid February.
I will most likely join canoe Wales but also intend on getting some basic instruction to get us into good habits.
Can anyone recommend an instructor? We don't really want to go down the one on one route for financial reasons.
Also, we intend on concentrating on still waters to start with. I realize that it can be a bit hazy, but what are the rules regarding access to lakes and estuaries in North Wales?
I feel there is a whole new learning curve about to begin.

 

[Chainsaw]

yup plenty to learn! try sniffing about the canoe wales website (I'm sure you have)

Paddling clubs near you | Local UK canoe, kayak, and SUP clubs

Kayak clubs near me. Paddling clubs can teach you canoeing, kayaking, or SUP skills. Easily find 100s of trusted, local UK clubs here.

www.canoewales.com

Canoe Wales - Find a training provider

Canoe Wales is the national governing body for paddlesport in Wales. Want to know more about the wonderful world of paddling?

www.canoewales.com

The best idea would be to get in touch with a local club and join that. You will get loads of support, tips and coaching from the coaches who are part of the club and they can probably get you through some of the lower level awards if you want to go down that route. Even if you don't you will learn loads in a safer environment.

 

[Broch]

Hi Greg; good to hear from you

You do have a choice of training providers up in North Wales. The famed Ray Goodwin is near Corwen (You should get his book if you haven't already - I did a week on Lake Windermere with him) and the canoeing centre is just over the hill from you (Llyn Celyn). One company I have used for fast water rescue and for training two guys in canoeing skills that joined me on the Spey is Gettafix (half way between Corwen and Llagollen) : Getafix Kayak & Canoe Coaching & REC First Aid Training Courses.
They were fantastic - Pete, our trainer for both sessions was exceptional - we were still on the water at 7

I have been paddling most of my life but I'm not qualified to teach. Having said that, if you fancy just a 'getting the basics sorted' session on Bala or Llyn Geirionydd give me a shout

P.S. you've probably found this resource already:

Canoe Wales - Lakes

 

[bearbait]

I've done a couple of courses at Plas-y-Brenin, which shouldn't be far from you. I thought the training, and atmosphere there, was good.

 

[greg.g]

Thanks all so far.
Looking forward to this new world of experiences.
Is it worth waiting till nearer the delivery date before joining canoe Wales?

 

[Broch]

Thanks all so far.
Looking forward to this new world of experiences.
Is it worth waiting till nearer the delivery date before joining canoe Wales?

There's no real advantage in joining earlier unless you're planning on going on the water in the inflatable; membership runs for 12 months.

 

[greg.g]

There's no real advantage in joining earlier unless you're planning on going on the water in the inflatable; membership runs for 12 months.

Thanks Broch.
Will wait till we get a delivery date. I had been keeping my eyes open for a second hand canoe, but their like hens teeth. The only decent ones available seem to command very high prices. In the end got a reasonable deal on a new one. Can't wait

 

[FerlasDave]

That’s great news Greg!
I’d second Leo at getafix for certificates and courses. He’s a personal friend too, very down to earth and super experienced in his field.
If it’s just some basic learning you want I’ll also offer my help. I’m a qualified coach so I can deliver starter sessions if that’s what you’d need? I can also advise you in setting up the boat too.

 

[Broch]

Maybe we can organise a meet-up early next year

 

[greg.g]

Thanks for the offers of help. It is basic instruction that we will be looking for initially. After that we will see how it goes. I would rather start with good habits from the outset. A meet-up sounds great. It would be nice to see Andy again.
Cheers

 

[henchy3rd]

Hi all.
Since moving to Snowdonia earlier this year we bought an inflatable Seveylor canoe to test the water so to speak.
Well, Alison really enjoyed it and it set the ball in motion.
Today we went out and Ali placed an order for a Venture prospector 155 in corlite as a Chrissy pressie. I am one lucky boy
We won't get delivery till mid February.
I will most likely join canoe Wales but also intend on getting some basic instruction to get us into good habits.
Can anyone recommend an instructor? We don't really want to go down the one on one route for financial reasons.
Also, we intend on concentrating on still waters to start with. I realize that it can be a bit hazy, but what are the rules regarding access to lakes and estuaries in North Wales?
I feel there is a whole new learning curve about to begin.

Try Ray Goodwin, older chap but by eck he knows his stuff.
He is on YouTube too.

 

[henchy3rd]

Hi all.
Since moving to Snowdonia earlier this year we bought an inflatable Seveylor canoe to test the water so to speak.
Well, Alison really enjoyed it and it set the ball in motion.
Today we went out and Ali placed an order for a Venture prospector 155 in corlite as a Chrissy pressie. I am one lucky boy
We won't get delivery till mid February.
I will most likely join canoe Wales but also intend on getting some basic instruction to get us into good habits.
Can anyone recommend an instructor? We don't really want to go down the one on one route for financial reasons.
Also, we intend on concentrating on still waters to start with. I realize that it can be a bit hazy, but what are the rules regarding access to lakes and estuaries in North Wales?
I feel there is a whole new learning curve about to begin.

I’ve a Venture ranger 14 as I solo.
A good friend of mine taught me some good basics which simply wouldn’t have entered my mind..like how to throw a life line or paddle choice for different waters/ weather amongst other things.
I still want to go on a course as I’m rubbish at swimming & I need to learn self rescue (I live on a narrow boat.. yikes)

 

[Erbswurst]

In Germany we have everywhere life guard swimming clubs.

I find it is sensible to learn swimming properly before one buys a boat.

I wouldn't cross a lake with a Canadian Canoe that's larger than I could easily swim through it.
I never capsized in a loaded boat.
But I did it once alone in an empty too large canoe when I played with it.

There is a point where wind can get under the canoe and throughs you out of it.

It is possible to enter an empty canoe on the lake if you are coming out of the water though. But I guess you also need to be a good swimmer for this.

 

[Broch]

In Germany we have everywhere life guard swimming clubs.

I find it is sensible to learn swimming properly before one buys a boat.

I wouldn't cross a lake with a Canadian Canoe that's larger than I could easily swim through it.
I never capsized in a loaded boat.
But I did it once alone in an empty too large canoe when I played with it.

There is a point where wind can get under the canoe and throughs you out of it.

It is possible to enter an empty canoe on the lake if you are coming out of the water though. But I guess you also need to be a good swimmer for this.

To be honest the priorities are 1) wear a suitable buoyancy aid, 2) make sure you have sufficient buoyancy in your boat, 3) if possible turn your canoe back over, 4) get out of the cold water as soon as possible or you won't survive even if you're an Olympic swimmer. If you've got a decent buoyancy aid swimming capability is of secondary importance.

All of this should be practiced on a balmy day close to shore - self recovery and recovery of another canoe.

 

[henchy3rd]

To be honest the priorities are 1) wear a suitable buoyancy aid, 2) make sure you have sufficient buoyancy in your boat, 3) if possible turn your canoe back over, 4) get out of the cold water as soon as possible or you won't survive even if you're an Olympic swimmer. If you've got a decent buoyancy aid swimming capability is of secondary importance.

All of this should be practiced on a balmy day close to shore - self recovery and recovery of another canoe.

I do everything to aid my trips possible..I just find it difficult to swim as I’m asthmatic.. I have come close to drowning on several occasions,one where my feet got stuck in the sediment in the river Derwent in the Peak District(no vest).swam out to far in lake kariba in Zimbabwe.. got cramp in my legs in Kos whilst trying to swim (that was awful)yet I’m still here??
my friends say they don’t no how I’ve come this far in life
Oh yeah, nearly got my legs lacerated with the propeller on my friends boat because I fell in.

 

[greg.g]

Still waiting for the delivery of my canoe, hoping to get it late January till end of February.
Been spending my time getting equipment ready for outfitting it. Have also been in contact with someone regarding some instruction.

 

[Erbswurst]

In between I recommend to read

Bill Mason. Path of the Paddle

 

[DocG]

For a dreamy trip to Canadian nostalgia, watch Bill Mason's "The Song of the Paddle" on YouTube.
For a more recent adventure, try Paul Kirtley's videos about his solo descent of the Barents River.
When stuck in during the first lockdown, I found both to be a wonderful source of escape. If "things" return to the fun state of last March, I'm not sure how much outdoors stuff will be happening. (Personally I'm more than a little hacked off by Nicola's decision to put areas that were level 2 into level 4, but...)

 

[Erbswurst]

 

[greg.g]

Already familiar with Bill Masons song of the paddle and Paul Kirtley's work. Also been studying Ray Goodwin's videos as well. It's his advice that I will follow when outfitting the canoe.
I know what you mean about the covid restrictions. Here in Conwy, the R rate is really low, but we're still in lockdown with the rest of Wales.
Still, here's looking forward to a better future.