On canoes

[Walks with dogs]

There are quite a few threads on here where lucky folk head off for a paddle. The pictures always look spectacular and its something I'd like to try- but I haven't got a clue where to start. My brother reckons you need to take a course first to learn about the safety issues etc but again I wouldn't know where to start.

I've tried finding a Canoe club near Crewe on the internet without success.

Anyone got any advice?

 

[scrogger]

Well you could try the BCU (british canoe union) for training companies.

 

[Shewie]

Can you swim ?

Job done

The basic BCU courses are only half a day long, as Andy says try there website for some pointers.

http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/coa...ncluding-rcos-lcos/local-coaching-organisers/

Most sailing and boating centres hsould have some info aswell mate

 

[redandshane]

http://www.creweandnantwichcanoeclub.co.uk/

I assume thats near Crewe

 

[Walks with dogs]

In the words of Homer Simpson himself....doh!



Why couldn't I find that?

The great news (for me at least) is that the misssu has agreed in principle to BOTH of us doing a canoe / bushcraft course here... http://www.orcadventures.co.uk/lakelander.htm


Its been a good day!

 

[johnnytheboy]

I never went on a course, i just bought the canoe and went for it, best advice i have read was don't go anywhere your not prepared to swim from if you capsize.

 

[Damascus]

I canoe regular, my suggestion is join a local group; look on the BCU web site for local clubs.
Join the club and try out a few canoes first you will find they all differ and some will feel better than others, when you have made up your mind go and buy one, clubs often have some for sale.
Then you will enjoy it more and there is a lot to learn when you are on the water rather than in it

Happy paddling

D

 

[squantrill]

First do you want a canoe or kayak ?

They are different beasts. Canoes are open boats and if you get a big heavy one are unlikly to tip over a kayak on the other hand was designed by eskimos and the also invented the eskimo roll for a reason

If you already have a boat then I sugget get in it and as long as you can swim and have a float aide on then things will usually be ok paddling takes practise. Buy the BCU handbook it has all the paddle strokes and also the saftey aspect is covered.
Once you have that you made.

If you like the social aspect of a club then join one but be warned if you join a club you will be exposed to lots of shiney gear that everybody will tell you you cant do without

Good luck with your paddling

Simon

PS; Most waterways in the UK you have to pay for the privilige if you join the BCU you aoutomatically get a license for a lot of the watherways..

 

[DanDan The man called Dan]

Post an introduction over on www.songofthepaddle.co.uk then look out in the meets section. For meets that look interesting or local to you ask if you can tag along there is always someone who will always have a spare seat for a newbie. Cheshires out of my area but if you are ever further south I'd be happy to take you out on the water.

Dan