The Virgin Paddler

[Puddock]

I took my new (well new to me) canoe out today for the first time. I purchased a second hand Pelican as I didn't want to spend a huge amount on a first canoe, and I also wanted something that could be bashed around whilst we learnt the finer points of canoeing and also car topping! I am really pleased with the canoe, I have nothing to compare it to, and it seems to do all that I want in the short term. I will no doubt buy another canoe in a year or so, but this will do just fine to learn the ropes.

I went on my own for the first outing as I wanted to get a feel for it before I added the kids to the front Plus their PFD's had not yet turned up, so they will have to wait another week!

Barley the Labrador didn't want to be left out and had followed me!

It was my first ever time in a canoe and I have to say that it was extremely relaxing to glide along, I will have to master steering, I found that I had to keep swapping the paddle from side to side after every three - four strokes, whereas videos I have watched show people only having to put strokes down one side of the canoe, but generally I had no problem in stopping, moving backwards or turning.

It's safe to say that I am hooked, and looking forward to spending a summer afloat. For a budget canoe the Pelican seems to be a great starting place, and something that I will be able to pass onto the kids once I get 'my' canoe

 

[JAG009]

Good stuff Puddock ! Where are you paddling ? it looks like a good bit to practise in ! happy canoeing

Jason

 

[Puddock]

It's one of the smaller lochs up near to Loch Trool.............next weekend Loch Trool

 

[JAG009]

It's one of the smaller lochs up near to Loch Trool.............next weekend Loch Trool

Loch trool was a joy to paddle on and there are some lovely bays to camp at , hope you get the weather

Jason

 

[aeveling]

Brings back memories of 2 weeks canoeing in British Columbia last summer (dodging the 400 + forest fires!!! around Bowron lakes). We were shown something called (I think) the 'j stroke' which allows you to paddle on one side only and stay in a straight line.
Have fun!

Andrew.

 

[woof]

I'm jealous !, i also fancy one, but am struggling for the time to go out at the moment.

Rob

 

[Puddock]

Next step is to get the bushcraft stuff in the boat and to get out the other end with it all still in the boat and dry

 

[morch]

Glad you got sorted out Dan, and you look like you're really enjoying yourself. Love the dog swimming after you. Looks a great spot too

Dave

 

[Shewie]

Great stuff mate, hope to see you on the water one day

 

[Teepee]

What a nice place for a first paddle!

Well done on the boat. I've not been paddling long and am hooked on it too, its a great way to get around.

 

[Puddock]

 

[Scout]

Looks a crackin' spot that mate. Great photos


Nathan

 

[bojit]

Those dogs look like they are enjoying the water as much as you .

Craig..........

 

[John Fenna]

We will have to have a canoe meet sometime...

 

[Puddock]

We will have to have a canoe meet sometime...

That sounds like a plan, My Son is desperate to get up to Loch Lomond to stay on the island with the Wallabies?

 

[JAG009]

That sounds like a plan, My Son is desperate to get up to Loch Lomond to stay on the island with the Wallabies?

Have you been on the island before ?

 

[resnikov]

Some great pics there, looks like you had a good time. Would love to have a paddle myself one day.

 

[Puddock]

Have you been on the island before ?

No we have never been to the island.

 

[JAG009]

No we have never been to the island.

Try and get there soon before the hords descend on the place ! its a good place to camp but it can get busy in the better weather

Jason

 

[mrcharly]

nought wrong with switching sides, it's actually more efficient than J stroking.

If you have kids in the front and you are switching sides, swing the paddle blade behind your head, rather in front of you. Avoids splattering the kids with water off the paddle.