How to paddle an open canoe (went on an introductory course at the local watersports centre with some workmates).
I also learned...
That it's not as uncomfortable as I was expecting when sat with legs apart, but wasn't keen on kneeling.
The J stroke needs practice.
Front ruddering is pretty neat.
How not to get in a canoe on my own when it's next to a dock (it tries to move away).
That 50N buoyancy aids work.
And so does my drysuit.
I was surprised at how quickly I felt at home in the boat - literally within a couple of minutes (with the instructor in the front).
First solo paddle a little later was easy. After learning the basics, the instructor jumped out and threw loads of balls and rubber ducks into a little harbour area, and 5 boats (the rest two-up) had to manoeuvre in close quarters to try and recover as many balls and ducks as possible. Being able to manoeuvre the boat forwards, backwards, sideways and rotating all seemed to come quite naturally.
Really good fun. I've been thinking about getting one for ages, but was holding back because I'm no longer a bendy teenage rock star - I really needed to give it a try to check the comfort aspect. I suspect there is a canoe in my future.
