Canoeing Daily

05/07/2015

Video: Learn Proper Technique For Paddling A Kayak

Paddle more efficiently and comfortabl with great paddling technique, the video show how to do it.

Paddle more efficiently and comfortabl with great paddling technique, the video show how to do it. Related

02/07/2015

Canoe Adventure celebrating 10th anniversary

GREATER AKRON — The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition’s 10th annual Canoe Adventure — a guided canoe trip on the Ohio & Erie Canal from Nesmith Lake to the Richard Howe House — will take place July 11 this year.

“This is a very unique way to experience the canal,” said George Ebey, project and strategic initiatives coordinator for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. “Most people experience the canal through the Towpath Trail, but there are sections of the original canal that still hold water and are still accessible. The Canoe Adventure is a way for us to allow people to actually get out on the water and experience that.”

Participants are asked to arrive at the Richard Howe House, 47 W. Exchange St. in Downtown Akron, between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for registration, Ebey said, and the canoers will be separated into four groups. The participants then will be taken to Nesmith Lake.

“Each group has a guide and a couple of helper guides in kayaks,” he said. “What we’ll do is put out on Lake Nesmith and our group leaders will guide you to an opening that gets off the lake and onto the canal. We will basically go at a nice, steady pace down the canal, heading farther north back toward Downtown Akron. We’ll make stops along the way, and we’ll also offer information about the canal and its history. We cap off the event with a picnic lunch at the Richard Howe House.”

Ebey said the Canoe Adventure could be considered “a mild workout.”

“This is a 6-mile ride and there is no current on the Ohio & Erie Canal, as there would be on a river, so there is some exertion involved,” he said. “There is some work involved in that capacity, considering the fact that you are paddling for 6 miles with no current. But we do take periodic breaks and we do provide plenty of water. We also go at a nice, leisurely pace, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

According to Ebey, the Canoe Adventure is a rain-or-shine event.

“The only thing that would stop us [is] if there was lightning or a thunderstorm. If that were to happen, we would get out of the water immediately,” he said. “But if it is lightly raining, we will still get out there and go.

Ebey suggested participants “dress comfortably for the weather.”

“For example, if it’s a warm day, then shorts and a T-shirt would be fine,” he said. “I also definitely recommend sunscreen. We will have some of that here at the house in case somebody forgets.”

The cost for the Canoe Adventure is $30 for Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition members or $40 for nonmembers. Children 12 and under can ride in a canoe with two adults at an additional cost of $15. Lunch, water and all necessary equipment are provided and are included in the cost, Ebey said.

“We have a capacity for about 80 individuals, so we have plenty of room right now,” he stated. “But we like to keep it to about 80 individuals before we close it, because we like to have a group that is a nice, manageable size.”

The deadline to register is July 6, Ebey noted.

“If somebody wants to contact us after that, we will certainly do our best to accommodate them,” he said. “But the reason we like to have the registrations done by the deadline is because we have to order food and we have to order canoes ahead of time.”

Akron, Ohio The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition’s 10th annual Canoe Adventure — a guided canoe trip on the Ohio & Erie Canal from...

02/07/2015

Paddle Ohio a great way to enjoy rivers

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is offering a series of Paddle Ohio events to promote paddling on Ohio's state designated wild scenic and recreational rivers and water trails. Nearly 150 people participated in the Paddle Ohio floats offered last year by the ODNR during the program's inaugural year.

"Paddling Ohio's rivers and water trails provides paddlers a unique perspective of our state," said ODNR Director James Zehringer. "It is a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy time together while bringing attention to the efforts and work of our partners to preserve and protect Ohio's scenic and vital waterways."

While people are encouraged to paddle at their convenience, a number of events are currently planned throughout the summer, including floats on the Chagrin, Little Miami, Maumee and Olentangy scenic rivers. For event dates, visit paddleohiodnr.gov.

Paddling interest continues to grow

Paddling interest and involvement continues to grow in Ohio. Over the last decade, the number of Ohio registered canoes and kayaks increased 141 percent to more than 132,000 in 2014. Maps and more information on Ohio's scenic rivers and water trails, as well as information on volunteering to be a stream quality monitor, is available from the ODNR Division of Watercraft at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/scenic rivers

Put-in-Bay trying to be more family friendly

The town of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island in Lake Erie is offering some interesting events for visitors this summer. Among them are Wild Tuesdays at the Wildlife Museum with free kid/family friendly fun every Tuesday. It's geared to youth, including a camp out on Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island. Call Jackie Tylor at 419-279-3199 for more information.

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Nearly 150 people participated in the Paddle Ohio floats offered last year

01/07/2015

Russian politics are for sure not popular in Europe but... "Spend the Perfect Day Canoeing on The Russian River"

Swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, beaches, and pristine forests—the Russian River has it all.

While the Russian River wiggles its way through a large part of Sonoma County, we like to start our trip in Forestville at Burke’s Canoe Trips. This family-owned canoe rental and camping ground is located on River Road, hidden beneath the redwoods, only a step away from the riverside.

While Burke has a large number of canoes to rent out it's always best to make a reservation, especially on the weekends. For only $65 per canoe, you'll get a full day on the river. The recommended route is 10 miles, and you'll probably need 4-6 hours from start to finish when you add in all the leisure time. Take note: Alcohol and pets are not allowed. And you must know how to swim to partake.

Surrounded by green trees, blue skies, and birds chirping (keep an eye out for sunbathing turtles), sit back and let your canoe drift miles from the bustling city. Small beaches dot the riverside, where you can take a break to enjoy some snacks or take a dip in the river.

While this is mostly a leisurely route, at some points you might have to carry your canoe over a sandbank, while mini currents will take care of your daily adrenaline dose.
At the finish line, an old school bus will pick you up and bring you back to Burke’s. The bus comes every 30 minutes with the last one departing at 6 p.m.


What to pack:

Sunscreen is essential! There is no hiding from the sun.

Swimsuit: the water temperature is perfect for a swim.

Flip-flops or water shoes: These are a better option than sneaker since your feet will always be wet.

Blanket or beach towel: to lay down on the beach or to protect you from the sun.

Sunglasses: again, that pesky sun.

Provisions: pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, paddling will make you hungry and thirsty.

Swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, beaches, and pristine forests—the Russian River has it all. 

01/07/2015

Make Those Moves Muscle Memory

No matter the kind of paddling you do, whether it is SUP, kayaking, or canoeing, you can always benefit from taking a day here and there to work on your form. Good form will not only conserve energy; it will also be easier on your body and can help prevent injury.

Often, I see paddlers moving their boats inefficiently by using lots of short strokes, throwing in braking strokes while trying to make forward progress, or making lots of bubbles and splashing with the paddle. This usually means you’re working way too hard to make a move. Other times, I come upon someone who sets their boat on edge, does a nice clean stroke, and then moves on like it’s no big deal. My first thought always is: “That is someone who has spent some time practicing their technique and form.”

But simply learning about proper technique doesn’t always translate to good form when you get out on the water. Practice is required to build those concepts into your muscle memory so they come naturally. Flat water is the perfect place to work this. After you have practiced the various strokes–starting with forward stroke basics and good torso rotation–take it a bit further and practice them while under stress. Paddle between pilings and piers and keep challenging yourself to do them quickly, but with good form. This is a great way to prepare yourself for situations where you’ll need to react quickly and efficiently.

his concept is very true for rolling too. I’ve noticed people who attend regular practice sessions at the pool progress faster than I did when I started out. Going to the weekly sessions helps build confidence in their roll which translates into pushing their skills and having fun on the water. Soon enough, I see them out tearing it up in the surf, exploring rock gardens, tide rips, or rough water paddling.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a quality paddling class. I believe one of the best ways to progress into this sport is to take courses from a good instructor. Classes will push your paddling and give you new things to work on. But practicing afterwards is key to making those new skills stick. Unfortunately, I often see new paddlers taking class after class and not paddling on their own. There are no shortcuts; once you learn something new it takes time and repetition for the move to become part of your muscle memory. Building a solid foundation of proper technique will make things much easier when when you take the step up to the next level. The best instructor in the world can only give you advice and ways to improve your skills, but they can’t make you get out and practice what you just learned. That’s your job!

More fun and fluidity will come with practice. Work on your weaker points and turn them into your strong points. Before long, you may just notice your efficiency improving.

– Bill Vonnegut is a sea kayak instructor at California Canoe & Kayak and member of the Neptune’s Rangers paddling posse. Check out an awesome VIDEO of Bill and the Rangers tearing up the rock gardens around the Bay Area.

By Bill Vonnegut No matter the kind of paddling you do, whether it is SUP, kayaking, or canoeing, you can always benefit from taking a day here and there t

30/06/2015

Learn What to Take on Your Next (or first) Overnight Paddling Trip

Planning an overnight canoe or kayak trip can often be as much fun as the trip itself. A properly planned trip involves research, conversation, and packing. Ensuring you are properly packed before you leave on your combination paddling-camping trip is crucial. Nothing is more frustrating than getting to your destination only to realize you have forgotten an important implement needed on the trip. That’s why a overnight canoe trip checklist can be the difference between being fully prepared or forgetting something that is important to your paddling trip.
I have composed here a list of all the items that could be taken on a camping and canoeing trip. The items in this list are separated into camping, clothing, canoe or kayak, food, and recreational items. I have also attempted to give a brief explanation for each item which may help you in deciding whether or not you will need it on your specific trip.

Camping Equipment to Bring on a Paddling Trip
Figure on bringing whatever camping gear you normally bring on camping trips. Keep in mind you will have space constraints as everything will need to fit in your canoe or kayak. Be sure to keep things dry by using dry bags, garbage bags, zip locks, and dry boxes.

Tent: Be sure it packs down to a manageable size to fit in your canoe or kayak.

Sleeping bag: The sleeping bag should be chosen based on the weather conditions.

Sleeping Pad: Bring a sleeping pad purely for comfort.

Camp Pillow: Bring a camp pillow purely for comfort.

Camp Chair: Camp chairs are not a necessity but if there’s room they sure beat a log.

(Continue to the attached article)

Make sure you don't forget anything on your next canoe camping trip. A properly planned trip often involves lots of research, conversation, and packing. An overnight canoe trip checklist can be the difference between being fully prepared or forgetting something that is important to your paddling tri…

29/06/2015

How to determine the length of bent and straight shaft canoe paddles with Bending Branches

Bending Branches' Andrew Stern shows us a quick and easy way to properly choose the right length of paddle for you. Not sure what where your hands should be ...

29/06/2015

Have a great evening/day!

28/06/2015

Canoeing the Lumber River

Using a GoPro to video a float on the Lumber River near Clay Banks, Wagram, NC.

27/06/2015

Destination: Vltava – The river flowing through history

Every summer thousands of paddlers flock to the friendly waters of the vltava river in the czech republic. Scores of riverside restaurants, floating bars, and lively campgrounds sit among medieval castles, thick forests and friendly waters, creating a multi-day river experience unlike any other.

The Vltava springs out of several little sources in the Šumava Mountains on the Czech-Austrian border and gradually gains flow and might as it makes its way downstream. In its time as a free-flowing river, the Vltava was used by raftsmen to transport trunks and wood from deep in the Šumava forests to Prague and sometimes even further to the Labe River and Hamburg in Germany. A few remaining sluice gates in the weirs near the old mills, iron mooring rings set in stone along the river, and a few wooden bridges still mark this historically important use of the river. Nowadays two dams and the 30-km Lipno Lake interrupt the Vltava’s flow, dividing it into several distinct sections.

Above Lipno Lake, a beautiful part of the river curls lazily through the meanders of the Dead Flood Plain. This part of the river is under close supervision of the National Park system, which means navigation is allowed only during a particular season and at certain water levels, and is strictly controlled through paid registration and permitting. Downstream of the Lipno Lake, what used to be the wildest part of the Vltava, Čertovy Proudy, or Devil´s Currents, is nowadays tamed by the concrete trammels of the Lipno I Dam. They are allowed to be wild again only a couple of times a year during annual whitewater competitions, but they make one of the toughest slalom courses in the world. The Lipno II Dam keeps the Lower Vltava navigable all year round. The Lower Vltava’s consistent flow, along with its unique history and surroundings, make it highly popular among national and international paddlers alike.

Canoeing Published on avril 5th, 2013 | by Paddleworld Destination: Vltava – The river flowing through history Every summer thousands of paddlers flock to the friendly waters of the vltava river in the czech republic. Scores of riverside restaurants, floating bars, and lively campgrounds sit among m…