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Paddle power on the canal


With the main boating season behind us, the autumn months are the perfect time to take to the water in a canoe or kayak and see our canals and rivers from a brand new angle.

We all know that walking, cycling, boating and angling are popular pastimes on the canals and rivers. However, canoeing is a sport perfectly suited to our canals, which doesn’t get quite as much attention. This could be because people perceive canoeing to be an expensive sport which you need to be fit to engage in.

However, getting started is easy, relatively cheap and people of all ages and fitness levels can join in, as we discover by talking to Howard Blackman, head of participation Canoe England, who explains: “Canoeing is for everyone. The beauty of the sport is that it has low impact on your joints and you can paddle with any fitness level and whatever your fitness level currently is, it will improve. The sport can be as gentle or demanding as you like.”

Once you have the basic skills mastered you can reap the health benefits as, if done correctly, one forward stroke uses all of the muscles from your toes to your arms. The movement will improve your core stability and balance.

Get started

If you’re thinking about taking up a new sport and want to try your hand at canoeing then your local canoeing club or centre is the best place to start. A club can provide you with all the equipment you need and will be able to arrange lessons to help you gain the basic skills.

“While you can visit a retailer, kit yourself out and take to the water yourself, we want people to enjoy themselves,” says Howard. “By taking a few lessons and learning to enjoy the craft with ease you will get more satisfaction out of it.”

Canoeing and kayaking are both options on the canals. The main differences are that you sit down in a kayak and use a double-ended paddle. In a canoe you tend to kneel down and use a single bladed paddle. Canoes are particularly suited to families as you can get three or four people in them and you don’t get as wet.

Wildlife and scenery

This time of year is perfect for taking up canoeing as the canals are quieter and for many people autumn is one of the most picturesque times to visit. There’s no need to worry about getting cold. The equipment available has greatly improved over the past few years. It’s now far more tailored than it ever was, meaning that you can look good, feel good and stay warm at the same time.

During the autumn, you can see plenty of wildlife from a canoe, as animals and birds generally don’t take much notice of unpowered passing craft. Once you have no summer holiday to look forward to any more canoeing is also a great way of getting rid of stress, as Howard explains: “As soon as you get on the water you get a release from everyday life.”

So if you want to get fit and meet new friends, take to the canal on a canoe and explore the waterways near you.

For more information about getting started and finding your local canoe club or centre visit ww.canoe-england.org.uk.

Last updated: 27/09/2011

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