Start canoeing

Friday, 30 April 2010 11:16

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what makes canoeing cool?

Our friends are how most of us got into paddling. You know, the gentle, patient - very patient - variety.

You'll probably know someone like that already, someone who has been hinting or openly enthusing at the 'other' world that exists when you sit inside a boat rushing down a living river. You do? Great! They will be more than willing to help you find a stable boat (or better still, let you paddle with them in their stable double kayak) and get onto the flatwater at any time of the year.

The truth is that you need to improve your balance and technique before you can work on your fitness and speed on a section of flatwater.

Only then should you even think about going near a river, and then only with experienced club paddlers who will evaluate you and ensure you're not a danger to yourself in the swirlies! Finding an experienced coach is a good idea before you practice poor technique over and over again.

equipment

Always give a stable boat the benefit over a supposedly faster boat. The slower boat will actually be faster for several seasons until you have your technique nailed. A swim can cost you several minutes or even your race. Option of K1 (single) or K2 (double) for racing, plus paddle, hydration bottle (best to get one that fits into your PFD, an acronym for a personal flotation device or lifejacket), and suitable clothing. Due to the no-compromise, no-prisoners taken nature of rivers, you have to join a club and pass a proficiency test to enter whitewater events. It's also best to pair with a more experienced paddler, starting on flat water and gentler rivers to build your fitness and develop your balance before you even get to the test stage, simply to put extra skill in the 'bank'.

training for novices

Think T.O.Y.A.

Time on your Arse is the boat equivalent of TITS (Time in The Saddle), so important to building stamina on a bike. It is the only way to pay your dues and improve. Spend as much time on the water in as many different conditions as possible. And don't get into a rut - it will stifle your growth! Mix long slow distance days, with speed days and strength days. Doing land-based weight training is also highly advisable. Burpees and Superman are two highly recommended exercises that don't require any weights - just gravity and your body weight. Keep it simple stupid!