Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing is the activity of paddling a canoe for the purpose of recreation (also called a float trip), sport, or transportation. It usually refers exclusively to using a paddle to propel a canoe with only human muscle power. A kayak is propelled using a paddle with two blades where the paddler sits with their legs in front of them, whereas canoes are propelled using single- or double-bladed paddles where the paddler is kneeling or sitting. Kayaks are usually closed-decked boats with a spraydeck, while canoes are usually open boats, although there are also open kayaks and closed canoes. In modern canoe sport, both canoes and kayaks may be closed-decked. Internationally, the term canoeing is used as a generic term for both forms though the terms "paddle sports" or "canoe/kayak" are also used. Paddling a kayak is also referred to as kayaking.

The most traditional and early canoes did not have seats, the paddlers merely kneeled on the bottom of the boat. Recreational canoes and kayaks employ seats and whitewater rodeo and surf variants increasingly employ the use of 'saddles' to give greater boat control under extreme conditions.

Almost 900 thousand people in the UK take part in a canoeing activity each year, though the majority do so on inland waters rather than the at the coast. As long as the particpants are sensible canoeing is a relatively safe pastime, with very few fatalities recorded.

The national governing body for canoeing in the UK is the british Canoe Union (BCU).

Always wear your lifejacket when Canoeing and Kayaking!

As well as the obvious benefit of keeping you afloat should you capsize, especially if you have been knocked unconcious by another paddler, it can also help keep you warm, support your back and act as extra padding in the event of a collision.