Canoeing: Why You Need To Try It Today

 

Despite the recent mass appeal of stand-up paddleboarding, the overtaking of the ocean kayak, and the temptation of luxury yacht sailing, nothing can or will replace our love affair with the canoe. A symbol of our heritage, most born-and bred Canadians hold at least one fond memory of canoeing in their brain bank.

Any canoe tripper knows that all it takes is a half-day paddling on a remote lake or foggy river for you to subscribe to the notion that canoeing can make you feel healthier. Clarity of mind, time away from screens and a focus on the now can allow you to feel happier and more vibrant. It’s not all in your head; there are concrete reasons why canoeing makes you healthier.

Closer to Nature

Britain may be small, but it has some gorgeous locations, from clear lakes surrounded by mountains, tranquil canals and rivers to breathtaking coastal scenery. Being outdoors in these wonderful places will immediately make you feel better, and on a small vessel like a kayak or canoe, you can get closer to nature and discover new places. You’ll also find that wildlife on the country’s waterways are not that shy or bothered by paddlers, so you can see things people on the banks won’t get to.

Low impact exercise

Canoeing can be a great workout, but compared to sports like running and skiing, impact on the joints is low. If you have sore knees or hips and are slowing down your participation in high-impact activities, canoeing allows you to maintain fitness and enjoy being outside while still being easy on the joints. Canoeing can also be combined with other low-impact exercises on the same trip, like trail walking, yoga and swimming at the campsite.

So patriotic

The canoe dates back to our early ancestors, when it was critical to the survival of First Nations and fur traders alike. The canoe is an iconic vessel that represents of our Canadian history and long held traditions.

Family friendly

Sturdy and safe, the canoe was designed as a mode of transportation.  Younger children fit perfectly between the thwarts of a canoe. For now, let them enjoy the free ride with no pressure to paddle and just take in the scenery.

Reduced stress

Research shows that exercise can have a mitigating influence on stress. When that exercise is in a cedar-strip canoe on a deep lake framed by golden larch trees, we think the effect on stress could be amplified. In addition to beating stress, canoeing is an activity that is hard to do while multitasking. Going for a paddle means you can live in the moment and forget about your to-do list or meeting on Monday and focus on smooth sweep strokes and how many loons you can spot.

Goes the distance

A canoe is meant for long hauls and can go farther distances with greater speed than when using a kayak. Designed with comfort in mind, the seats are less awkward than strapping yourself into the skirt of a kayak. Because of its bigger size, you can stretch your legs out without compromising space for your gear. Catch a few rays and enjoy all the comforts a canoe has to offer.

Improved cardiovascular fitness

In basic terms, cardiovascular fitness is how well the circulatory and respiratory mechanisms in your body can give oxygen to muscles while you exercise. The better your cardiovascular health, the less effort your body expends sending oxygen to the parts of your body that need it. Regular canoeing can increase cardiovascular fitness, meaning that not only will your paddling be more efficient, but you may see benefits in other sports and activities as well. Don’t forget—portaging may not always be enjoyable, but lugging an aluminum canoe up a hill is another way to amp up cardiovascular fitness.

Less likely to tip

For the most part, canoes are quite stable. Obviously don’t stand up, rock the boat or gunnel bob, but do have confidence knowing that if your weight is centered and evenly distributed you’ll be safe and sound.

The more the merrier

Whether you’re venturing onto the water solo, tandem or with the family, the canoe was designed for multiple people. Group singalongs are one of the pleasures of a canoe trip. Sound amplifies over water and singing together in a canoe is all part of the experience.

You can take breaks

The shoreline or middle of a lake is the perfect place to stop and rest or take a lunch break. Join up with other canoeists and pull in for a picnic or catch a little shut-eye.

Meditative

Since canoeing is a slow paced sport don’t expect to get anywhere fast. Being on the water is calming so embrace that feeling. Plan your trip according to the tides.

Read more about why canoeing is good for you