| A canoe is a small and narrow boat; many people use | | | | prospective boaters often turn to professionals or at |
| this type of boat for fishing and transportation. Other | | | | least people who are experienced in canoeing. These |
| people use a canoe as a mode of recreation. Early | | | | people can pass on their knowledge of canoes to |
| men made every canoe that they used out of wood. | | | | amateurs. |
| In fact, these canoes were made out of hollowed out | | | | Certification is not required to use a canoe for fishing, |
| tree trucks. Paired with every canoe were paddles. | | | | sport or recreation; however, it is important that |
| Paddles are used by every canoe operator to | | | | prospective boaters learn the basics of the sport, as |
| properly move that boat in and around the water. | | | | well as safety. Many people learn how to canoe each |
| There are different types of paddles that serve | | | | year and it is fairly easy, all that is needed is a good |
| different functions. Some paddles are used for racing, | | | | instructor. Instructors can be found at many outfitters, |
| while others are used for paddling around a lake. While | | | | specialty shops, and resorts. These places will also |
| all paddles may be different and have different | | | | often offer a guide for canoe trips and adventures. |
| functions they are all similar. The one characteristic that | | | | When venturing into an unknown part of the |
| all paddles had in common is weight. Canoe paddles | | | | wilderness, it is always a good idea to have a guide, or |
| are lightweight and easy for anyone, of any size, to | | | | someone who is experienced with the area, there to |
| use. | | | | help you. |
| Historically, a canoe was used for many things. These | | | | Today canoes are sold in many retail locations, both on |
| included: transportation, sport, recreation, and fishing. | | | | the Internet and in local sporting goods stores. |
| These boats are ideal items for lakes, rivers, and | | | | However, shipping can be pricy with some online retail |
| oceans. Early canoes were usually made of wood. | | | | stores. That is why it is important to research a retailer |
| However, today they can be made of other materials; | | | | before buying a canoe. The best Internet retailers offer |
| such as, metal or aluminum. Each canoe that is built | | | | a high quality product with standard shipping or free |
| does look basically the same; it is a small, single | | | | shipping for large items. |
| passenger boat that is pointed at both the bow and | | | | Once a canoe is purchased it is important to obtain the |
| the stern. | | | | right accessories. Some of the best accessories |
| Canoeing can be a difficult sport to learn. A person | | | | include lifejackets and paddles. Proper lifejackets are |
| must master the art of moving the small boat in the | | | | the most important items for a canoe trip. They can |
| water. While in flat water with little waves this can be | | | | usually be purchased or rented at the same place as |
| easy, it is more difficult in rapids. That is why | | | | a canoe. |