Getting Started
Q: How do you get my first try in a canoe.?
A; Well you will be glad to hear that you do not have to go
rushing out and buy one. In most areas there will be an outdoor facility where
you can hire an open canoe for a few hours at a time to get the feel for it.
Some outdoor shops hire out canoes for the day, weekends or longer. As an
alternative you may have a local club that has a canoe you can get the use of
but this is more unusual as most clubs are predominately for kayaks. For help
finding your local club try contacting the BCU (see links page) or ask on
our forum.
Q; That was not too bad what next?
A; Probably best to try and get some instruction before
committing yourself to a purchase. You can learn a fair bit from books etc (see
book list) but it is hard to beat hands on instruction. Again the BCU should be
able to direct you to a local instructor. If you have a club local to you then
an experienced member will probably be able to get you started. The level of
instruction you will need depends on where you are likely to use an open canoe.
If it is solely on small lakes / lochs then a very basic level of instruction
would suffice although more knowledge is never a handicap. For fast flowing rivers or the sea a higher
standard of training would be preferable.
Q; Okay I have had a go; got some instruction do I buy a canoe now?
A; Maybe. If you are not going to be able to use the canoe that
often it may still be better to just hire it when needed. If you will get the
use from the canoe to justify it then yes now is probably the time to buy.
Q; What sort of canoe should I buy?
A; The easy answer is; an open one. After that it all gets a
bit complicated. You need to have a think about your intended use. Will it be
for solo use, you and the family. Wild rivers, open seas or just on canals.
Does it need to be lightweight or is cost the major factor. All these factors
and more will have a bearing on what canoe is right for you. For many people
storage is a limiting factor as well. There is no point buying your “ideal” 16
foot open canoe and getting it home to find it is too big to go in the garden.
It is always best not to rush into buying your canoe. Try lots of different
styles and sizes.
Q; Okay got my canoe now do I need anything else?
A; Oh yes. The list of accessories you can get for your open
canoe is almost endless but the basic or essential items are listed below.
Obviously you may not agree with all of these but it will at least serve as a
guide.
PFD or lifejacket
Paddle
Spare Paddle
Whistle
First Aid Kit
Bail & sponge
Rope
Knife
Dry Bag
See Kit Page for more information on these and other optional kit.
Q; I have all my kit now so can I just use my open canoe on any
lake or river?
A; No. The answer to this will depend on where you live. See
our page on access
rights for more information
Q; Is that it?
A; No, remember to have fun!