The joys and benefits of paddling a canoe, kayak or raft are many, and the reasons people are drawn to paddling are equally varied. Some want to escape the noise and stress of everyday life by exploring the rivers or lakes near their home; others seek a means to venture into the wilderness; exercise is an objective for many paddlers, as is observing wildlife, playing in whitewater, plunging over waterfalls, and navigating the open ocean. There are also those who utilize these paddle craft in activities such as photography, fishing, or social outings.
Paddling a canoe, kayak or raft will take you places you cannot reach by any other means, not just the physical places that are found on a map, but the internal places of the mind and spirit. No other form of boating provides a more intimate experience with the water and its surrounding environment than does canoeing and kayaking. Whether you experience the joy of paddling a canoe across a wilderness lake - miles from the nearest person, splashing a kayak into the froth of a whitewater stream, or exploring a placid cove less than a mile from home, your life will be forever enriched by the experience.
"Be Prepared", as the scout motto advises, is sound advice and the key to a safe and enjoyable canoeing or kayaking outing. You want to be prepared with basic safety and skill knowledge, proper clothing and equipment, and the right mental attitude. Sound judgment is a critical component of any outdoor pursuit. While you can learn to canoe or kayak without taking formal instruction, the value of such instruction cannot be over emphasized. There is nothing like hands-on instruction to make you safe and effective on the water.
The following links will take you to the basic information you need to make your padding experience a success:
- Basics 1 - Equipment and Clothing
- Basics 2 - Trip Preparation
- Basics 3 - On the Water
- ACA Beginners Guide (PDF)
- Know your Limits - Safety Guide (PDF)
