Basics About Wisconsin River Canoeing

By Kenneth Parker


Canoeing is often used as both a recreational as well as a sport activity involving paddling canoes with a single-bladed paddle. The name is often used to refer to both kayaking as canoeing in some parts of the European continent. The activity was established during the nineteenth century, with the international association being formed in 1924 by canoeing associations from various countries. Some of the countries include Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Austria. Wisconsin river canoeing is a very lucrative activity worth engaging in.

Historically, traditional use and invention of the canoes happened in North America. In the south, Americans made canoes from digging them from trees while in the north, they made them using birchbark. Algonguins were particularly known for birchbark building. The current version of the sport came up because of settlers of Ontario.

Many people enjoy canoeing as an outdoor activity for recreational purposes. The sport is easy to learn for most beginners, but it may be challenging for some people. People often forge their own personalized styles of paddling so that they become unique from others. The content of this article is the basics one needs to know about before engaging in the activity.

The invention of the canoe by North Americans was for using it on freshwater journeys because it was lightweight. The vessel has pointed ends, open top, and a slender hull. They vary in capacity from one to several people. The body is called the hull, the front is the bow, while the end is the stern. Propulsion is accomplished using paddles.

Understanding the paddle is also important in this sport. Paddles are plunged backwards so as to propel the vessel forward. A typical paddle consists of four parts, that is, the grip, shaft, throat, and blade. The grip is the part where the paddler places their top hand, usually the left hand when paddling on the left side of the vessel. The shaft makes up the middle part and also provides a surface for gripping.

The blade is connected to the shaft through a part called the throat. Lastly, the end of the paddle is made flat and broad for paddling. This part is the blade and it is made wide so as to plunge enough water backwards to move the vessel. Extra-large paddles may be strenuous to use but they move the vessel faster.

In the United States, there are specific laws governing safety in the water. There are laws that specifically require wearing or carrying life vests in the vessel. Life vests are necessary for emergency situations and they only work optimally when well fastened on the body. There are many makes of life vests to select from.

There are many competitive forms of this sport, but the main one is sprint canoe. Canoe polo, playboating, ICF canoe marathon, canoe marathon, and whitewater canoeing are some of the other competitive forms. Canoes also come in different kinds including sailing canoe, dugout canoes, and the Hawaiian outrigger canoe.




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