Canoeing
The element water offers countless possibilities for sports activities: Unforgettable canoe tours can be undertaken on lakes, streams and rivers. Here you can find out what to consider when canoeing, for whom canoeing is suitable and what equipment is necessary for unforgettable paddling fun. You will also find some route suggestions in various regions.
The best regions
Canoe or kayak?
Since the terms canoe and kayak are often used synonymously in everyday language, it is important to know the difference between the two sports equipment. Depending on the tour you want to do, canoe and kayak are suitable for different purposes.
Canoes are usually open at the top, while kayaks are usually closed and have only one opening where you can sit. Kayak tours use double paddles, which most beginners find easier, while canoes use the paddle. Canoes are slightly wider and the walls are higher than in a kayak, which is why kayaks can be faster. Therefore, canoes are often used for more leisurely tours, while kayaks are more often used for more sporty tours. This is also due to the fact that canoes have more space for luggage and several people can go on board at the same time. Of course, it always depends on the type of canoe and kayak.
Things to know about canoe tours
Requirements for canoe tours
Canoeing as a leisure activity is basically easy and it is possible for children and adults to start without any previous experience. Regardless of age, you should be able to swim well in order to reach the shore safely in the event of a capsize. However, even good swimmers should wear a lifejacket at all times when on the water.
As with any other outdoor sport, it is important to check the weather beforehand and to take wind and weather warnings seriously so that you do not put yourself or others in danger.
Are canoe trips dangerous?
Activities on the water are generally not without risk. There are various risks that you have to deal with. A distinction is made between subjective and objective risks.
Subjective dangers arise from the actions of the athlete himself/herself and are his/her own responsibility. These include:
- Lack of experience on the water and with the equipment
- Misjudgement of wind, weather and water currents
- Self-exhaustion and exhaustion
- Group dynamics
- Misrecognition of difficulties
- Inadequate swimming ability
Objective dangers, on the other hand, cannot be influenced by the water sportsman. These include:
- Weather (strong wind, cold, rain, thunderstorms)
- Strong rapids
- Water currents
Nevertheless, canoeing is one of the low-risk water activities, especially if the tour takes place on calm waters. The risk of injury is higher in white water, although the risk of capsizing also increases.
Canoeing with the right equipment
Of course, you will need the right equipment for your canoe trip. These are the most important items of equipment:
- Canoe
- (Piercing) paddle and spare paddle
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Water shovel
- if necessary, canoe trolley
- Waterproof transport bag (approx. 20 litres) or waterproof barrel
- Sturdy and waterproof footwear
- optionally sandals
- weatherproof and hard-wearing clothing in multiple layers
- If necessary, neoprene clothing
- Swimwear
- Strong ropes
- carabiner
- eventually throwing bag
- Seat pad
- Sun and rain protection
- Supplies and drinking water
- First aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Mobile phone
- Lake or river map
- Possibly camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, cooking equipment)
Canoe tours with the features of Outdooractive
The features of Outdooractive help you to make your canoe tour as easy as possible and to have everything in view. The map shows all the waters where you can go on your canoe trip. In addition, you can find out about the current weather right here.
Newcomers to the sport in particular like to fall back on tours that have already been done by others. On Outdooractive you can be inspired by the canoe tours of the community and the official partners and find the perfect tour for you.
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