Basics About Wisconsin River Canoeing

By Kenneth Parker


Canoeing is the activity of paddling canoes, usually for sport or recreational purposes. The paddles used for propulsion are often bladed on one side. Kayaking and canoeing are often used interchangeably in many places in Europe. The nineteenth century is when the activity was established and the international association was created in 1924. State canoe associations from various countries including Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Denmark among others participated in the formation of the international association. Wisconsin river canoeing is among the most lucrative sports people engage in in the United States.

Historically, it is the people of America and Canada that used canoes in the past. In the Northern part of the American continent, the vessels were constructed using birchbark, while in the southern part, they were dug out of trees. Algonguins are known for being the master birchbark builders. The modern version of the boat began with the settlers of Ontario starting to make their own boats.

Canoeing is a lovely outdoor activity that provides excitement and a good experience to people without getting wet. It may take some time to learn the activity, but it is not a very difficult sport to master. People often become more perfect as they invent their own individualized skills with more practice. This article will present some basics about this sport that one should know about before venturing out.

First, canoes were invented by people from North America to be a lightweight vessel for freshwater journeys. The vessel is made open at the top and slender with both ends pointed. They come in different sizes to be able to carry one, two, three, or several people. The term bow is used to refer to the front side while the back is referred to as the stern. The body is called the hull and it is propelled using paddles.

Having a good understanding of the paddles is also important in this sport. Paddles are the ones used to propel the boat forward when they are plunged into the water. The main parts making up the paddle are the blade, shaft, grip, and throat. The paddler has to place their left hand on the grip when paddling on the left. The other hand holds the shaft.

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.

Certain laws are enforced in the United States regarding how water bodies can be used in the country. For example, it is required to exercise some level of safety when venturing into rivers and other waters in the US. To that end, life vests are very important for emergency situations when canoeing. The equipment should be fitted properly for it to work optimally.

Sprint canoe is the main competitive form of the sport. Others include ICF canoe marathon, playboating, canoe marathon, canoe polo, and whitewater canoeing. Canoes also come in a wide range, including the Hawaiian outrigger canoe, dugout canoes, and sailing canoe.




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