Open Water Skills
Open Water Skills and Journeys
Using a simple paddle and canoe, explore the gentle waters of the UK. With a few easy to learn skills, view mountains, hills and wildlife from a different perspective. Birds soar above as you glide silently, paddling and sliding through the water as fish swim below. Journey to islands and tranquil shores, for picnics, peace and pleasure.
The foundations skills for all first-class open boaters are developed on open water.
It is often the case that paddlers who have only ever paddled on moving water struggle on large open waters when testing weather comes in. Therefore good foundations on open water build solid transferable skills to moving water.
Solo or Tandem open boats can be paddled and enjoyed on flat calm open water or propelled into the tempest of force 4 to 5 winds. In each case cooperation and communication are key along with a good understanding of how the boat responds to changing weather and wind. Coaching on boat trim and efficient paddle strokes is paramount.
Learn how to trim (weight) the boat for different types of conditions and pick up tactics on crossing large lochs and lakes in sometimes daunting situations. Develop different strokes to pull and turn you through the water with style and grace. Paddle silently allowing you to see wildlife and to be less intrusive.
These are the most important steps in a canoeist’s journey.
Experience: No previous experience necessary.
Journey Ratio: Max 1 to 8.
Skills Ratio: Max 1 to 6.