CANOEING

AND KAYAKING
GROUP 2
MEMBERS: JOEVAN
BORROMEO
ANGEL GONZALES TRISTAN ANDOY
LOVELLA BRAGA RYAN LAO
RYAN LAO MARC JAY LAPA
MARC JAY LAPA Marc tuyor
JOEVAN BORROMEO marc tuyor
TRISTAN ANDOY
ANGEL GONZALES
LOVELLA BRAGA
A great way to explore the rivers, lakes, canals and other
bodies of water is through the use of a boat. Canoeing and
kayaking are two floating crafts that may take anyone to places in
the water that are even difficult to access by any other means.
  What is the difference
between kayaks and canoes?
CANOE
• Wide open.
• A Canoer sits on a raised
sea or kneels on the bottom
of the boat.
• Uses a single-bladed paddle.
HISTORICALLY:
 Canoe is for transporting goods
and people.

KAYAK
• Has a covered deck.
• Kayakers extend legs and are
seated low or sometimes in the
deck.
• Uses double-bladed paddle.
HISTORICALLY:
 Kayak boat is for hunting marine life.
The word “cane” is originated from the carib word “kenu”
which means dugout. Canoes were originally made from large
trunks. The trunks were dried for months and then the middle
part was burned. After, the burned part was scraped away with
shells. The whole process took “one moon” or 28 days. The birch
tree was the better choice though because it was lightweight and
smooth and most importantly, it as resilient and contain
waterproofing qualities. The oldest Canoe is Pesse Canoe,
believed to be constructed between 8200 and 7600 B.C> was
found in Netherlands.
Kayaks or “qajak”, meaning “man’s boat” or hunters boat
originated from Inuit and Aleut tribes of Arctic North America.
Interestingly, the early kayaks were very individualized as each
kayak was crafted by the user, basing the measurements to the
frame of his body and not on any standard. Whale fats were used
to waterproof the boat. The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited
in North America Department of the State museum of Ethnolgy in
Munich.

 What are the basic parts of

the kayak and canoe?
Basic parts of a Canoe
THWART – crossbars
Basic parts of a Kayak reinforcing the canoe and
prevents sides from
YOKE – a beam in GUNWALE – acts as
BOW – front
the center of a structural support
canoe that canoe and it defines
to the rest on a SEAT – for
DECK – Top half FOOTBRACE –
person’s shoulder paddler at the
of the kayak. STERN – rear found inside
end.
HATCH – covering on COCKPIT – opening
HULL – bottom
the deck where food in the kayak’s deck
half of the kayak.
and gears can be where the paddler
Variations of each boat
CHARACTERISTICS DESCRIPTIONS
Length Longer boats are faster and move
straight line.
Shorter boats are easier to maneuver
and
comparatively lighter
and easier to handle.
Beam The wider the boat, the
more stable it is.
However a narrower
kayak or canoe maybe
faster but less stable.
A narrower kayak or
canoe is more suitable
for those who want to travel, since it has
speed.
A wider boat is suitable for fishing or
photography.
Bottom Shape 1. Flat – this design has good
stability in
calm waters.
2. Round – designed for speed and efficiency.
3. Vee – in between the flat and round bottom
designs, it comes with good all-around
performance.
Profile 1. Tumblehome design – sides of the
boat curve
inward as they com up, which makes the
beam
narrower on the deck.
2. Flared sides – the sides curve outward
(flares out) making the beam wider.
3. Straight sided – is a little bit of the
two.

 How should one choose a

paddle?
Paddles are the equipment used to maneuver the boat.
Single-bladed paddles are usually used for canoes and double-
bladed paddles are for kayak. They are placed in the water as one
moves the boat.
Choosing what kind of paddle depends on one’s physique, the
size of the boat, stroking preference.
 Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddles.
 If a person has a small build, then a shorter, lighter paddle is
best so as not to overexert oneself. As a general rule, the
shortest paddle that allows you to properly reach the water
is the best.
 Another way of measuring canoe paddle is while in standing
position. Put the paddle in vertical position. Hold the grip of
T-grip and see if it is in level with your nose.
 Wider blades give you more acceleration but must also deal
with more resistance.
 Narrower blades use less effort per stroke but require more
strokes.
 Curved blades increase power of each stroke.
  What activities can be done
when one uses the kayaks or
canoes?
There are varied activities where one can use the canoe or
kayak. It ranges from the more relax-paced activities like bird-
watching or fishing to the extremely challenging activities on the
white water rivers.
 Sea kayaking is done in open waters such as the ocean or
the lake. Kayaks may be a sit-on-top or decked design.
 Whitewater kayaking or canoeing is paddling down the
whitewater rivers.
 Flatwater recreation is a relaxing canoeing or kayaking
where you can take a gentle addle down a calm river, ocean
or lake to do some sightseeing.
 Sailing is where the kayak is typically fitted with a fin, rather
like a surfboard.
 Marathon racing is a lengthy race down a river using the
kayak or canoe.

 Aside from the boats and the

paddles, what other
equipment will one need?
Basic Equipment
• A personal flotation device (PFD), such as a life vest or
jacket, will help one to be afloat in case the boat capsizes.
• A helmet that protects the head especially when paddling in
rocky area.
• The appropriate clothing depending on the air and water
temperature. Wetsuits or nylon-coated jackets and pants are
recommended for cold water.
• A water bottle for rehydrating oneself.
• Extra clothes and energy food placed in dry or waterproof
bag.
 • Protective gears from the sun such as sunscreen or hats.
• Whistle for emergency.
• First aid kit and duct tape for emergency situations.
• Spray skirt (for kayaking).
Sea kayaking extra equipment:
• Waterproof torch that floats.
• Bilge pump and bailing device.
• Distress signal devices such as orange smoke sticks and red
flares.
• Compass
• Spare paddle

• How does one start the

canoeing and kayaking
adventure?
First, Learn How to Get In and Out of the Boats
The boat may rock and cause some tilting when
entering the boa. Therefore, balance is important when
entering the boat.
Getting in a kayak:
a. Entering from the dock
Make sure that paddle is within reach. First, hold the
back of the cockpit coaming and feet should be planted near
the centreline. Then, lift self, with the weight mainly
supported by hand and move bottom to the cockpit.

b. Getting from the shore

Put the paddle right behind the cockpit coaming and
the other end against a rock. Take a firm hold from the back
of the cockpit coaming with the paddle held between thumb,
while the other hand is keeping the paddle fixed on the rock.
Sit carefully, lift one foot inside the cockpit and sit in.
Remember to keep the balance.

Getting in a Canoe:
a. Entering from the shore (Tandem Canoe)
 Put paddle in the end of the boat. Slide part of the boat
in the water and then hold the boat so it will not float away.
The person who will be seated on the bow part enters the
boat first. Position self then settle. The second person then
carefully puts one foot in the center of canoe and pushes off
the shore with the other foot while keeping hands on both
sides of canoe. Then he/she lowers self into the seat.

b. Entering from the dock

When entering from the dock, the same is basically
done. However, it will be best to keep the boat parallel or
horizontal to the dock. Get in the boat one at a time, taking
turns in holding the boat steadily. Remember to always put
the paddle in the end of the canoe within reach. Reverse the
order in getting out.

Second, Learn the Correct Posture

In Canoeing
The first thing to do is to relax, this way the muscles
will not be too tight. While seated, lean just slightly forward
from the pelvis. The back should be straight without being
forced. Shoulder should be slightly ahead of hips, head or
neck. The legs should be slightly bent, just enough so that
you cannot push legs straight without moving on the seat.
Too much leaning forward restricts lung capacity.

In Kayaking
Good posture is key if one wants to use the body
efficiently. Do not lean on the backrest but just sit straight
and relax the shoulder, opening the chest for ease I
breathing. Keep legs together and feet against the footpegs.
Adjust footpegs making sure that the knees can bend slightly
and spread and press against the kayak for extra balance if
necessary. Keeping legs together allows better torso rotation
and more efficient paddling.

Third, Learn the Proper way of holding the Paddle

In Canoeing
Holding the paddle incorrectly causes loss of power
during forward stroke and puts the paddler’s body in an
awkward position. The bottom hand holds the shaft of the
paddle in about an arm’s length down from the other hand.
The bottom hand, which holds the cane paddle, generates
the most power while the upper arm and grip create the
balance and the accuracy of the stroke.

In Kayaking
The recommended grip is usually the distance between
the two elbows. Hold the paddle above and center over the
head. Adjust your hands so that your elbows are at right
angle. Your left hand should grasp the paddle shaft loosely.
This is to allow the right hand to twist the paddle to desired
angles for turning, bracing, or rolling. Do not hold paddle too
tight; it will tire the hands quickly.

Fourth, Let us learn the Basics of Making the boat

Move Forward
There are many strokes in paddling, this discussion will
focus on one stroke which is the forward stroke.

In Canoeing
Paddling forward is the most basic and important stroke
as this will bring you to places.
1. Catch – this is the start of the stroke where the blade
enters the water. The top arm in figure, it should be at the
level of the shoulder bent slightly and not in front of the face
or chest. The position should also be over the water on the
paddling side, not over the canoe.

2. Power Phase – a strong stroke is what actually move the

boat forward. The blade should be completely immersed at
right angles to the direction of travel. This is what they call
“squaring the blade”. If the angle is wrong, the blade will
slide sideways. Remember, the paddler is moving the boat
 and not the water. Think as if the blade is being fixed in the
water and the paddler pulls the boat past it.
3. Exit and Recovery – at exit, the blade moves out of the
water to the side. The top hand is still high and the bottom
elbow is bent to lift h blade. Take the blade forward for the
next stroke.

In kayaking
The torso and legs will do most of the work. The
shoulder and arms will be used to transfer power.
To start paddling, make sure that the front part or
power face of the blade is facing front. Place the blade in the
water, close to the feet and to kayak’s waterline. The lower
arm should be bent, such that the upper wrist comes a bit
closer paddler’s eyes. Press the stroke-side foot firmly
against the footpeg. Sink the blade into the water. Using the
muscles of the torso, get more power at the beginning of the
stroke where the paddler has just entered the water. Then,
lessen power at the end.
Keep the arm relaxed and hold the paddle loosely so
muscles can rest. Keep the upper hand at about an eye level
and allow it to move across the body and to keep the paddle
vertical. After the stroke, move the blade out of the water
and prepare for the next stroke.

Wind Sea State &

Length of
Level (knot= one nautical Waves
Open-Water
Mile (1.852 kms)/
Crossing
Novice Calm Wind Calm to rippled Travel along shore with
Conditions (less than 8 knots) many easy landing
(Minimal Risk) areas.
Beginner Light winds (0-11 Calm to light chop Short open crossing
Conditions knots) less than 1.5 nautical
(Low Risk) miles; many easy
landing areas.
Intermediate Moderate winds (12- Moderate with wind Open water crossings
Conditions 19 knots) waves near 0.5 less than 5 nmi;
(Moderate Risk) meters intermittent landing
areas.
Advance Strong winds (near 20 Rough sea state, Open water crossings
Conditions knots) wind aves near 1 greater than 5 nmi with
(Considerable meter, and tide rips infrequent landing
Risk) greaer than 2 knots areas and some with
difficult landing sites.
hour)

The river rapids have a different scale of difficulty. The rivers are rated
according to the technical difficulty and the skill level required to traverse
the river.
International Scale of River Difficulty
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

 Moderate to fast-moving water

Class I Rapids:  Waves and riffles are small
Easy  Passages clear o few but obvious obstructions
 Little maneuvering is needed
 Minimal risk to swimmers
 Rescue is easy
 Easy rapids
Class II Rapids:  Wide channels with some obstacles but are easily
Novice missed
 Medium-sized waves
 Sometimes maneuvering may be required
 Rarely swimmers are injured
 Rescue is easy
Class III:  Moderate rapids, strong current
Intermediate  Waves are bigger and may swamp an open canoe
but it comes irregularly
 Obstacles require complex maneuvers
 Narrow passages are generally straightforward
  Scouting is recommended
 Self-rescue is still manageable but group help
may be needed
 Big splashes

Class IV:  Long, powerful, and strong rapids

Advanced  Precise maneuvering skills
 Scouting is necessary
 Self-rescue is difficult
 Long, obstructed and very violent rapids
Class V: Expert  Massive waves often
 Requires high level of maneuvering skills
 Scouting is mandatory but difficult
Class VI:  Almost never been attempted
Extreme and  Extremely difficult, unpredictable and a ize
Exploratory hazard
 Rescue may be close to impossible
Rapids

• What are the health-related

benefits of paddling?
Paddling will work out the muscles and the heart and
thus will improve one’s aerobic fitness, strength and
flexibility. Specific health benefits include:
 Improved cardiovascular fitness
 Stronger muscles and muscular endurance
 Development of the torso and leg strength to power a
canoe or kayak.
 • What are the important things we
should always remember to be safe
in kayaking or canoeing?
K now first your skills in swimming and canoeing or kayaking
A void paddling alone, paddling far from coastline, or paddling in
routes of ships.
Y ield to safety and know where to go in case of emergency.
A lways wear personal flotation device.
K eep hydrated as you will be under the sun.
C heck weather conditions.
A lways plan ahead.
N ever forget to put your things in waterproof bags.
O rientations given by facilitators or leaders are important.
E quipment should be tried and always checked.