Basics About Wisconsin River Canoeing

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By Kenneth Parker


Canoeing is an activity that involves paddling canoes using a paddle that is bladed only on one side. The activity can be used as a sport or for recreation. In parts of Europe, the name is used for both canoeing and kayaking. The establishment of the activity occurred in the 19th century with many formation of the international association happening in 1924. State canoe associations from Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Sweden among other countries came together to form the international association. Wisconsin river canoeing is one of the most lucrative activities to participate 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.

Canoeing is an outdoor activity that many people find exciting and they often engage in it very often. For beginners, the sport may be a little hard to learn, but those who are determined to learn it do so very fast. More practice allows for development of personal skills that differentiate paddlers. The basics presented in this article are worth knowing by anybody interested in this activity.

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.

It is also necessary to understand paddles. Paddles propel the vessel forward by being plunged backwards. Paddles are made of four main parts, that is, the blade, throat, shaft, and grip. The paddler places there top hand on the grip. When paddling on the left, it is the left hand that is placed on the grip. The shaft is the middle part, which is gripped by the other hand.

The part that connects the blade to the shaft is referred to as the throat. Finally, all paddles have one end made broad and flat for paddling. This end is the one called the blade and it is broad so that it can plunge into water and push the vessel forward. Blades that are too large are strenuous to use, but they are good for fast motion.

The United States enforces certain laws toward the use of its water bodies. For instance, there are specific laws that require people venturing into water bodies like rivers to wear life vests. Well fitted life vests are very handy in times of emergency. Life vests are of many different models that users can choose 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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