The Most Popular Canoeing Disciplines

Canoeing is a versatile sport, using a variety of crafts according to a person's preference and suited to either calm or turbulent waters. Why not try canoeing for yourself? It's a very exciting sport!

Any of the canoeing disciplines that involve enjoying nature is a true joy for many people. And there are different ways of practicing this sport that we can try.

Lovers of aquatic sports can find canoeing disciplines a great way to have fun, stay in shape and even compete. Keep reading to learn about the main ways that you can enjoy this sport.

Although, for many people, it’s an activity that seems “over the top”, it’s not necessarily true. Actually, having a body of water, such as a lake, a river or the ocean nearby solves most of the requirements.

Of course, you’ll need a canoe or kayak and oars. Also, you’ll need safety equipment. For instance, you’ll need a helmet, a life jacket, and a neoprene suit. This can be rented at any nautical club that offers this sport.

Lastly, you’ll just need an expert guide. With a guide, you’ll enjoy the wonderful benefits that canoeing offers, no matter what the discipline. Most importantly, never go canoeing alone.

Why should we practice this sport?

In the first place, there are many advantages. This sport has many different disciplines that make it stand out. Namely, we can row solo, in pairs or even in groups.

On the other hand, we can also choose different types of equipment such as the following:

• Kayak: has the distinct characteristics of a seated athlete. For this type of craft, the person uses paddles. Depending on the number of crewmen, it’s classified as K1, K2, and K4.
• Canoe: different from the kayak, the crewmen are on their knees. Also, they use an oar with only one flat side. They can be C1, C2, C4, V1, and OC1.
• Neumatic boat: a type of craft used in rafting. For example, this is useful for stability in turbulent waters.
• Other types of crafts: the squirt is used in freestyle, dragon boat or para canoe. This last craft is for people with disabilities. These are some of the disciplines that use other types of crafts. In fact, these are actually different than conventional models.

In addition, falling into each one of these categories we find different qualities as well. The main variations are weight, durability, and hydrodynamics. This all depends on the type of sport we choose to practice.

Lastly, another reason to go out on the water is that it’s a great stress reliever. You’ll make new friends challenge the limits of your body and mind and you’ll be in contact with nature. Also, you can train with an instructor and compete in whatever discipline you like.

Canoeing: the most popular types

Now that we know a little more about this sport, it’s time to talk about the most popular types of canoeing in detail. Surely, one of these types will be of interest to you in the future!

Calm waters or rough waters: choose according to the difficulty in navigating

Basically, the difference between these two options depends on the turbulence of the water. In addition, it depends on the presence or lack of obstacles. This means that there could be falling stones or branches that get in the way and make navigating difficult.

Whether or not a person is professional or just canoeing for fun, it’s important to have a good technique to avoid tipping. Also important are the techniques for gaining speed, stability and avoiding injuries. However, in the Olympics, they use calm waters.

Rafting: canoeing with an adrenaline rush

Also known as white water rafting, this is another canoeing method. Crews of inflatable crafts navigate rough white waters circumventing all types of obstacles. Additionally, turbulent waters create a greater challenge. So adrenaline is guaranteed!

More alternatives to canoeing fun

Even though the above methods are more common, we can also mention other types of canoeing. For instance, the giant slalom takes a zigzag path and is the type that you see on television.

On the other hand, there is kayak polo which is a team sport. Athletes compete in pools or open waters and attempt to throw a ball in a goal cage. So it’s a combination of handball and water polo and is very demanding physically.

Lastly, we can also add the following alternatives:

• Kayak surfing: the objective is to ride the waves and perform pirouettes and acrobatics, but in a kayak and with an oar.
• Freestyle: this uses a special kraft that’s smaller and can submerge. It allows for acrobatics and spectacular jumps that are then scored.
• Marathon: includes long-distance races with stretches of between 1oo and 300 meters.
• Ocean kayaking: as its name says, this is performed in the ocean.
• Upstream: runs opposite to the current, similar to rafting.

In conclusion, canoeing is clearly a sport that offers variety for all tastes. Your preferences are important, but you also must keep in mind your ability to practice them. But always prioritize your safety when it comes to every aspect of canoeing!