Canoeing

Canoeing is the recreational or sporting activity of paddling a canoe or kayak. It usually refers exclusively to using a paddle to propel a canoe or kayak with only human muscle power. A kayak is a closed-top boat and is propelled using a paddle with two blades, whereas canoes are open-topped boats (sometimes with a removable spray skirt) propelled using single- or double-bladed paddles. Confusingly, canoeing is used as a generic term for both forms, though the term "paddle sports" is also used. Open canoes may be 'poled' (punted), sailed, 'lined and tracked' (using ropes)or even 'gunnel-bobbed'.

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In modern canoe sport, both canoes and kayaks may be closed-decked. Other than by the minimum competition specifications (typically length and width (beam))and seating arrangement it is difficult to differentiate most competition canoes from the equivalent competition kayaks. The most common difference is that competition kayaks are always seated, and competition canoes are generally kneeling. Exceptions include Canoe Marathon (in both European and American competitive forms) and sprint (high kneeling position). Whilst traditional 'canadian' canoes are seated, whitewater rodeo and surf variants increasingly employ the use of 'saddles' to give greater boat control under extreme conditions.

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'Sit on tops' are sealed-hull (unsinkable)craft which were developed in the past for low level leisure use, as derivatives from surfboards (eg paddle or wave skis), or for surf conditions. Variants include planing surf craft, touring kayaks, and sea marathon kayaks. Increasingly manufacturers are building leisure 'sit on top' variants of extreme sports craft, often supplanted with a skeg (fixed rudder) for directional stability. Other variants within the sport include inflatable kayaks and canoes(air boats) capable of extreme conditions.

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Sport: A sport consists of a physical activity or skill carried out with a recreational purpose: for competition, for self-enjoyment, to attain excellence, for the development of a skill, or some combination of these. A sport has physical activity, side by side competition, and a scoring system. The differ...

Paddling: For activities involving paddles, see canoeing.For the recreational activity involving shallow water, see paddling pool.For corporal punishment using a paddle, see Paddle (spanking)...

Canoe: A canoe is a relatively small boat, typically human-powered, but also commonly sailed. Canoes are pointed at both ends and usually open on top....

Canoeing related Images and Photos (experimental)

Canoeing on Still Water of Yoho National Parks Emerald Lake

Olympics London 2012 Canoeing Coin