Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Canoeing and Watersports => Topic started by: Scribble on January 15, 2015

Title: paddling exercise
Post by: Scribble on January 15, 2015
Hi,

I have been bought a trip for the the big 40, i will be paddling from Fort William to Inverness over five days in a Canadian canoe. Each night we will be wild camping along the trail. this I am super stoked about and can not wait, I will be doing this in August so have a few months to get ready,

I only have a kayak up in Donegal so  wont get too much paddling done before , I was hoping someone can can give advice on exercises that I can do that will help my body get prepared for all the paddling ahead of me. I think maybe joining a group that paddles all year round would help so any advice is well appreciated. any advice also about Scotland that time of year would also help as i know I will be eaten alive by the midges,

cheers

andy
Title: Re: paddling exercise
Post by: phil_b on January 15, 2015
That sounds like a great trip, would love to do something like that. No advice though except bring a camera!
Title: Re: paddling exercise
Post by: Scribble on January 15, 2015
That sounds like a great trip, would love to do something like that. No advice though except bring a camera!
well be bringing a camera for sure,

the guys are running another trip in September

http://www.wildwaybushcraft.co.uk/product/canoe-bushcraft-expedition/





Title: Re: paddling exercise
Post by: RedLeader on January 16, 2015
This looks brilliant, I'm dead jealous. Have you paddled a Canadian before? You can do the turn up and paddle courses at Shaws Bridge with Mobile Team Adventure, they have Canadians as well as Kayaks and you could get plenty of practice. It's loads of fun too.

The one thing I found more than anything else was Canadians tend to be paddled from a kneeling position in the rear. The stress on the upper foot / lower shins was unbearable for me, apparently enthusiasts sit like that at home in front of the telly to get used to it.

This is the kneeling position (although this chap is demoing a kneeling seat but without the seat the principle is the same)
(https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5775311021_8293ebfe95_z.jpg)

Also, Bill Mason (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mason) is the undisputed king of both canoeing documentaries and popularizing Canadian Canoeing. All his books and DVDs are awesome and you can learn a lot before even getting into a canoe. The Path of the Paddle is especially good, you can see an excerpt here : https://www.nfb.ca/film/path_of_the_paddle_solo_basic/. I could locate a copy if you wanted :)

If you do end up wanting to do some of the canoe hire type things in Northern Ireland as a taster and want a bit of company, let me know. Selling the Canadian was the worst mistake I ever made, Canadian canoeing was one the most fun outdoor things I ever did!

The chaps over a songofthepaddle (http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/) would be full of advice.

Give me a shout if you want any info.
Title: Re: paddling exercise
Post by: Scribble on January 16, 2015
Hi J,

Thanks for all the info, I have my homework to do over the weekend now,

I have never paddled a Canadian so I have no idea what to expect but really liking the idea of hiring one and having a go. I would appreciate it if you would come along as the company and I could pick your brains for pointers and have a bit fun on the water. I will drop you a pm later on (work calling now)



if you do locate a copy of the video could you throw my way please.

thanks

andy
Title: Re: paddling exercise
Post by: RedLeader on January 16, 2015
No probs at all. I'd welcome any chance to get a bit of canoeing in!
Title: Re: paddling exercise
Post by: mrdosu on January 19, 2015
Just fyi: If anyone is visiting Hamburg (germany) I will show you the city by canoe :D