Canoeing with a woman

Mack

Mack

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While I was home, I traded for a 17ft Alumacraft canoe. My 15ft fiberglass one was stolen a few years ago and I've been patiently waiting to get another.
Two questions.
SWMBO has never been canoeing before. Any tips on getting her comfortable? She isn't a strong swimmer and is somewhat apprehensive.
Second, is there anything I need to know about caring for an aluminum canoe?
 
Good comfortable life jacket is a must. Get a nice pair of water shoes (Keen makes some great ones).

Other then that, a good padded cushion and some in the water time are all I can recommend. Start with a smaller river or a small calm lake on a nice not too sunny day. If it's sunny and you can't avoid it, a pair of polarized sunglasses will go a long way.
 
Josh K said:
Good comfortable life jacket is a must. Get a nice pair of water shoes (Keen makes some great ones).

Other then that, a good padded cushion and some in the water time are all I can recommend. Start with a smaller river or a small calm lake on a nice not too sunny day. If it's sunny and you can't avoid it, a pair of polarized sunglasses will go a long way.
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Great ideas. The river in front of the house has a good stretch of calm water that is where I will get her some water time. She has the polorized glasses and life jacket but I will have to get the cushions.:thumbup:
 
protourist said:
Great ideas. The river in front of the house has a good stretch of calm water that is where I will get her some water time. She has the polorized glasses and life jacket but I will have to get the cushions.:thumbup:
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Grab a dry bag and pack a nice lunch while you're at it. Nothing like eating while drifting on the water. :)
 
Give her some training on how to handle a canoe alone ! Various paddling methods and how to deal with an overturned canoe,righting and getting back in.
 
Since she is a rookie, I assume she will be sitting up front. If that's the case, I recommend some padding for her knees. I have been out with a bunch of first-timers, and one of the common unexpected experiences is bruising on the outside of the knees from bracing them against the inside of the hull. A bit of forewarning - and perhaps some improvised padding - can go a long way in this regard.

Other than that, I recommend letting her know that she can switch sides (ie. paddle on the left or right) whenever she feels like it.

Have a blast!

- Mike
 
Thanks for the tips!
She will appreciate it. If she is happy I will be happy.
 
Keep your cool. No matter how bad she may do, don't get frustrated with her. You want her to have as much fun and have an enjoyable experience. The more fun she has, the more likely she is to keep doing it.
 
From my experience, it might be helpful to show her right off the bat that the canoe's not nearly as "tippy" as she probably thinks it is.

It's pretty likely that, on her first time in one, she'll suspect that the slightest movement portends very imminent dunkage.

With my kids (and others), I've made a point of first telling them what I'm going to do, then rocking it nearly to the gunwales, and proving that it'll right itself easily - several times.

Just a thought that might help.

Pine
 
Get canoe seats with the backs.

Unless you know her well (and even if you do), just paddle yourself and avoid possible arguments.

Put the canoe in nose first ( with the stern on the bank) and let her sit in the front while its still somewhat stable.

Bag of wine (no glass on river), cheese and fruit. Wet naps (lots).

If you have room, beach towels/chair so she can catch some rays.

Have fun.

Dave
 
When the opportunity arises....and it will....DON'T shake the boat.

:o
 
If the suns out at all take sunscreen. Sunburned shoulders and thighs=:grumpy:
 
I would go out in shallow water and tip it over a few times on purpose. That way there will be no surprises when it happens accidentally.
 
udtjim said:
I would go out in shallow water and tip it over a few times on purpose. That way there will be no surprises when it happens accidentally.
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As logical as this is, it may be hazardous to my health and the health of my reproductive organs.:D
 
It is all but imposable to do much canoeing without tipping them over. I WOULD TELL HER THE PLAN then do it.
 
Fubarski's right on the money. Get her a canoe seat - Coleman used to make them, don't know if they still do. I use one because of a bad back and wouldn't want to be without one.

If there's some fast water or big swells, I get down on my knees but for normal paddling, a canoe seat's where it's at. :thumbup:

OR

PBA.jpg


there's always lawn chairs (where's Baldtaco II?) :D

My wife can't swim but she loves canoeing, although I should point out that her idea of canoeing is close to shore, for a feeling of safety, sitting in the bow seat with a beer in one hand and a pair of binoculars in the other (for critters, of course). I do all the paddling, not too fast, mind, spilled beer is no joke and critter watching is serious business.

We don't travel long distances, but she enjoys it and I get to share her enjoyment. :thumbup:

Doc
 
I'll do it. I'll tell her you said it was neccesary.
 
I'll add one of those croakies (?) straps for the sunglasses.
A must for prescription specs.

The two best bits of advice given to me by the old guy on my first canoe trip were:
No sudden moves.
Never try to kiss a girl in a canoe.
:D
 
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