I am a complete nooby and could really use a bit of advice. I have a 16ft Apache, and I am struggling like hell to get in and out of it, without falling in. I am trying to use it on slow rivers and canals. I am a bit of a "fat bloke" so my centre of gravity is quite high.
I fell in today while trying to get in, and to be honest I am starting to loose confidence in myself. I have suffered with anxiety for years so I soon get stressed out if things are not going to plan.
I have booked on a BCU 1 Star course at the end of the month, but I would really like to crack this before then.
Thanks phil
Hi wattle I am slightly rotund my self
Getting in and out canal banks always prove tricky but the skill will come with practice. One of the boats a solo boat that's only 27" at the gunwhale, thats tricky still to this day.
If its a river or a lake and I can get in the water sort of just past ankle deep I hold both gunwhales and step in lowering quickly to a kneeling position.
River and canal banks prove rather tricky just ask Nige and Biff two to fall victim of late
I sit on the edge of the canal with my feet in the boat then move my outside foot to the furthest side of the canoe then position the other foot nearer the bank in the canoe and then shuffle to the edge of the canal taking the weight on the feet in the boat twist round take the weight breifly on the hands and swiftly fall into a kneeling position, all this happens in second once the technique is mastered.
In my normal boat I just step in and go.
A goo way to start maybe find some water just a few inch deep and practice getting in and out from the water when that's been mastered start improving your balance by learning to stand up in the canoe.
But don't let this little set back put you off i know its a cliché but it really is like learning to ride a bike.
If you can find a bollard or tie ring on the canal side tie a length of rope or a climbing sling around a thwart, pass it around the bollard and keep a tight hold this will steady the boat as you climb in.
Where about's in the country are you? If near here we can meet up for a paddle and a few pointers.
Very good point there about the rope round the thwart, The getting in and out technique is really difficult to put into word's, well it is by me.
Although it may not work on a solo canoe (disclaimer, just in case)
Hi Phil First a warm welcome to the forum, what Gav; and Lee have said is good advice, especially the rope holding the boat tight to the bank side, just my little tip DONT catch hold of the Gunwhales, use a thwart or yoke, and drop to your knees as quickly as possible, and as Lee has said where are you from once we know perhaps we/someone will help you, anyway DONT give up, if you suffer with stress you are entering a world of stress free enjoyment.
Happy Paddling Regards Bill.
Thanks everybody for your advice, I am hoping to get out tomorrow and have another go. I will stick with it until I have cracked it.
I am from Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire.
Thanks Phil ( hoping not to fall in to many times tomorrow).
(09-05-09 07:19 PM)Wattle Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks everybody for your advice, I am hoping to get out tomorrow and have another go. I will stick with it until I have cracked it.
I am from Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire.
Thanks Phil ( hoping not to fall in to many times tomorrow).
Phil we have a member in Lincolnshire (Out and About) with an apache who should be able to offer advice if he read this.
Stick at it lad
and have a good paddle tomorrow.
And Sabina in Scunthorpe, Windy just down the road and Heather, Stu, Andy and myself in Doncaster, so plenty of help around Phil.
There is also a canoe club in Scuthorpe, Glanford and District Canoe Club which have a growing canoe section.
I can see a Scunny paddle on the cards
Well thankyou all for your help, it perked me up when I was feeling down. I have been out to the river again today, and got in and out ok. Using a combination of holding the paddle across the gunwales and the bank, and also pegging a length of paracord to the bank and with the middle wrapped around the central yoke.
I even managed a 1 hour paddle which went fine, it felt a little tippy if I stopped paddling for a breather, but no problems except been dive bombed by a Canada Goose.
Thanks for all the help it is much appreciated.
Phil
PS. I am up for a local meet if there is any interest.
It's a pitty you missed us this weekend, youd've loved it....
BUT...it has proved that ye'r only a couple of hours drive away....
C'mon over, the water's fine.....
Cheers
Red.
(10-05-09 04:36 PM)Wattle Wrote: [ -> ]I even managed a 1 hour paddle which went fine, it felt a little tippy if I stopped paddling for a breather, but no problems except been dive bombed by a Canada Goose.
Brilliant, now you have mastered the getting in and out lark we will be expecting a Trip Tale.
Phil,
Glad to hear you got a paddle in, and what a credit to CWAV a great bunch of people willing to help other canoeist at the drop of a hat
dell
Hi Wattle
Where are you paddling round Scunthorpe?
Local river is usually very windy - Ancholme - wind funnels down it. Keadby canal the same. Mind you when Brandy wharf is up river I do intend to paddle up there on a nice sunny morning to get dinner and cider sometime.
Chesterfield canal is sheltered and brillant fun, yet only 20-25 minutes drive from us. Can practice in and out on solid canal side or banks further down without Open being blown all over.
I was only on the Chesterfield canal week Sunday - only 2 barges actually moving.
I am away on Friday in Scotland for a week but could meet up after that if you fancy it? What are you like for an evening paddle?
Sabina