Hi all
Well after 20 years of no canoeing I finally got back on to the water today.
A friend has an old Grumman aluminium canoe, about 12ft( I think) long, which I borrowed and took my daughter out for her first canoe trip. My previous canoeing was K2 marathon and sprint so this was very different.
We travelled about three miles on the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation from Paper mill lock.
My first impressions were that the canadian style canoe it a lot of fun and once floating very stable, getting in from a high bank a tad interesting.
I was surprised at how much effect the wind had, moving the canoe around a lot, I do not remember my K2 doing that (could be poor memory). I did feel "perched on" rather than "sat in" but I guess that should be expected.
I had a bit of an issue steering the canoe and did hanker for a double blade a occaisionally, we did overtake a lot of hire canoes who were going from one bank to the other bank and so on, so we were not doing too bad.
The water was quite clear and we saw a lot of small fish, we also saw ducks, swans and a cormorant.
All in all we had a great time and a really want a canoe of my own.
I do have some comments and questions for the experts here.
My god the canoe is heavy!!!!
Thinking back to my K2 days, we used to run portages but I had trouble moving this canoe on my own (my skinny daughter lacks muscle)
I do need a canadian style of canoe, having had a heart attack a while ago I think it would be safer if I had another on the water to be in a Canadian, I would not want to try it in a kayak.
On the same subject I suppose I should also wear a BA when I can afford one.
The canoe really needs soft seats... very numb bum.
What do you do with you valuables, keys, phones etc when paddling?
How do aluminium canoes compare with wood or plastic canoes?
Mark
Excellent Mark, lovely mini TT, really glad you've managed a paddle.
(24-05-09 08:55 PM)baggy Wrote: [ -> ]Hi all
Well after 20 years of no canoeing I finally got back on to the water today.
A friend has an old Grumman aluminium canoe, about 12ft( I think) long, which I borrowed and took my daughter out for her first canoe trip. My previous canoeing was K2 marathon and sprint so this was very different.
We travelled about three miles on the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation from Paper mill lock.
My first impressions were that the canadian style canoe it a lot of fun and once floating very stable, getting in from a high bank a tad interesting.
I was surprised at how much effect the wind had, moving the canoe around a lot, I do not remember my K2 doing that (could be poor memory). I did feel "perched on" rather than "sat in" but I guess that should be expected.
I had a bit of an issue steering the canoe and did hanker for a double blade a occaisionally, we did overtake a lot of hire canoes who were going from one bank to the other bank and so on, so we were not doing too bad.
The water was quite clear and we saw a lot of small fish, we also saw ducks, swans and a cormorant.
All in all we had a great time and a really want a canoe of my own.
I do have some comments and questions for the experts here.
My god the canoe is heavy!!!!
Thinking back to my K2 days, we used to run portages but I had trouble moving this canoe on my own (my skinny daughter lacks muscle)
I do need a canadian style of canoe, having had a heart attack a while ago I think it would be safer if I had another on the water to be in a Canadian, I would not want to try it in a kayak.
On the same subject I suppose I should also wear a BA when I can afford one.
The canoe really needs soft seats... very numb bum.
What do you do with you valuables, keys, phones etc when paddling?
How do aluminium canoes compare with wood or plastic canoes?
Mark
I maybe up on the chelmer in the next few weeks around the 20th of June may be we could meet up for a open canoe chat.
(25-05-09 02:32 PM)ukbushman Wrote: [ -> ]I maybe up on the chelmer in the next few weeks around the 20th of June may be we could meet up for a open canoe chat.
That would be great, I cold meet you at Papermill lock, tearoom, parking and toilet or do you prefer anywhere else?
Saturdays I have to drop my daughter at work at 2pm and collect again at 6pm otherwise my Saturdays are free. The rest of the week I am flexible.
Mark
(25-05-09 02:44 PM)baggy Wrote: [ -> ] (25-05-09 02:32 PM)ukbushman Wrote: [ -> ]I maybe up on the chelmer in the next few weeks around the 20th of June may be we could meet up for a open canoe chat.
That would be great, I cold meet you at Papermill lock, tearoom, parking and toilet or do you prefer anywhere else?
Saturdays I have to drop my daughter at work at 2pm and collect again at 6pm otherwise my Saturdays are free. The rest of the week I am flexible.
Mark
paper mills is fine by me, saturdays morning is fine to, I'll proberly launch below the bridge & paddle up to the lock & tearoom from there.
Hi Mark, good to see you getting out, and enjoying it. I guess this will be the first of many trips for you. Congratulations on taking the first step of a pleasurable and rewarding journey.
(24-05-09 08:55 PM)baggy Wrote: [ -> ]My god the canoe is heavy!!!!
Thinking back to my K2 days, we used to run portages but I had trouble moving this canoe on my own (my skinny daughter lacks muscle)
There are quite a few different materials used in canoe manufacture. from plastic to carbon and kevlar. Probably the most readily available 'light weight' material is Royalex. Indeed some of the smaller plastic canoes are reasonably light to carry such as the Old Town Discovery 119.
(24-05-09 08:55 PM)baggy Wrote: [ -> ]On the same subject I suppose I should also wear a BA when I can afford one.
Despite what some people say, It is advisable to wear a BA. I always wear one, as do the majority of people I paddle with. It's ok to proclaim to be a strong swimmer but if you get caught on an obstacle under the water or trapped against something it helps keep you afloat. It also makes it easier for people to rescue you should you encounter difficulties... the list of reasons goes on.... That said we are all able to make up our own minds.
(24-05-09 08:55 PM)baggy Wrote: [ -> ]What do you do with you valuables, keys, phones etc when paddling?
How do aluminium canoes compare with wood or plastic canoes?
A small dry bag is a good investment, they are relatively cheap and worth their weight in gold. It's also a good idea to keep a spare set of clothing in a dry bag, just in case.
Ahh so nice to see another rediscover the peace and joy of canoeing
Allow me to recommend most highly, a kevlar canoe to allow for easier light weight management. If you do not see yourself wanting to do insane white water trips but would rather like to enjoy peaceful, stress relieving floats, as well as the ability to carry enough gear for an overnighter, then a kevlar craft is the way to go.
At about 50lbs for a 17' 6" canoe, and less for a smaller canoe, kevlar's are easy to manage on and off the car and require very little strength to paddle.
As recommended above, one good sized 55 liter dry bag should cover all your water protection needs. When only carrying a couple of items, it compresses down nice and small. On the other hand when taking out a friend or your daughter, and wanting to have a fresh change of clothes for both just in case.. it has to the capacity to accommodate that too.
Good luck and good on you for rediscovering a love that should never have been lost in the first place.
Hiya
(25-05-09 06:29 PM)LAS247 Wrote: [ -> ]Hi Mark, good to see you getting out, and enjoying it. I guess this will be the first of many trips for you. Congratulations on taking the first step of a pleasurable and rewarding journey.
Thanks, I do plan to get out again, relying on the generosity of the canoes owner.
Quote:There are quite a few different materials used in canoe manufacture. from plastic to carbon and kevlar. Probably the most readily available 'light weight' material is Royalex. Indeed some of the smaller plastic canoes are reasonably light to carry such as the Old Town Discovery 119.
I have the 119 and the Pack in my sights. I like Kevlar but it is a bit pricey
Quote:Despite what some people say, It is advisable to wear a BA. I always wear one, as do the majority of people I paddle with. It's ok to proclaim to be a strong swimmer but if you get caught on an obstacle under the water or trapped against something it helps keep you afloat. It also makes it easier for people to rescue you should you encounter difficulties... the list of reasons goes on.... That said we are all able to make up our own minds.
I can see that this is a subject that attracts strong opinions, for me having had my heart stop once, I will wear a BA incase it stops when I am on the water. No brainer really.
Quote:A small dry bag is a good investment, they are relatively cheap and worth their weight in gold. It's also a good idea to keep a spare set of clothing in a dry bag, just in case.
My daughter has offered to buy me a dry bag for fathers day, any recommendations for the best makes?
Best wishes
Mark
Hiya
(25-05-09 10:32 PM)Monster Wrote: [ -> ]Ahh so nice to see another rediscover the peace and joy of canoeing
It is a mixed pleasure, I currently have the time to canoe, and a great local location the problem will be funding my new (rediscovered) activity.
But it was great getting back on the water.
(25-05-09 10:32 PM)Monster Wrote: [ -> ]Allow me to recommend most highly, a kevlar canoe to allow for easier light weight management. If you do not see yourself wanting to do insane white water trips but would rather like to enjoy peaceful, stress relieving floats, as well as the ability to carry enough gear for an overnighter, then a kevlar craft is the way to go.
Kevlar sound perfect for my needs, peace and stress busting is what I am after not rushing for me :-)
(25-05-09 10:32 PM)Monster Wrote: [ -> ]As recommended above, one good sized 55 liter dry bag should cover all your water protection needs. When only carrying a couple of items, it compresses down nice and small. On the other hand when taking out a friend or your daughter, and wanting to have a fresh change of clothes for both just in case.. it has to the capacity to accommodate that too.
That all makes sense, a bigger bag it will be.
(25-05-09 10:32 PM)Monster Wrote: [ -> ]Good luck and good on you for rediscovering a love that should never have been lost in the first place.
Thank you, you are right I am not sure how I managed to drift away from it... well I suppose starting a business and a family at the same time had something to do with it.
best wishes
Mark
Excellent write up.
Thanks for sharing
Nice write up Mark.
With regards to a comfy seat, the one in my Disco is great. I had to tandem with Gav (Retro) on Monday and after 10 mins in his canoe I was in agony.
Hiya
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]As for the wind all canoes are affected by this "enemy" but you will learn to use it to your advantage, the basic rule is going into the wind make the bow heavy than the stern by moving yourself or kit and going with the wind stern heavy, this is called trim, as you get better you worry less and less about trim as your technique improves.
As for seating position "sat on" try perching your bum on the edge of the seat and kneeling on an old bit of sleep mat or something of that nature it will be a little uncomfortable at first but gets better over time. 
Very useful, thank you. I do have some old camping sleeping mats so I will take a knife to one and make some seat/kneeling pads. It does seem canoeing is more complicated than racing my old Kayak.
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]but when your in the position to get your own canoe, post up your options on the forum and we can help you decide by weighing up the pros and cons of each model
I have to admit to browsing the vanoe shop website, but I will ask in here when the time comes.
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]I take it the Grunman had a pressed ali seat's 
the wood and web seats you get in most canoes are very comfortable, changing position helps, the seat with the back rest in Mrs R's Disco 119 is very comfortable and just the thing for pottering along, although it is not to everyone's taste.
I do like the look of the disco 119, yes the seats were ali. In fairness we were on them a long time. Pottering alone is high on my list of things to do.
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]A dry bag as has been pointed out the 50- 60 l bracket is a good all round size these guys offer cheap but good quality bags a lot of forum members use.
I have bookmarked the lomo site, lots of goodies there.
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]Its down to personal choice the Grunmans have a cult following, but a lot of people don't like them due to the fact there warm in the summer,cold in the winter and rather noisy.
Much as I enjoyed the paddle the grumman would not be on my shopping list. It felt.... industrial.
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]In the UK most canoes are Plastic or Royalex (vinyl foam sandwich) its mainly down to cost as most of the canoes in the UK, have to come from the US and Canada so this add a lot to the price.
Monster mentioned Kevlar canoes, from the mainstream manufactures, these come in at double the price of a Royalex canoe costing at least £2000 and considerably more
I would so love a sleek We-no-nah in carbon composite but I will have to win the lottery first
I did race a kevlar K2, I'm not rich, the RAF paid for it. Royalex is new to me. I do really like the look of wooden canoes though.
(27-05-09 05:21 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]I think I deleted your quote on Buoyancy aids, 
I would get one talk to Graeame at Yorkshire canoes a member on here he can offer sound advice, they don't have to cost the earth and you can pick up a good starter one that will do the job for around £20. In my eyes there an essential bit of kit and even if your a confident swimmer they add another level of security to aid you with recovering your canoe and gear. Rather than just trying to stay afloat.
Anyway great to read about your exploits hope your back on the water soon glad to see you and UKB have arranged a meet up don't forget the camera lads.
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I do agree that a BA should be a the top of my shopping list and I will PM Graeme tomorrow. I would not claim to be a strong swimmer.
I am aware how quickly things can go wrong when we least expect it.
Yes, UKB has kindly offered to have a meet and chat.
Thank you for taking the time typing such a full and useful post.
Best wishes
Mark