Lake and river portages have different dynamics and support different craft. Either may be used as an entry or exit site, but the basic protocols are similar and intuitive for the normal, well-mannered boater. Heavily used portages can be hectic and confusing, so prepare yourself and your gear. Explain procedures to novices to ensure a smooth transition at a portage. Motorcraft in the area of a portage can be integrated into the process if rules are followed and reciprocated. Approach Organize all items that will be carried separately from the raft, canoe or kayak. If fishermen are working the waters,…
Browsing: Canoe
Many peoples throughout history have operated dugout boats similar to our modern canoe. In the islands of the Pacific, canoes were typically stabilized by an outrigger, a small offshoot to one side of the boat that aided in keeping the boat balanced. Making your own outrigger is a simple addition to any canoe. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Measure your canoe. With a typical load in it, measure the side of the canoe from the top of the side to the level of the water. This will be the finished height of your outrigger. Step 2 Cut…
Using an anchor can greatly expand the versatility of your boat. With an anchor in tow you can park overnight in areas without mooring or simply drop anchor to go for a swim. However, using an anchor requires a little more knowledge than simply lugging along a heavy chunk of metal. Most important is properly attaching your anchor to your craft. Otherwise, you’ll drift off while your anchor falls beneath the waves. The proper knot for attaching your anchor to a rope is absolutely essential. Instructions Step 1 Run your rope through the final loop in the anchor chain. You’ll…
Every now and then, wood and cane canoe seats need to be replaced. Maybe the cane was cut or torn on an outing, or perhaps the seats finally succumbed to the elements. You can buy cane canoe seats from almost any canoe and kayak shop, but many people choose to make their own. The cost savings is insignificant really, but there is a pride in such an accomplishment. Moreover, do-it-yourself seats can be customized with different types of wood or patterns of caning to make an original creation which fits your personal style. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Measuring tape…
Canoeing is an activity that many of us can’t get enough of. Your canoe can get you to your favorite fishing spot, a remote trail or through white water. Whether you canoe on open water or in rapids, you depend on your paddles to get you safely and effectively through the water. Making your own paddles will not only save you money, it will provide you with the right paddle for your own unique canoeing experience. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Band saw Hatchet Carving knife Eye protection Ash or cherry wood plank (2 inches by 6 inches) Pencil…
Canoeing is an activity that combines both the exhilarating and serene, and dedicated canoeists know that the heart of their sport is their boat. Each person has his own favorite of the dizzying array of types of canoes. But many true canoeists swear by the updated version of the classic: the cedar and canvas canoe. These crafts are also one of the favorites to make, and although it may take more than 300 hours to complete, you will have a true work of art along with a first class canoe. Assembling the Canoe Things You’ll Need: A canoe form (this…
If you live in a four-season climate you will find it difficult to canoe year-round. In order stay in shape during the colder months, there are a variety of off-season activities you should be sure to engage in. There are two different kinds of training you should keep up with: aerobic and anaerobic training (strength training/weight lifting). This article will review some ideas for both. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Aerobic Training Things You’ll Need: Free weights Cross-country ski equipment Gym membership or home gymFree weightsCross-country ski equipmentGym membership or home gym Step 1 Aerobic training is any form of activity that gets…
Summer is the perfect time for enjoying a canoe trip down your favorite river. But what do you do with your canoe when you’re not using it? Store it in the backyard shed? Not a good idea – natural elements like rain and snow can damage your canoe. The best way to store your canoe is by building a simple storage rack. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to build a rack that will safely store your canoe. Let’s get started! Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber Wood eye bolts Chain Adjustable chain links Drill and bit…
Canoes are lightweight, and they can be easily picked up by the wind and sent flying across the highway if they aren’t properly tied down. Tying down a canoe onto a jeep is easy with the right equipment. High-quality cam buckle tie-down straps (never skimp on the straps to hold your canoe) that are tied in four different spots with a rack is all you need. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Rack or canoe blocks (unless you have a soft-top jeep) Four cam buckle tie-down strapsRack or canoe blocks (unless you have a soft-top jeep)Four cam buckle tie-down straps…
Learning to handle a canoe is a lot like learning to swim. Once a child masters the skills needed, their confidence will carry them through many tricky situations. Canoes can be tricky, tippy vessels to those who don’t know what they’re doing. But to a knowledgeable, confident paddler it’s quite a different animal. Panic and uncertainty are more dangerous than any storm, high wave or whitewater rapid. If you plan on spending any time on the water with your kids, getting them comfortable in a boat is almost as important as learning to swim. Getting Started in Teaching Canoeing -…