It is best to agree on commands and hand signals before you even get in the water, with everyone knowing exactly what they need to do.

One person will naturally come to the fore as the leader and let them take charge, rather than find yourself in a situation when everyone is differing about.

As a rule, someone is at the bow or front of the boat, with another at the stern or back. You notice the bow seat is set a bit back and this is because the paddler here will require plenty of room for their legs. The down side of a lack of space is that the canoe will start to go backwards instead of forwards.

Whoever is paddling in the stern should take full responsibility for the direction in which you are going.

However you need to communicate with the guy at the front because he is the eyes of the operation. This is where well practiced hand signals come into play; it helps if everyone knows what they are doing.

Another factor of the person paddling at the back is to make sure that the boat stays stable. In basic terms if you paddle to your right it will take you left and consequently paddling left goes to the right.

Everyone should have the utmost trust in each other as once someone’s judgment is questioned everything will just go to pot.

As already mentioned the paddler at the front is the eyes and must be confident what they are doing and never falter. They should be always on the look out for danger in the form of logs, rocks and shallow water, making split second decisions based on what they see around them. All this must then be communicated to the paddler behind them.

The elements will be against you in terms of wind and other background noise so if necessary turn round to be heard easier. There are many incidents where with the two oars people must work very closely together, for example when maneuvering around an obstacle.

On top of everything else paddling against a strong wind is exhausting not to mention extremely exasperating. It is quite literally a battle against nature and quite often the fight will be lost.

The challenge of canoeing is what attracts people to the sport and once the basics are learnt there are plenty of more advanced techniques to master.

If you are interested in water sports, then you can go for canoe and kayak at the camping site.

Kayaking is almost like backpacking on an off compressed path, but this path is on water.

Canoeing is to explore the nature. These sports will help to keep you fit and healthy.

Only two of you can go for canoeing with your camping equipments while kayaking can allow more than two.

You can find canoeing and kayaking at different camping sites. Better choose the best and have wonderful holidays.

Canoeing and kayaking in New Zealand

New Zealand provides a variety of chances for canoeing and kayaking. You have several places to enjoy the water sports.

Waiheke Island:

You can get variety of kayaks at this place. You can get single and double kayaks. Kayaking is very safe at this place. You can also hire sea kayaks.

While kayaking, you are helped for pick and drop. You can hire kayak for half day or full day or more than one day.

Stewart Island:

Stewart Island is inhabited island. You can enjoy canoeing and kayaking at this place.

Doubtful sound:

Doubtful sound is a famous place for kayak. You can enjoy the nature and relax at this island. You can have the pleasure of kayak at this island. You can hire kayak and explore the entire island near by.

Canoeing kayaking in Himalayas

Himalayas in INDIA, offer you a wide range of camping sites. At these camping places, you can have the pleasure of beautiful campsites and to enjoy many adventurous sports. There are various places in Himalayas for canoeing and kayaking.

Uttaranchal canoe and kayak:

Uttaranchal in Himalayas is a perfect place for kayaking and canoeing. Select the camping place where you can have the opportunity to participate in both water sports.

Uttaranchal is place of beauty, peace and tranquility. This is an attractive tourist place. The famous places for kayaking at uttaranchal are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and Ramganga in Corbett national park.

Canoeing kayaking in Jammu and Kashmir:

The high altitude places are good for canoeing at Jammu and Kashmir. The famous tourist places like Tarsar, Kaunsarnag, Vishensar, Gangabal, Drass, Suru, and Indus are few interesting sites for canoeing and kayaking.

Jammu and Kashmir have provided canoeing kayaking tournaments also. This tournament is conducted in Srinager. If you are interested in tournaments, then you can participate in the water sports.

Along with canoe and kayak, you will enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Jammu and Kashmir. The mountains with snow are just fantastic to view and enjoy.

Tourists mostly visit all these places for adventurous hill sports. You will have pleasure of beautiful mountains and sceneries. You will have memorable canoeing and kayaking experiences at these campsites.

It is mainly the activity which involves padding a canoe for the recreation purpose, transportation and also as a sport. Canoeing is also called as float trip.

Canoeing in ponds, lakes and rivers is one of the most fun leisure activities which you can enjoy a lot with your family.

The main key for canoeing is to be well prepared. If you have the right equipment you will have a great time. So, you want to consider canoeing as one of the camping activities in your trip, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• The two most important things you need to bring for your camping trip include bug spray and sunscreen.
• Keep enough liquids in your hand so that you can enjoy the trip. Keep water bottles in your cooler when coming to the camp. Avoid bringing thick drinks like sugary drinks and juices.
• Seal everything that you want to bring to the camping trip in plastic bags.
• Don’t bring the foods that are very cold when you are trying for canoeing. For example, salads.
• Wear shoes that can be tied or regular water shoes.
• It is better to pack all the items in a waterproofing bag.
• Sit down low in the canoe. It is the most important thing to be considered.
• You should be very careful while getting in and out of the canoe.

There are many types of canoeing. The most popular types of recreational canoeing include:

Whitewater canoeing - This indicates to padding along White Water Rivers for enjoyment. This type involves different levels like long and short journeys and also great outings on raging white water.

Canoe camping – This is a combination of canoeing and camping.

Play boating – This indicates surfing while doing tricks.

Essential equipment to include in your camping checklist for canoeing:

This checklist is helpful for the trips which are lasting for two or more days.

• Canoe
• Paddles
• Signaling device
• Maps in waterproof case
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
• Pocket knife
• First aid kit
• Food
• Fire starter
• Canoeing clothing
• Drinking water
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Finally, canoeing is fun to enjoy. If you want to canoe in calm waters, there is no need to follow these tips. So, you can safely consider canoeing while camping.