Does anyone here go Open Canoeing? Is it boring as it seems to be the case?

Question

My partner wants me to go open canoeing with them , and to be honest it looks well boring, but that is his passion.

I am more of a thrill seeking type of person - mountaineering, climbing, that sort of thing which he won't try as he is scared of heights.

I have a feeling it will be boring, sedate...just rowing along on the water, and he doesn't seem to want to find a mutually appealing activity that we will both like - a compromise. I don't really consider a compromise to be me soley doing his activity , whilst he does not do mine. I am not too keen on water anyway.

So what is it really like..

Answer 1

Years ago me and a mate did the Devizes to London in an open canoe and it just about killed us both....long endurance or white water are i suppose about as exciting as it gets!!

But im like you and like a bit of excitment,....its dull dull dull....

Cant you just withdraw the conjugal rights until he comes around to your way of thinking ......

Answer 2

Open canoeing comes in many forms...a placid lake or a grade six descent! Whitewater open canoers are at the peak of thrill and skill boaters! The skill needed to master grade five rapids in an open canoe far exceeds that of a kayaker. A good open boater is also probably more comfortable than a kayaker. Boaters advance from kayaking to canoeing.

Answer 3

i really don't like lake canoeing but maybe ask if in you canoe trip you can incorporate some climbing or biking.

Answer 4

Canoeing on mellow rivers or lakes can actually be really fun. If you're an avid outdoors person, as it seems you are, you probably do some things  just for mere physical fitness to stay in shape for your activities, don't you?  

If the paddling you're about to go on is quiet water, consider it an extension of yoga.  There is really something meditative and introspective about paddling quiet water - from watching the swirls that form around the edge of the paddle blade as you draw it thru the water, to the cadence of a steady repetitive paddle stroke.  

Silently, slowly drifting up on wild animals that are completely unaware of your presence - you can really get close to migratory birds, deer, bear, etc., depending on where you're going.   You'll have time to see and absorb your surroundings completely, whereas in thrill sports, it's all about YOU in the MOMENT.  This is about you in the natural WORLD.  Different perspective.  

Also, paddling can allow you access to backcountry trails that you might not have been able to access as easily.  And, unlike backpacking, you can bring luxury items with you, like a cooler with non-dehydrated food, or cold drinks!  

Once you embark on this trip, you can use it as a bargaining chip for a trip that is more in step with YOUR favorite activities.  Or, you can plan a trip that incorporates Both your passions.  Better yet, use this as an opportunity to learn more about your partner.  Maybe you don't THINK you'll like it, but you should really try it before you formulate the opinion.  You might surprise yourself.  :)

Canoeing can take you to some beautiful places:

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/32832/...

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43235/...

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/3774/2...

Or you could just opt to work on your tan:  http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/552/11...