How do I find someone to teach me safe use of a canoe?

Question

I live in the midwest and not exactly in an area known for it's canoe-ing, tho I have done lots of research via arial maps and visits to local rivers and lakes and I know there is a LOT of potential to get out on the water in my area. I'm buying a canoe, but I definitly want someone who knows what they're doing to teach me how to use it safely. What should I do? I've already checked with the local parks and rec and they don't offer anything about canoe-ing although I have signed up for CPR classes.

Answer 1

Contact the American Canoe Association. Find a local club. There are many canoe clubs and groups just looking for you. Search, canoe instruction. Try, the Nantahala Outdoor Center. They will teach you more in a day than you can learn in a month by yourself or with an unqualified instructor. Your local canoe dealer should be able to help you.

Answer 2

Places that sell canoes often offer instruction. State and county parks sometimes offer courses. Camps do coursework on weekends for different groups. red Cross sometimes gives classes. They do swimming and sailing classes.

Answer 3

There are places in the midwest to rent canoes.  go to one of those places and talk with the staff.  If you rent a canoe for the day, I'm sure they'd be happy to show you safe operation of the vessel.

Answer 4

Hi,

There are some great ways to learn canoeing - here are some options:

1. American Canoe Association has a lot of resources for you.  You can find an instructor, find regional clubs nearby, and read up on safety.   http://www.americancanoe.org/index.lasso

2. Look for a paddling school in your area: http://www.paddling.net/schools/3.html

3. Find a paddling shop (a dedicated one) near you (many of them offer instruction):

http://www.paddling.net/dealers/

4. Hook up with other experienced paddlers who can help you.    Search google for paddling clubs and your state, and see if you can find people in your area that you can go with.

http://www.allaboutrivers.com/boater_lin...

5. Go to the "Getting together & Going Paddling" message board at Paddling.net - put your state in the subject line, and "looking for paddling partners".   It may take a couple weeks to get responses.  

http://www.paddling.net/message/showTopi...

Good luck, and have fun!