The Pleasures of Canoeing

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The Pleasures of Canoeing Looking for a lazy afternoon activity that takes place in the great outdoors? Why not try canoeing? Not only can you easily find a waterway to paddle in, it also requires only a few items of equipment. In addition, it will melt your stress away as you meander among the scenic waterways and take in the sights and sounds of nature’s wildlife. There are loads of places to take your canoe, but my personal favorite is a meandering river. Not only is it usually quiet and slow, it also offers the best opportunity to see nature at its best. As the river twists and bends, you may see some unusual birds, river otters, frogs and various water plants. If you are looking for a larger body of water to work out your upper extremities, a lake offers a second alternative. There are many breathtaking vacation spots which are on beautiful lakes. One word of caution however, large lakes are prone to white caps. If you are going to canoe on a lake, be sure to do your paddling in the early morning; before 10:00 or in early evening when the water is calm. In addition, if you are someone who enjoys the saltwater ocean, also an excellent source for canoeing, you will also need to be aware of the tides and waves. You don’t want your enjoyable experience turning into a capsize! The nice thing about canoeing is that there is very little equipment needed. Of course you will need a canoe, but if you cannot afford one, many rivers and lakes offer hourly or daily rentals for a modest fee. This way, if you are a novice to the sport, you can try it out first before you invest any money. In addition to a canoe, you will need a paddle which fits you correctly. The rule of thumb is to rest the tip of the blade (large round part) on the top of your shoe. The top of the handle should come up no higher than your nose. Any smaller and you will be working extra hard

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