Treewater
Wooden Canoes are in the Blood
I just went on a two night paddle down the French Broad River in NC. After six years of solo paddling this is my first paddle with a partner. I have observations and questions about choosing a partner. At first I thought the only issue was to find someone with the time and willingness to go. Not so I think. Consider this:
I. What is their experience level, at camping, at canoeing, kayaking, at rivers?
2. Do they want the same thing from the trip, i.e. a challenge or a restful time in nature or a combination?
3. Are you basically compatible in what may be tense or uncomfortable situations?
4. A double kayak seems to require more coordination that a canoe. In a canoe, you will not necessarily need to coordinate your strokes but in a kayak it is essential.
I went with my 35 y.o. daughter who is in good shape being a runner but had no experience in the kayak or river. She never turned and clobbered me with her paddle but that was only because she is a forgiving daughter.
What say you all out there?
I. What is their experience level, at camping, at canoeing, kayaking, at rivers?
2. Do they want the same thing from the trip, i.e. a challenge or a restful time in nature or a combination?
3. Are you basically compatible in what may be tense or uncomfortable situations?
4. A double kayak seems to require more coordination that a canoe. In a canoe, you will not necessarily need to coordinate your strokes but in a kayak it is essential.
I went with my 35 y.o. daughter who is in good shape being a runner but had no experience in the kayak or river. She never turned and clobbered me with her paddle but that was only because she is a forgiving daughter.
What say you all out there?