Cornwall'98 Waterside Guide

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Canoeing in Cornwall

Canoeing - or to be more specific - kayaking - has many different faces in Cornwall: novices can find safety and security by joining a local Canoe Club - all of which are affiliated to the British Canoe Union (the Governing Body of the Sport), or by receiving tuition from a BCU approved centre.

Novice tuition is always given on flat water.

Having passed the novice stage some of the many diverse disciplines within the sport become open to the paddler:

- Touring - short day trips in general purpose kayaks, of around 4-5 miles ideally suited to Cornwall's South Coast, with its many inlets, beaches and spectacular views.

- Racing - in specialist kayaks - on flat water, usually estuaries (River Fowey) with local and National competitions.

- Surfing - from the more "gentle" South coast surf to the full-on force on Cornwall's North Coast - Sennen, Gwithian and Polzeath being the breaks favoured by local paddlers. Again competitions are held locally, with top Cornish Paddlers competing at National Level.

- Polo - using specialist boats in swimming pools - local inter club competitions.

- Sea kayaking - using modern versions of the Eskimo kayak - "advanced" sea trips - often up to 30 miles a day, overnight camping and night paddling. Journeys can be local, or anywhere in the Country (or abroad!).

- White water kayaking - restricted season - October to February - upper reaches of the River Fowey, Lynher and Tamar - only usable by organised groups with appropriately qualified leaders, written permission and limited numbers.

Kayaks can be purchased very cheaply on the second hand market, and many people buy them as an inexpensive way to get afloat - often specifically to go on holiday with. This is OK, providing some common sense is used and BCU Guidelines are used -

• 1. Ensure craft is suitable for your skill levels.
• 2. Ensure the craft is suitable for the type of paddling you hope to do - i.e. do not invest in a "specialist" boat for just pottering around.
• 3. Ideally - take someone with you when buying a boat, who is a BCU Coach and knows your capabilities - take his/her advice.
• 4. Get training - it will enable you to enjoy your new sport safely and with confidence.
• 5. Always wear a personal buoyancy.
• 6. Never paddle alone.
• 7. Keep your newly purchased kayak seaworthy and up to BCU specification.
• 8. Always tell someone where you are going and what time you will return - if you are late they should be prepared to alert the Coastguard.

Terminology:

A kayak is propelled using a double bladed paddle: KAYAKING

A canoe is propelled using a single bladed paddle: CANOEING (sometimes referred to as a Canadian Canoe).

Canoeing is becoming far more popular as it allows up to four people to paddle together in one craft and usually takes place on very sheltered waters. The BCU Guidelines for use of the "Open Canoe" is similar to those for Kayaking.

NB: Many people still use the word "Canoeing" in its generic form when talking about kayaks - kayaking - the latter is quite a mouthful - this is OK as long as one is aware of the true intention!

Further information on any aspect of the sport in Cornwall can be obtained from:

 

Colin Rule
British Canoe Union
Cornwall Coaching Panel
Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre
Castle Gotha
Porthpean
St Austell
PL26 5AZ
Tel: (01726) 72901

 

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