Watersports - Paddles

 

Paddling refers to the group of water sports that require a paddle to propel and steer a vessel through and across the water. Kayaking,  canoeing, rafting and standup paddle board are the most common water sports that need a  paddle.  Each active uses a different paddle. A canoe, as you well know, is a long and slender boat with raised seats that can be paddled by one or two people. Canoeing can be relaxing, or it can be more intense if you do whitewater or racing canoeing. There isn’t too much skill required, as the paddle simply has one blade, so canoeing is a popular sport for those new to water sports. Based on surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) involves using a paddle to propel a flat board. This activity originated in Hawai’i, which already has a long history of surfing, but it’s only become popular globally in more recent times. Stand-up paddle-boarding can come in many varieties, including yoga, fitness, touring, surfing, racing and even whitewater SUP. This activity is currently the fastest-growing water sport out there! This ancient activity uses a long and slender boat, but instead of raised seats like a canoe, kayakers sit on the floor of the craft with their legs out in front of them. Popular forms of kayaking include whitewater, recreational, lake, touring and sea kayaking. Many people who kayak wear a sort of watertight “spray skirt” that anchors them into the boat and prevents water from getting in.   Although some people may not consider whitewater rafting to be a paddle sport, paddles are used to guide the raft through the water, so it definitely counts! Whitewater rafting is joined by river rafting, which is a little more relaxed and not quite so intense. River rafting might be as simple as a day trip for a short ride or a very long excursion involving camping.