Canoeing

What is Canoeing ?

Canoeing or kayaking is the sport of manoeuvring a canoe/ kayak across a river which may be placid or churning. Just be sure that you know swimming and are in good shape before you set out on a kayaking holiday. The canoe is a long, narrow watercraft with sharp ends, while a kayak is an Eskimo canoe with a skin cover on a light framework. Designed to cut through water, canoes and kayaks have tapering ends, which also makes them easy to manoeuvre. Canoes can fit in two persons, while kayaks can take one or two, depending on size.

Where to go ?

The major kayaking and canoeing hot spots in India are on River Ganga in Rishikesh & Shivpuri in Uttaranchal, and on River Kali in Dandeli in Karnataka. The lower reaches of rivers such as Alaknanda and Bhagirathi in Uttar Pradesh are the sport’s emerging destinations.

What you need to know ?

Canoeing and kayaking can be pursued on rivers and in the backwaters. There is sea kayaking too, an adventure sport that is growing in popularity.

Most professional operators have the experience, expertise and necessary certifications from appropriate agencies like the Indian Association of Professional Rafting Outfitters (IAPRO) and the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Their guides are trained in first-aid, the routes are well-mapped and travelled, and the equipment is usually imported. Training is given to the participants before embarking on the expedition, which could be single or multi-day.

The activity is largely river-specific. Except during the monsoons, canoeing and kayaking can be carried out almost throughout the year. Operators have packages ranging from those that last a single-day to 18-day expeditions. In south India, the stays offered by Jungle Lodges are very popular.

What you must carry ?

The equipment is provided by the operator and the rental is usually part of the overall cost. Ensure that your craft has strongly fitted foot, knee and hip braces as well as a firmly fixed seat. Paddles can be made of wood, fibreglass, polythene or aluminium. Also get a helmet, sprayskirt with shock cords (for the kayaker), life jacket, throwline, maps in waterproof case, signalling devices, flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs, first-aid kit, pocket knife, matches in waterproof container, food, drinking water, protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, required licences, permits and ID.

Canoeing : Hotspots

Canoeing : Do's and Don'ts