.
Kayak or Canoe. What is the difference?
Traditional Open Canoes
Often referred to by some
as Canadian Canoeing,
the open canoe is king of
the water. There are
many variations of this
type of boat, but
essentially they are open
topped, can be sat, stood
or knelt in, and generally
are propelled with a
single bladed paddle.
Where can they go?
The canoe is a
wonderfully versatile craft,
great for expeditions and
journeys on flat and white
water. They have great
load carrying capacity and
vary in length from 12-17ft
long.
Often referred to by some
as Canadian Canoeing,
the open canoe is king of
the water. There are
many variations of this
type of boat, but
essentially they are open
topped, can be sat, stood
or knelt in, and generally
are propelled with a
single bladed paddle.
Where can they go?
The canoe is a
wonderfully versatile craft,
great for expeditions and
journeys on flat and white
water. They have great
load carrying capacity and
vary in length from 12-17ft
long.
Closed Cockpit Kayak
There is a huge variety of
kayak design available, and
there is something from
everyone. They range in size
from under 6ft to over 17ft.
Kayaks are usually sat in and
propelled with a double
bladed paddle. Often they
have a cover called a Spray
Deck to cover the cockpit
area.
Where can they go?
Sea, Surf, River or Lake
kayaks can be at home in any
of these environments. Often
the kayak will be designed
with a specific job in mind
such as running waterfalls,
travelling long distances or
surfing ocean swell.
There is a huge variety of
kayak design available, and
there is something from
everyone. They range in size
from under 6ft to over 17ft.
Kayaks are usually sat in and
propelled with a double
bladed paddle. Often they
have a cover called a Spray
Deck to cover the cockpit
area.
Where can they go?
Sea, Surf, River or Lake
kayaks can be at home in any
of these environments. Often
the kayak will be designed
with a specific job in mind
such as running waterfalls,
travelling long distances or
surfing ocean swell.
Activity Environment
This is a great place to come and
try different types of canoe sport. It
is a relatively safe and controlled
environment, and most people will
feel very at ease whilst paddling at
such venues. They can still be
dangerous though and proper
safety precautions need to be
taken.
try different types of canoe sport. It
is a relatively safe and controlled
environment, and most people will
feel very at ease whilst paddling at
such venues. They can still be
dangerous though and proper
safety precautions need to be
taken.
Sheltered Water e.g. Canals, ponds and small lakes.
On a calm day, these can
seem serene and tranquil.
Just like the mountains
though, these beautiful
places can have a more
challenging side. Very
quickly the weather can turn
and easy paddling can soon
turn into very challenging
conditions.
seem serene and tranquil.
Just like the mountains
though, these beautiful
places can have a more
challenging side. Very
quickly the weather can turn
and easy paddling can soon
turn into very challenging
conditions.
Open Water e.g. the Sea and large lakes.
Rivers are graded in difficulty from
Grade 1-6. Grade 2 is where
most introductory session take
place, Grade 3 for intermediate
paddlers and Grade 4 and above
for White Water Warriors!
Photo Left.
This is a grade 4 section of water.
Grade 1-6. Grade 2 is where
most introductory session take
place, Grade 3 for intermediate
paddlers and Grade 4 and above
for White Water Warriors!
Photo Left.
This is a grade 4 section of water.
White Water e.g. Rivers such as the Swale, Tees and Ure
There are several ways of measuring
wave height and quality. In moderate
surf, waves could be over the head
height of a kayaker sat waiting to
catch the wave. Moderate surf is
normally classed as a 2-4ft wave face.
Specific Surf Kayaks can be used,
though general White water kayaks
work ok.
wave height and quality. In moderate
surf, waves could be over the head
height of a kayaker sat waiting to
catch the wave. Moderate surf is
normally classed as a 2-4ft wave face.
Specific Surf Kayaks can be used,
though general White water kayaks
work ok.
Surf e.g. ocean waves
Kayaking in the Swimming Pool
between October and June we try to hold these every two weeks. These are a valuable opportunity for individuals
to come and practice their skills in the safety and warmth of a swimming pool. Whilst our volunteer coaches will
always try to be around to offer help, support and guidance if requested, it is not the intention of the club to
structure these sessions into formally coached sessions. There may be occasions where no coaches are
available to support the session.
Richmond Pool Lifeguards are always on-hand to deal with any incidents/accidents should they occur during a
pool session.
between October and June we try to hold these every two weeks. These are a valuable opportunity for individuals
to come and practice their skills in the safety and warmth of a swimming pool. Whilst our volunteer coaches will
always try to be around to offer help, support and guidance if requested, it is not the intention of the club to
structure these sessions into formally coached sessions. There may be occasions where no coaches are
available to support the session.
Richmond Pool Lifeguards are always on-hand to deal with any incidents/accidents should they occur during a
pool session.
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| CLICK HERE to email one of the coaches. |
Coaches & Awards
To get more details about ROCK, call Richmond Leisure Trust on 01748 824581 or send the Chairman an email
| For more details about ROCK, call Richmond Leisure Trust on 01748 824581 or send the Chairman an |