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What is a canoe?
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What is a canoe?
Hello everyone!
Have you ever been in a canoe?
Canoes allow you to spend a comfortable time on the water, swaying on the gentle waves.
In fact, there are many different types of such canoes.
The name changes depending on the field and the way it is played.
Apart from canoeing, kayaking is also called kayaking.
Also, do you know about the difference?
This article introduces canoeing in general, including the different types of canoes and the difference between canoes and kayaks.
canoe
Canoeing is a water sport that involves riding in a small boat and using a large paddle to scramble across the surface of the water.
A paddle is a tool used to paddle a kayak or canoe.
The flat, spread-out part at the end of the paddle that is placed in the water to catch water is called the blade.
One of the differences between a canoe and a kayak is in the blades.
A paddle with a blade on one side of the paddle is called a "single blade paddle" and one with blades on both ends is called a "double blade paddle.
Canoes use the former and kayaks use the latter.
There are many different types of kayaks, depending on the field in which you play and its environment.
Here are some typical types of kayaks.
sea kayak
Literally, it is kayaking done in the ocean.
It is characterized by a wider range of activities and greater freedom than other fields.
Because they are also used to carry cargo, they carry more payload than other canoes and are 4 to 5 meters long.
This length allows for speed and the ability to keep up with the waves.
Lake kayaking, river kayaking
Lake kayaks are leisurely kayaks used on lakes with few waves.
It is basically a kayak for leisure use.
River kayaks, on the other hand, are kayaks used on rivers.
These are basically called different things in different fields, but some river kayaks are more sporting than others.
Some of you may be familiar with this event, as it has been included in the Olympics and the NHK Cup.
River kayaks for sports use are short (2-3 m in length) and are designed for river rafting.
It is a sport that requires technique, such as spinning and avoiding obstacles, which is why it is shorter.
This river kayaking is becoming more and more popular every year.
The thrill and exhilaration of descending a steep whitewater river on your own while maneuvering your kayak is outstanding.
recreational kayak
Recreational kayaks are designed for leisurely enjoyment in any location.
It is very popular among first-timers and those who want to relax and have fun.
Since it is a wide kayak, it is relatively stable, has high buoyancy, and can be ridden with confidence.
Canoeing Effectiveness
Many canoeists seem to be very stout and well-styled.
That's no wonder, because canoeing is a very athletic sport that is great for both weight loss and muscle training.
The action of paddling a canoe effectively stimulates the vastus lateralis muscle, which is considered the largest of all human muscles.
Therefore, this movement burns a large amount of calories and leads to muscle amplification.
You can see why canoeing and kayaking are effective for weight loss and keeping in shape.
Riding a canoe, in which you scratch the water with your paddle, will unknowingly create a beautiful body.
This is a highly recommended activity, as it is ideal for relaxing and also provides a great workout!
How to Ride a Canoe
(1) Basic Stance
Before getting into the kayak, first place the kayak parallel to the shore.
The paddle is long enough, about 2 meters.
The paddle is placed perpendicular to the boat behind the cockpit (seat), and a single paddle holds both shore and kayak.
It is the image of a paddle connecting the shore and the kayak.
Next, stabilize the boat by holding down the shaft (the stick-like part in the center of the paddle) and the cockpit.
Find out when the waves are subsiding.
Once the boat is stable, board one foot at a time, paying close attention to your footing.
It is connected to the shore by a paddle, so it is reasonably stable, but get in gently.
Place both feet firmly inside the boat and sit back.
Again, as much as possible, sit back while maintaining a sense of stability so as not to rock the kayak.
Once seated in the cockpit, the paddles should be secured to the shore until the shaking subsides.
The feet inside the kayak should be slightly gangly and both knees should be pressed against the inside of the kayak on either side.
Pressing the knees against the inside of the kayak makes it much more stable.
Once the shaking has subsided and you are sure you are stable, it is safe to remove the paddle.
This is the basic attitude.
(2) Basic Stance
Make sure you have a good basic stance.
If this is done, the rower can row efficiently without overloading the body.
First, extend both arms straight ahead and grip the center of the shaft symmetrically.
Some paddle blades are oriented differently on the left and right.
Hold the right blade so that the flat side of the blade faces you.
The right hand grips the shaft firmly and the left hand lightly so that the shaft moves in the hand.
When rowing, keep both elbows at right angles while balancing and rowing with the blades alternately left and right in the water.
Once you have this paddle grip, you will be able to paddle the water at will.
Notes on canoeing!
Although canoeing is often thought of as a leisurely ride, it is an activity that takes place in naturally created areas, and depending on the conditions of the location, it can be dangerous even for skilled canoeists.
Life jackets will be worn, of course, but there are other precautions to be taken.
For canoeing activities, please take note of the following precautions.
(1) It all depends on the conditions!
Naturally, please refrain from activities when you are not feeling well.
No matter what sport you play, without exception, pushing yourself when you are not in good physical condition can lead to or cause an accident.
Therefore, you should consult with your own physical condition before enjoying an activity.
In addition, the physical condition of the participants is not the only condition that should be checked.
Field conditions should also be carefully checked.
Be sure to check wind, wave, and weather conditions.
In the case of a river, it is also necessary to carefully examine whether there is any possibility of rising water due to rain or dam releases in the upper reaches of the river.
Incidentally, Iriomote Island does not have a dam, but it does receive a large amount of rainfall.
Checking this area is often inevitably difficult for beginners.
Therefore, it is safe to join a tour with a professional.
(2) Choose a field that is appropriate for your level without overdoing it!
Canoeing activities start from the shore and end back at the same shore.
Canoeing in Iriomote Island often involves touring in mangrove forests, the ocean, and other spots where there are no roads, so it is not always possible to retire in the middle of the trip and ask for a ride in a car.
Therefore, make sure to preserve your energy until you come back to the starting point.
In the ocean there are waves, and in the river there are strong currents.
At the start of the race, you will have plenty of energy and will feel like you can go as far as you want.
However, canoeing is a very athletic sport.
Therefore, it is also important to choose a field with the expectation that you will be able to return home well, no matter how much you feel uplifted.
It's a fun canoe trip, so let's enjoy it to the end.
Beginners are advised to take guided tours or play in relatively calm inland waters or lakes.
(3) Make sure you have done your homework on where to go and what to do!
It is important to choose the right field for canoeing activities, but there are some bodies of water that are not suitable for canoeing in the first place.
It is an area that is off limits to trespassing, such as a fishing port or by a base.
In addition, during the summer months when there are many tourists, there may be local rules such as giving priority to bathers on the beach.
There are often cases of unknowingly entering by canoe and getting into trouble, so be sure to do your homework beforehand.
Iriomote Island (Okinawa)Recommended Canoe Tours
1) Standard canoe cruise
The most popular activity in Iriomote Island is canoeing.
Iriomote Island is home to many rare plants and animals, such as the crested serpent eagle (a special natural treasure), the Iriomote wildcat, and the Saxifraga habu (a natural treasure).
For this reason, it is designated as a special area of Iriomote Ishigaki National Park.
If you are in such a national park in Iriomote Island, you can cruise by canoe.
Sunrise & Sunset Canoeing
One of the best ways to enjoy canoeing is to use the early morning and evening hours to watch the sunrise and sunset by canoe.
Iriomote Island, in particular, is surrounded by the rich natural sea, and there are almost no tall buildings along the coast, making it the perfect location.
(iii) Night Canoeing
Lastly, I would like to introduce night canoeing, which is a hidden popular plan in Iriomote Island!
If you want to feel the full starlit sky of Iriomote Island in a relaxed atmosphere, night canoeing is the only way to go.
In fact, it is the first park in Japan to be certified as a starry sky protected area here in Iriomote Island.
A starry sky reserve is an area recognized by an international organization as an organization or municipality that protects the dark and beautiful night sky, unaffected by bright lights.
It will be an exquisite experience to gaze at the stars while canoeing in such a globally rare environment.
The canoes are extremely stable and will not capsize, so you can observe the night sky with peace of mind.
The surface of the water is also quiet, so putting down the oars and relaxing and rocking in the tranquil sea is also a pleasure.
You can hear the birds singing at night and see the fish jumping even with a little light.
Stars will also shine on the water surface for the best healing experience.
in the end
We introduced canoeing. How was it?
We hope you have learned the difference between canoes and kayaks, and that there are many different types of kayaks.
Even activities such as canoeing, which are not easily accessible in the mainland, will surely be something you will want to try when you come to Iriomote Island.
Also, as you can see from the pictures, canoeing in Iriomote Island is a very beautiful activity in a beautiful sight.
Not only will you get great photos, but they will be memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope you will visit such Iriomote Island and enjoy a superb canoeing experience surrounded by spectacular scenery!
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
