Open Canoeing
Open canoes — sometimes referred to as Canadian canoes — have their origins in some of the oldest forms of water travel. Indigenous peoples developed remarkably efficient craft, adapting their designs, materials and techniques to the landscapes and waterways in which they travelled.
That heritage is part of what makes open canoeing such a rewarding way to journey through wild places. Quiet, versatile and capable of carrying everything needed for a day out or a longer expedition, a canoe allows us to travel through the landscape at a natural pace, with minimal impact and a close connection to the water and surrounding environment.
The Art of Efficient Paddling
Good canoeing isn’t simply about learning an ever-increasing collection of paddle strokes. At its heart is efficiency — understanding how the canoe, paddler, equipment, wind and water can work together.
An experienced canoeist learns to use the characteristics of the boat rather than continually fighting against them. Subtle changes in trim can dramatically alter how a canoe behaves. Wind can become something to work with rather than simply battle against, while careful positioning, anticipation and good decision-making can make a journey considerably easier.
Our open canoeing courses are built around developing this deeper understanding of the craft. Alongside refining your paddle skills, we’ll explore how to:
- Control and manoeuvre the canoe through effective trim, weight distribution and positioning.
- Develop efficient paddle technique, using appropriate strokes without wasting unnecessary energy.
- Understand canoe design, and how hull shape, loading and different equipment influence performance.
- Read wind, weather and water, recognising how changing conditions affect both the canoe and your choice of route.
- Use the conditions to your advantage, rather than simply paddling harder against them.
- Plan and undertake journeys efficiently, developing the judgement and practical skills required to become a more independent paddler.
Whether you’re relatively new to open canoeing or already have experience and want to refine your technique, our courses are tailored around your existing ability and aspirations.
The aim isn’t simply to make you a stronger paddler. It’s to help you become a more skilful, efficient and thoughtful canoeist — able to move your boat confidently while understanding and respecting the environment you’re travelling through.
How much will it cost?
Our standard rates are for private one-to-one guiding or instruction. Additional participants can join for £50 per person, per day, subject to suitable ratios for the activity.
For longer adventures, bookings of five or more consecutive guiding days receive a 10% reduction on our standard guiding fees.
How to book
Let us know which course you’d like to book, along with your preferred date/s a brief outline of your experience. We require a 30% deposit to secure all bookings with full payment due prior to the start date of your course.