Getting started with canoeing has a few obstacles. But the stumbling blocks are not as large as can be imagined. It is, however, worth taking advice from those who have gone before. After all, getting on a large body of water, or a rapid, in a small water craft is not without some risk, especially for the inexperienced.

Many who enjoy Bushcraft would love to add canoeing to their ways of accessing nature and heading out camping for a few days. But how do you get started? And what safety precautions should you take, particularly if you have kids?

Ray Goodwin works closely with Frontier Bushcraft on our canoe-based courses and expeditions. Ray is one of the foremost professional canoe coaches in the UK, a technical safety adviser to outdoor centres, as well as literally having written the book on canoeing. He has spent many years introducing people to paddling and developing his students skills and experience at every level.

Ray is also a dad and has had great joy in gradually introducing his young daughter to canoeing and other aspects of paddling. Paddling with his daughter now involves undertaking everything from day-trips in North Wales to wilderness trips further afield, including not only his own family but others with young kids too.

A Bushcraft Show Presentation by Ray Goodwin

In the presentation below, Ray brings together these different strands of experience of introducing people – young and old – to canoeing to share some tips and insights on the dangers facing inexperienced paddlers as well as the joy and fun of it all.

You can also watch the above video presentation on YouTube here.

Where Would You Like Canoeing To Take You?

Where would you love to paddle? What journeys would you like to make by canoe? Who do you know want to take paddling with you who has never canoed before? Beginner or experienced paddler alike, we’d love to hear about your paddling aspirations in the comments below…

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Paul Kirtley

Paul Kirtley is Founder and Chief Instructor of Frontier Bushcraft. He has had a lifelong passion for the great outdoors and gains great satisfaction from helping others enjoy it too. Paul writes the UK's leading bushcraft blog. He is the author of Wilderness Axe Skills and Campcraft, as well as having contributed to several other books. Paul has been involved in teaching bushcraft since 2003. He is also a Canoe Leader, British Canoeing Level 3 Canoe Coach and UK Summer Mountain Leader.

Latest posts by Paul Kirtley (see all)

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