Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Novice Paddlers

This Spring, we are starting a new series on this Blog we will be referring to as Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week.  Badger's weekly tips will include information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Novice Paddlers

One of the most dreaded experiences for novice paddlers, or beginning canoeists, is the fear of tipping. Depending on a boat's initial stability, a beginner may feel and fear almost every movement in a canoe - to start. To help combat that jerky reaction to any movement in a boat, try having the newbie sit facing the stern - instead of the bow. This way, they will be able to see any movement you (or others) create and the instability they fear will not be so scary if they can "see it coming".  Once they feel more comfortable and get used to the feel of the canoe, they will feel more confident when facing forward in the future.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.