Top Canoeing Activities in Singapore

What is canoeing? 

Canoeing is a water sports activity that involves a canoe and paddling with a single-bladed paddle in a kneeling position. Canoeing can be done both as a recreational activity or competitive sports. 

History of canoeing 

Canoeing is an ancient mode of transportation. In the late 19th century, modern recreational canoeing was established. In 1936, canoeing was included in the Olympic Games. The main form of competitive sport was canoe sprint, where athletes race in a sprint canoe. Other types of competition are canoe poly, canoe marathon, playboating, and whitewater canoeing. 

Recreational canoeing 

Non-athletes get to enjoy canoeing as part of recreational activity such as taking part in a canoe marathon. Other recreational forms of canoeing include canoeing on rivers, oceans, lakes, ponds and streams. Although in Singapore, we have only got our reservoirs to canoe in. 

Canoeing vs kayaking: what’s the difference

Most people are confused between canoeing and kayaking, thinking that they are interchangeable terms referring to the same sport. In fact, these two sports are somewhat different though they do share some similarities. However, in some instances, canoeing is an umbrella term that refers to both canoeing and kayaking. 

The type of paddles used

Paddlers in a canoe use a single-bladed, flat blade paddle to navigate through the waters. In contrast, kayakers use a double-bladed curved paddle instead. The difference in the paddles causes the canoes and kayaks to move differently. 

Positions of the paddles 

Paddlers in a canoe are in a half-kneeling position while kayakers sit on a low seat with their legs fully stretched out. Since paddlers in canoes are kneeling all the time when paddling, they would require stronger endurance as compared to kayakers. 

Boat structures 

Canoes have an open deck concept and are sharp and pointed at both front and back. This would mean that the inside of the canoe is entirely open. Kayaks mostly close-decked, and the inside is enclosed. 

Weight of vessels 

Canoes are wider and heavier as compared to kayaks. This would mean that canoes tend to sink more when paddling in the water and have more surface area touching the water. The kayaks would be floating on water. 

Speed

Overall, canoes are slower and less agile than kayaks because they are larger in structure and heavier. However, despite the speed difference, Canoes are known for greater stability and more prominent space. 

Here are some canoeing activities to consider:

Canoe disciplines 

Canoe Sprint 

Canoe sprint races are categorised based on the boat type (C2, C4), the number of people in the boat (solo, two or four people), the distance of the race and the gender of the competitors. 

Canoe Slalom 

Canoe Slalom is a form of competitive canoeing whereby participants navigate a whitewater course by passing through a combination of upstream and downstream gates. Each course varies, but it can only consist of a maximum of 25 gates, of which six are upstream gates and a total of 300 metres in length. There are three different types of boats for Canoe Slalom, namely the Kayak Singles, Canoe Singles and Canoe Doubles. 

Wildwater Canoe 

The boats for Wildwater canoe have a unique shape to keep the boat fast and balanced. The discipline aims to take the quickest line down a rapidly filled course. 

Freestyle 

Freestyle is a discipline where style counts and participants can flip their boat in multiple directions is the key to success. The three main types of craft are designed with the specific purpose of being able to perform tricks. 

Canoe Marathon 

The canoe marathon boats are designed to be as light as possible for athletes to scoop them up and run across a distance as fast as possible. 

Canoe polo 

Canoe polo is a team-based sport and are played in Kayaks with a rounded front and back to avoid injury since collisions are part of the game. The boats are designed to be stable, quick, and agile. 

Dragon Boat 

Contrary to popular belief, dragon boating is a canoeing discipline instead of being a discipline on its own. Dragon boats are team boats where athletes use a single-bladed paddle to move the boat forward. 

Which is easier: canoeing or kayaking

Most professionals think that kayaks are easier to master compared to canoe. One of the main reason is that canoes require strong balance skills and knee endurance since paddlers in a canoe are often in a half-kneel position. It takes some skill to manoeuvre a canoe, especially under the condition of strong wind and waves. The double-paddles used for kayaking are also easier to use, and the effort used to return one blade to the catch positions is used to power the opposite blade, making it more efficient. 

How to become a canoeing instructor

In Singapore, individuals who have a strong passion for canoeing and wish to coach others can go for the Singapore Canoe Federation’s coaching courses. There are a total of 5 coaching levels. The introductory coaching level course would require a 2-star award, swimming 50 metres without PFD, at least 18 years old and endorsed by at least a level 2 coach as competent. 

Why learn canoeing

Canoeing offers not only athletes but ordinary individuals several health benefits. 

Core strength 

Since canoes require paddlers to be in a half-kneeling position when paddling, there is a strong need for stability. This means an enhancement of the core strength. Your torso needs to be rotated during paddling, helping you build your core strength alongside your upper-body power. 

Weight loss 

One of the most apparent benefits of canoeing or exercising, in general, is losing weight. Canoeing is a fun activity to incorporate into your weight loss journey, and it is an almost effortless way to burn calories. Even if you are paddling at a slow pace, you burn at least 177 calories per hour. 

Reduced risk of wear and tear in joints 

Due to canoeing’s low impact, there is a significantly reduced risk of your joints experiencing the wear and tear that exercises like running cause. You will be able to have healthier joints as you grow older. Canoeing is also a friendly sport for those who had lower-body injuries. 

Conclusion 

Canoeing is an excellent way to exercise if you enjoy training outdoors and want to try something completely different from your usual gym routine. This is a sport that can be done solo or with family and friends. 

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