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:
Canoeing |
Paddle Lodge MacRitchie |
| Pricing | http://scf.org.sg/pages/boat_booking |
| Website | NA |
| Address | MacRitchie Reservoir |
| Contact | +65 6258 0057 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 9 AM to 10:30 AM
2 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Review 1 | Experience the serene environment, clean and cool water body, as well as fresh air while canoeing. My first time canoeing alone here, paddle lodge uncle helped me to carry my canoe to the pontoon.
By Ong Ding Sen |
| Review 2 |
A good place to kayak! Serenity and peacefulness when you are surrounded by green and water.
By Matthew Tan
|
| Review 3 |
Although the area in which you are supposed to kayak is not a whopping lot for amateurs and recreational purpose, it’s quite decent. The staff were helpful, the place is quite serene and nice. Just make sure to reach there before 4.15 because by 4.30 they stop renting kayaks. Happy Kayaking!
By Subhrajit Samanta
|
Canoeing |
Adventure Paddlers |
| Pricing | $45 – $80 |
| Website | http://www.adventurepaddlers.com.sg/ |
| Address | Ohana House 131 Pasir Ris Rd, Singapore 519148
Ohana House Loyang 159W Jalan Loyang Besar, |
| Contact | +65 9737 7944 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Thursday: 4 AM to 12 AM
Friday: 24 hours Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM |
| Review 1 |
Good place for water sports such as kayaking and stand up paddling. The water here is very calm, so it’s suitable for beginners and family with kids. The best timing to do kayak or sup here is during high tide and in the morning. They also rent out water sports equipment at a reasonable price.
By Aipie
|
| Review 2 | Very good service by Kelvin. Our group thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Very accommodating and will recommend Kelvin and adventure paddlers anytime.
By Conrad N. |
| Review 3 | Done stand up paddle here a few times. Chill place to check out.
By Molvin Yiu |
Canoeing |
Water Sports Centre |
| Pricing | https://www.sportshub.com.sg/kayak-canoe-rental |
| Website | https://www.sportshub.com.sg/water-sports |
| Address | 8 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397699 |
| Contact | +65 6653 8900 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM to 5 PM Sunday: 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Review 1 |
Beautiful place to chill in the early morning and evening. Can get quite hot after 9am. Kayaks are available for rental but this place is generally used for training for dragon boats and kayaks.
By Matthew Tan
|
| Review 2 | Great place for water sport activities.
By Joel Tng |
| Review 3 | You can kayak here over a great view with shower and locker facilities provided! Love this place.
By Yvonne |
Canoeing |
Kayakasia |
| Website | https://kayakasia.org/ |
| Address | 59C Temple Street Singapore 058604 |
| Contact | +65 9756 2040
fullmoon@kayakasia.org |
| Operating Hours | NA |
| Review 1 |
One of the best-equipped kayaking stores in Singapore. Opening hours are not consistent as owner-operators are frequently travelling on kayaking trips with customers.
By Te Shan Liang
|
| Review 2 | Great kayaking experience with Ling on 2 occasions No debrief or words of encouragement or much interaction between the guides and the customers though. By Zaza Md Taat |
Canoeing |
Kayak Fishing Fever |
| Pricing | The Playground $129 for 4 hours
Big Boat Small Boat $129 for 4 hours Sandy Shores $129 for 4 hours |
| Website | https://fever.sg/ |
| Address | 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, 098942 |
| Contact | +65 8850 8501 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 7 AM to 6 PM |
| Review 1 | This was hands down the best experience and activity I have done in Singapore.
By Gharib Nehme |
| Review 2 | It is a really great day out if you like an active form of fishing.
By Maurice van Empel |
| Review 3 | The kayak fishing was by far one of my trip’s highlights!
By Alma Ikhwan |
Canoeing |
X’treme Kayaking |
| Pricing | 1-star course: $80 per person
2-star course: $100 per person Eskimo Roll Clinic: $65 per person Sea Kayak Orientation: $50 per person Kayak Orientation: $45 per person |
| Website | http://xtremekayaking.org/ |
| Address | 43 Admiralty Rd W, Singapore 759962 |
| Contact | +65 9684 8468 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Review 1 | Gilbert is a very good kayaking coach. Experienced and patient. Very knowledgeable about local waters and technical skills needed for 1 and 2 star courses. Highly recommended to attend his classes. Learning how to go on expeditions around Singapore waters are very important for us to learn about how to survive and stay safe. Never put yourself in a dangerous situation.
By Win Tai |
| Review 2 | Mr Gilbert is an amazing, patient and experienced coach. He is very friendly and is always willing to help us out. Having him with us out at sea feels really safe. I really enjoyed his lessons!! 10/10 recommended.
By Winn Rashi |
| Review 3 | Most amazing time spent with my son! Felt really safe with Coach Gilbert, who has 20 years of experience coaching. His instructions were clear, picked up some good tips, felt much more confident in the kayak after our 1st day’s class. His wife was really helpful and friendly. Can’t wait to finish tomorrow’s class to get our 1 Star Certificate! SAF Yacht Club Sembawang has clean toilets and good shower facilities. By Karen Wong |
Canoeing |
PAssion WaVe Bedok Reservoir |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/pa.passionwave/ |
| Address | 911 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Reservoir Park, Singapore 479311 |
| Contact |
+65 9710 1697
|
| Operating Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Review 1 | A great way to try out kayaking or canoeing! You have to check when they are open to being able to paddle, as well as a lookout for the weather. Category 1 (lightning storms) will stop ALL outdoor activity, and there is a little shelter or things to do in poor weather so come prepared.
You will be able to see schools or teams training in their racing kayaks or dragon boats occasionally too. The National Schools Canoeing Championship as well as the National Schools Dragonboat competitions are held there. If you’d like to watch such races, check the race schedules with PA Paddle. By See Ming Jie |
| Review 2 | Great place to hang out by the reservoir. Activities open to the public include running, tree-top adventure, fishing (specific locations), wakeboarding, and water activities such as dragon boating, kayaking etc from PA Water Venture.
By Chen Yang |
| Review 3 | Today 2019 June 16(Sunday), I went single kayaking on BR. Was dressed like going for a swim in the swimming pool. Was a hot afternoon. but nice clean kayaking. very calm water. Restricted to about 1/5 area of BR and away from the main thoroughfare of the dragon boats. But good enough at $9 for 2 hours. This month has promo…1-for-1. 2nd kayak is free. Cheap good fun. Safe for family outings.
By Jack Koh |
Canoeing |
PAssion WaVe Marina Bay |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/pa.passionwave/ |
| Address | 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437440 |
| Contact |
+65 6296 6683
|
| Operating Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Review 1 | A great way to try out kayaking or canoeing! You have to check when they are open to being able to paddle, as well as a lookout for the weather. Category 1 (lightning storms) will stop ALL outdoor activity, and there is a little shelter or things to do in poor weather so come prepared.
You will be able to see schools or teams training in their racing kayaks or dragon boats occasionally too. The National Schools Canoeing Championship as well as the National Schools Dragonboat competitions are held there. If you’d like to watch such races, check the race schedules with PA Paddle. By See Ming Jie |
| Review 2 | Great place to hang out by the reservoir. Activities open to the public include running, tree-top adventure, fishing (specific locations), wakeboarding, and water activities such as dragon boating, kayaking etc from PA Water Venture.
By Chen Yang |
| Review 3 | Today 2019 June 16(Sunday), I went single kayaking on BR. Was dressed like going for a swim in the swimming pool. Was a hot afternoon. but nice clean kayaking. very calm water. Restricted to about 1/5 area of BR and away from the main thoroughfare of the dragon boats. But good enough at $9 for 2 hours. This month has promo…1-for-1. 2nd kayak is free. Cheap good fun. Safe for family outings.
By Jack Koh |
Canoeing |
Paddle Lodge Pandan Reservoir |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/pa.passionwave/ |
| Address | 11 Penjuru Rd, Singapore 609159 |
| Contact |
+65 9800 0039
|
| Operating Hours | Daily: 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Review 1 | Great place to enjoy your leisure time. They offer kayaking for recreational purposes within the reservoir. The host was very helpful for all the support on the initial booking (need to pay one day before) and on the day, he has given a few briefing on the use of kayak. Safety equipment was provided and all of them were in good form. Try to go there as early as possible since the sun gets way hotter when you are in the middle of the water.
By Dumith Jayathilaka |
| Review 2 | Very nice instructors, well-maintained equipment and nice infrastructure. Worth taking a course from here. I got my 1-start certification from here and would go for all my further courses too.
By Udayabhanu Prakash Vaddi |
Canoeing |
Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre |
| Pricing | https://www.schedulista.com/schedule/cmltest |
| Website | https://camelotsg.biz/ |
| Address | 100 Yishun Ave 1, Singapore 769140 |
| Contact | +65 6702 6338
AskUS@camelotsg.biz |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Review 1 | 1. Very pleasant and friendly, helpful staff. All the way from check-in, to getting your equipment, and then to instructions on kayaking. The staff were all very pleasant and welcoming! 2. Took the introductory promotion – $12 for 2 hrs, which is really reasonable! For families with young kids. 2hrs is quite a long time. I think 1.5hrs would be just nice. 3. Equipment was all really new and well maintained. 4. Seletar reservoir is quite a pretty place to explore. By Andrew C |
| Review 2 | Great affordable recreational experience, with scenic views, when out in the waters. The staff were friendly and professional, while the equipment was well-maintained.
You may book & pay online via their website to secure a slot (which we did), but we found out that they actually set aside some vacancies for walk-ins too, so even if your preferred date/timing is sold out online, you can still try your luck on the spot, with weekends being more “competitive”, expectably. We wanted to go for the single kayaks but they were fully booked online so we booked the double one, yet we managed to ask for single ones when we showed up, as those had been originally set aside for walk-ins. As another visitor mentioned, the only limitation would be the presence of quite a lot of waterweed, which hampered the paddling a bit. By Eugene Jiang |
| Review 3 | A nice experience to break away from the usual city activities and laze on the peaceful water of the reservoir. Great as well for an outdoor work-out. The Lower Seletar Water Sport Centre operations are efficient and staff friendly. Recommended!
By Stephane Jaquemet |
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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