Lesson 3: Canoeing and Kayaking life.
life. The materials used in the original boats also had the same source, that is
LESSON CONTENT
A great way to explore the rivers, lakes, canal, and other bodies of
water is through the use of a boat. Canoeing and kayaking are two floating
crafts that may take anyone to places in the water that are even difficult to
access by any other means.
What is the difference between kayaks and canoe?
Canoes and kayaks may be confusing to some but it is really easy to
distinguish one from the other. Kayaking and canoeing both require a paddle
for propulsion and steering. The most noticeable difference is the structure of
the boats. A kayak has a covered deck, while a canoe is wide open. Kayakers
extend legs and are seated low or sometimes on the deck. It uses a double-
bladed paddle. A canoer, on one hand, sits on a raised seat or kneels on the
bottom of the boat and uses a single- bladed paddle.
Historically, there are some similarities and differences in terms of
the kayak and canoes’ function and in how they are built. In the early days,
both boats were constructed and used for the day-to-day economic needs, the
canoe for transporting goods and people and the kayak for hunting marine
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4
PREPARED BY:
P.E. DEPARTMENT
their most immediate environment.
The word “canoe” originated from the Carib word “kenu” which
meant dugout. Canoes were originally made from the large tree trunks. The
trunks were dried for months, and then the middle part was scraped away
with shells. The whole process took “one moon” or 28 days. The more well-
known version of the canoe was introduced by the north American Indians
where the frame was built from wooden ribs. The frame was covered with
the lightweight bark of birch trees and sometimes elm or cedar trees,
whichever was more available to them. The birch tree was the better choice
though because it was lightweight and smooth and the most importantly, it
was resilient and contained waterproofing qualities.
The oldest known canoe, Pesse Canoe, believed to be constructed
between 8200 and 7600 B.C. was found in the Netherlands.
Kayaks or “qajak”, meaning “man’s boat” or “hunter’s boat”
originated from the Inuit and Aleut tribes of Arctic North America.
Interestingly, the early kayaks were individualized as each kayak was crafted
by the user, basing the measurements to the frame of his body and not on any
standard. Building the kayak was also a joint effort of the man and his wife.
The man builds the frame from wood or from whalebone skeleton and it was
the wife’s job to stitch the seal skin used to cover the frame. Whale fats were
used to waterproof the boat. To improve buoyancy, the natives placed air-
filled bladders of the seal in the vessels.
The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in North America
Department of the State Museum of Ethnology in Munich.
What are the basic parts of the kayak and canoe?
Canoes and kayaks have features that are common and unique for
each one. The decking, the hull shape, and the bottom are just few of the
differences. Let us take a look at the parts of each boat:
1
Basic Parts of a Canoe:

Basic Parts of a Kayak:

YOKE- a beam in the center of a canoe that allows the canoe to rest on a
person’s shoulder when portaging. DECK- Top half of the kayak.
STERN- rear end. FOOTBRACE- Found inside where feet rest
GUNWALE- acts as structural support and it defines shape of boat . HATCH- Covering on the deck where food and gears can be stored.
THWART- crossbars reinforcing the canoe and prevents sides from pulling COCKPIT- Opening in the kayak’s deck where the paddler sits. It
apart under load. can be covered with a spray kit or waterproof kilt that is placed
SEAT- for paddler at the bow part (if in tandem) around the waist then slip over the cockpit’s rim or coaming.
BOW- front part HULL- Bottom half of the kayak.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4

PREPARED BY: 2
P.E. DEPARTMENT

CHARACTERISTICS DESCRIPTIONS
Length Longer boats are faster and move on a
straight line. They also can carry more
people. However, these are not easy to
The distance from the tip of
maneuver.
the stem to the tip of the
bow. Shorter boats are easier to maneuver and
comparatively lighter and easier to handle.
Longer boats are best when touring and
cruising the open water. A shorter kayak
would be a better choice for smaller lakes
and rivers.
Beam Generally, the wider the boat, the more
stable it is. However, a narrower kayak or
The width of the boat and is canoe may be faster but less stable.
measured at the widest part
of the canoe or kayak A narrower kayak or canoe is more suitable
for those who want to travel a greater
distance since it has speed. A wider boat is
suitable for bird-watching, fishing, or
photography.
Bottom Shape The shape of the bottom has a lot to do with
the stability of the boat.
There are three basic bottom shapes:
flat, round, and vee.
1. Flat- this design has good stability
in calm waters. However, the
characteristics of this boat provide
the easy turning “boat spin” in
rougher water such as white waters.
2. Round- this is designed for speed
and efficiency. One may feel a little
shaky when one steps in it. But
with experience, one will feel that a
round shape will give the stability
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4
PREPARED BY:
P.E. DEPARTMENT
in most waters and it is actually
easier to propel through the water.
The trade-off however is balancing
the boat in an upright position.
3. Vee- this boat is in between the flat
and round bottom design boats,
thus with practice it comes with a
good all-around performance.
Profile or sides of a boat 1. Tumblehome design - the sides of
the boat curve inward as they come
up, which makes the beam
narrower on the deck. This allows
the paddler to reach the water
easily while at the same time has
the stability of a wider and kayak.
2. Flared sides –the sides curve
outward (flares out) making the
beam wider. Thus, as it goes deeper
in the water (cargo weight becomes
heavier), the beam becomes wider
therefore giving a more stable
feeling.
3. Straight sides – is a little bit of the
two.
How should one choose a paddle?
Paddles are the equipment used to maneuver the boat. Single-bladed
paddles are usually used for canoes and double-bladed paddles are for kayak.
They are placed in the water as one moves the boat.
Just like the boats, paddles also come in different kinds according to
use. Choosing what kind of paddle depends on one’s physique, the size of the
boat, and stroking preference.
3
  Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddles.  Flatwater recreation is a relaxing canoeing or kayaking where

 If a person has a small build, then as shorter, lighter paddle

you can take a gentle paddle down a calm river, ocean, or lake to
do sightseeing.
is best so as not to overexert oneself. As a general rule, the shortest
paddle that allows you to properly reach the water is the best.  Sailing is where the canoe or kayak is fitted with a sail.

 Another way of measuring canoe paddle is while in standing  Surf kayaking is where the kayak is typically fitted with a fin,
position. Put the paddle in vertical position. Hold the grip or T-grip rather like a surfboard.
and see if it is in level with your nose.

 Wider blades give you more acceleration but must also deal
Marathon racing is a lengthy race down a river using the kayak
or canoe.
with more resistance.

 Narrower blades use less effort per stroke but require more
strokes.

 Curved blades increase power of each stroke.

How does one start the canoeing and kayaking adventure?

What Activities can be done when one uses the kayaks or canoes? First, Learn How to Get In and Out of the Boats

 Here are some of the paddling activities that one may choose from: For first timers, getting on a canoe or a kayak on the water can be
equate challenging. The boat may rock and cause some tilting when entering
the boat. Therefore, balance is important when entering the boat.
 Sea kayaking is done in open waters such as the ocean or the
Getting in a Kayak:
lake. Kayaks may be sit-on-top or decked design.

 Whitewater kayaking or canoeing is paddling down the

whitewater rivers. A flat-bottomed boat will help the boat spin
on the water and take on the rapids for practicing various
maneuvers. The rounded bottom will involve paddling downriver
from one point to a different point and usually a distance of
several miles.
a. Entering from the dock
Make sure that paddle is within reach. Keep in mind that
weight should be the centerline, otherwise the kayak will tip. First,
hold the back of the cockpit coaming and feet should be planted near
the centerline. Then, lift self, with the weight mainly supported by
hand, and move bottom to the cockpit.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4

PREPARED BY: 4
P.E. DEPARTMENT

b. Getting from the shore
Put the paddle right behind the cockpit coaming and the
other end against a rock (improvise if there is no rock, like using the
paddle to get support from the bottom). Take a firm hold from the
back of the cockpit coaming with the other hand is keeping the
paddle fixed on the rock. Sit carefully over the coaming, keeping the
body weight on the feet. Lift one foot inside the cockpit. Remember
to keep the balance. Getting out of the kayak is done in the same way
but in opposite order.
Getting in a Canoe:
a. Entering from the shore (Tandem Canoe)
Put paddle in the end of the boat. Slide part of the boat in the
water, and then hold the boat so it will not float away. The person
who will be seated on the bow part enters the boat first. That person
should carefully walk down the center of the canoe, while holding
the gunwales. Position self then settle. Remember in entering the
boat, keep the center of gravity as low as possible to minimize the
chances of flipping the boat over. The second person then carefully
puts one foot in the center of canoe and pushes off the shore with the
other foot while keeping hands on both sides of canoe. Then he/she
lowers self into the seat. Reverse the order when getting out.
b. Entering from the dock
When entering from the dock, the same is basically done.
However, it will be best to keep the boat parallel or horizontal to the
dock. Get in the boat one at a time, taking turns in holding the boat
steadily. Remember to always put the paddle in the end of the canoe
within reach. Reverse the order in getting out.
Second, Learn the Correct Posture
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4
PREPARED BY:
P.E. DEPARTMENT
In Canoeing
The first thing to do is to relax, this way the muscles will not be too
tight. While seated, lean just slightly forward (around 5-8 degrees only) from
the pelvis. The back should be straight without being forced. Shoulder should
be slightly ahead of hips, head, or neck. The legs should be slightly bent, just
enough so that you cannot push legs straight without moving on the seat. Too
much leaning forward restricts lung capacity.
In Kayaking
Good posture is key if one wants to use the body efficiently. Do not
lean on the backrest, but just sit straight and relax the shoulder, opening the
chest for ease in breathing. Keep legs together and feet against the foot pegs.
Adjust foot pegs making sure that the knees can bend slightly and spread and
press against the kayak for extra balance if necessary. Keeping legs together
allows better torso rotation and more efficient paddling.
Third, Learn the Proper Way of Holding the Paddle
In Canoeing
Holding the paddle incorrectly causes loss of power during forward
stroke and puts the paddler’s body in an awkward position. Canoe paddle has
only one blade. The T-grip of the paddle should be held by top hand with full
palms covering it (not holding it around). Top hand is the hand that is higher
(it may be your left or right hand). The bottom hand holds the shaft (not the
throat) of the paddle in about an arm’s length down from the other hand. The
bottom hand, which holds the canoe paddle, generates the most power while
the upper arm and grip create the balance and the accuracy of the stroke.
In Kayaking
The recommended grip is usually the distance between the two
elbows. Hold the paddle above and center over the head. Adjust your hands
so that your elbows are at right angle. The blade has two faces. The front has
5
a cup –like shape that is also referred to as the power since it creates power
to move the kayak. The other side is the back face.
There are paddles for left-handed and right-handed paddlers. For
instance, assume that one uses a right-handed paddler. For instance, assume
that one uses a right-handed feather paddle. In kayaking, “right hand fixed,
left hand loose” technique is applied in using the paddle for strokes,
recoveries, and maneuvers. This means that the right hand is your control
hand, where your grip is fixed and does not change during the stroke. Your
left hand should grasp the paddle shaft loosely. This is to allow the right hand
to twist the paddle to desired angles for turning, bracing, or rolling. Do not
hold paddle too tight; it will tie the hands quickly.
Fourth, Let us Learn the Basics of Making the Boat Move Forward
In Canoeing
Paddling forward is the most basic and important stroke as this will
bring you to places. The forward paddling in canoeing is described in three
phases: the catch, power phase, exit and recovery.
1. Catch
This is the start of the stroke where the blade enters the
water. It is important to know that the shoulder is used, not the
elbow, as the axis of movement. The bottom hand (the one holding
the shaft) should be positioned at the correct angle. It should be at
the level of the shoulder bent slightly and not in front of the face or
chest. The position should also be over the water on the paddling
side, not over the canoe. The position of the trunk should be slightly
forward (around 80 degrees), but one should still feel he or she is
still seated perfectly erect. Excessive leaning will wear out the
paddler faster as he/she is fighting gravity’s pull and slouching will
make it difficult to use strength in the shoulders effectively.
2. Power Phase
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4
PREPARED BY:
P.E. DEPARTMENT
A strong stroke is what will actually move the boat forward.
In this phase, the bottom hand should be pulling while the top arm is
pressing down slightly forward. The torso rotates; thus, the paddle
enters the water. Simultaneously, the blade is planted in the water up
to the blade or shaft intersection. The blade should be completely
immersed at right angles to the direction of travel. This is what they
call “squaring the blade”. If the angle is wrong, the blade will slide
sideways. Remember the paddler is moving the boat and not the
water. Think as if the blade is being fixed in the water and the
paddler pulls the boat past it. While doing this, the blade should be
kept close to the boat, where the inside edge of the blade is still
touching the side of the canoe. The stroke ends when the torso,
rotation brings the paddle back to the hip. From the catch phase to
the power phase stroke, the toes, leg, hip, torso, and shoulder all
work smoothly together and in coordination.
3. Exit and Recovery
The stroke is finished when body rotation is complete. At exit, the
blade moves out of the water to the side. The top hand is still high and the
bottom elbow is bent to lift the blade. Take the blade forward for the next
stroke.
In Kayaking
In kayaking, the torso and legs will do most of the work. The
shoulder and arms will be used to transfer power. Just like in canoeing, one
paddles by rotating the torso while keeping the arms straight.
To start paddling, make sure that the front part of the power face of
the blade is facing front. Place the blade in the water, close to the feet and to
the kayak’s waterline. The lower arm should be almost straight. The upper
arm should be slightly bent, such that the upper wrist comes a bit closer
paddler’s eye. Press the stroke-side foot firmly against the foot peg. Sink the
6
blade into the water. Using the muscles of the torso, get more power at the
beginning of the stroke where the paddle has just entered the water. Then,
lessen power at the end.

Keep the upper arm relaxed and hold the paddle loosely so muscles
can rest. Keep the upper hand at about an eye level and allow it to move
across the body and to keep the paddle vertical. After the stroke, move the
blade out of the water and prepare for the next stroke.

What are the important things that we should always remember to be

safe in kayaking or canoeing?

K now first your skills in swimming and canoeing or kayaking.

A void paddling alone, paddling far from coastline, or paddling in routes of
ships.
Y ield to safety and know where to go in case of emergency.
A lways wear personal floatation device and other safety equipment.
K eep hydrated as you will be under the sun.

C heck weather conditions. ASSESSMENT

A lways plan ahead. This includes studying the river maps ahead of time.
Instruction: Write 😊 if the statement is TRUE, and ☹ if the statement is
N ever forget to put your things in waterproof bags.
FALSE.
O rientations given by facilitators or leaders are important. They tell you the
rules and regulations and safety procedures. Listen and follow them well. 1. Kayaking and canoeing both require a paddle for propulsion and
E quipment should be tried and always checked. Try on new or unfamiliar steering.
things and ask questions on the proper way of using them. 2. A kayak has a covered deck, while a canoe is wide open. 
3. Kayak were originally made from the large tree trunks. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4

PREPARED BY: 7
P.E. DEPARTMENT
 4. Sea canoeing is done in open waters such as the ocean or the lake.
Kayaks may be sit-on-top or decked design. 
5. Surf kayaking is where the kayak is typically fitted with a fin, rather
like a surfboard. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 4

PREPARED BY: 8
P.E. DEPARTMENT