Canoe Orientation

This lesson is an introduction to canoeing. No prior experience is needed at all! 

WHAT IS THIS LESSON 

This is the Canoe Orientation, also known as the Canoe Lake Lesson. It is the prerequisite to most other canoeing events in the Outing Club. 

This lesson will teach you: 

- what is a canoe 

- basic canoe vocabulary 

- how to fit a Personal Flotation Device (PFD, or "lifejacket" 

- how to fit a canoe paddle 

- how to get in and out of a canoe while it's floating 

- paddling a canoe

- basic paddle strokes, and generally getting the boat to move in the direction you want it to 

- discussion of how to deal with a capsized canoe 

- optional capsize of a canoe if we have time (it can be fun!) 

- Hoofer-specific policies for boating and Lake Mendota checkout 

ELIGIBILITY:  

Participants do not need any prior experience and do not need any prior ratings at all to attend. 

Participants need to be a current member of the Hoofer Outing Club. 

Participants need to meet the first six essential eligibility requirements as specified by American Canoe Association: https://americancanoe.org/eec/ 

WHERE TO MEET: 

Please meet at the outer entrance to the Outdoor UW boathouse in the lower level of Memorial Union. It's a large garage door facing the lake, where the canoes and kayaks are kept. 

WHAT TO BRING: 

Dress in clothing that is ok to get wet, and wear shoes that won't fall off if you are swimming.

Dress in clothing that is suited to outdoor exposure- remember your sun hat and/or sunscreen if you want those.  

I highly recommend a glasses strap if you are wearing glasses. 

Bring a towel and a change of clothing, just in case we get wet (though we are not necessarily planning to get wet). 

A waterbottle is a good idea.