Learn to canoe – This water sport is a great way to experience the surrounding nature on the water.
That’s why canoeing is also popular when camping.
You can get into a canoe and set off directly from the campsite in beautiful places such as the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Spreewald.
Here you will find tips on boat types, rowing and equipment so that you have an initial overview of water sports.
Canoeing while camping offers a unique opportunity to experience nature and enrich your outdoor experience.
It allows you to explore remote waters, relieve stress and experience adventure in nature.
Canoeing promotes teamwork, offers a variety of experiences for different experience levels and allows you to observe animals.
It is also a great form of exercise and can be combined well with tent camping.
However, always observe local regulations.
Camping Ratgeber:
Canoeing has these advantages when camping:
- Experience nature
- Seclusion
- Activity & movement
- Fishing
- Relaxation
- Wildlife observation
- Adventure
- Community
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Learning with video: Kayak and canoe in pictures
In these videos you will find helpful tips on how to paddle a canoe.
Kayak: paddling, braking and accelerating
Here you will be shown the basics of kayaking.
Special attention is paid to paddling techniques.
Here you will learn how to get the kayak moving, speed up, slow down and steer in one direction.
You will also learn how to stabilize your boat if you are in danger of tipping over and how to move sideways if you want to drastically correct the direction of travel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H602LMcaBUg
Canadian: rowing, kneeling & posture
Here you will find lots of tips on rowing correctly and comfortably in a canoe.
You will be shown joint-friendly techniques for kneeling in the boat.
Special attention is also paid to posture and shifting your weight.
With the posture described, you can reach both sides of the boat and therefore perform many maneuvers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9tlMt_SqSE
Tips for beginners: boat types, paddling & group tours
Canoe is the generic term for the two boat types kayak and Canadian canoe.
Kayak: Paddle, Balance & Tours
A kayak is used in a sitting position and with a double paddle.
A double paddle has a paddling surface on both sides.
This variant is often somewhat narrower and lighter.
This makes it faster and sportier, but also requires more balance.
It is usually used alone or in pairs.
Nevertheless, there is often enough space for luggage, which makes it ideal for longer tours.
Here is an overview of the canoe:
- Sitting
- Double paddle
- Sportier & faster
- Has space for luggage
- Therefore well suited for touring
Canoes: families, stability & paddles
A Canadian canoe is somewhat larger and heavier and therefore offers more stability on the water.
Although it has benches to sit on, professional canoeists usually paddle on their knees.
A paddle is used for this, which has one surface for paddling and a knob on the other side for a better grip.
The high stability and roomier size make this variant popular for families.
The Canadian canoe at a glance:
- Sitting paddling (kneeling for professionals)
- Paddle (one-sided, with knob at the end)
- Heavier, larger & more stable
- Frequently used by families
Equipment: Boat, clothing & accessories
The first piece of equipment is, of course, the canoe and the paddle.
It also makes sense to wear a wetsuit, a life jacket, neoprene socks and shoes.
You can get warm while paddling, but if you fall into the water, you can also cool down again very quickly.
That’s why we also recommend a spraydeck for your legs and a paddling jacket made of lightweight but water-repellent fabric, so that you don’t get cold when splashing water.
Water-repellent bags are suitable for your luggage.
So that you don’t sit too hard, a seat cushion can also help on longer tours, but this should also be waterproof.
This complete equipment can start at a good 1,500 euros and be considerably more expensive.
That’s why it’s worth renting this equipment first, especially for beginners.
Equipment at a glance:
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Life jacket
- Spraydeck
- Paddle jacket
- Wetsuit
- Neoprene socks
- Shoes
- Waterproof seat cushion
- Water-repellent bags for luggage
- Costs: around 1500 euros – so it’s better to rent for the time being
First trip: paddling, boarding & group paddling
If you and your fellow passengers want to board from the shore, it is recommended that the person at the back boards first.
This person should also be the heaviest.
Children or the lightest passengers should be in the middle.
To get in, place one side of the paddle on the bank or jetty and the other behind the seat hatch or bench.
In a kayak, the seat hatch is the round recess into which you sit.
You should then hold the bench or seat hatch together with the paddle with one hand.
You can now carefully and slowly place your foot in the boat and let yourself sink into it.
If the whole thing is still very wobbly, your passengers can also hold on to the canoe.
Once you are seated, you can close the seat cover.
You should avoid hectic movements and shifts in balance so that you don’t tip over.
Getting into the canoe, summarized:
- Rear person first
- Lightest people in the middle
- Place paddle on shore and behind seat hatch/bench
- Hold the paddle and edge of the seat hatch/bench with one hand
- Carefully slide in with one foot first
- Close seat cover
- Avoid hectic movements
Paddling in a group: you should pay attention to this!
When you are ready to set off, you should check your paddle position.
To do this, take the paddle in both hands.
You can then hold it over your head and if your arms are both at a 90 degree angle, you have the right distance between your hands.
To paddle, dip the paddle into the water parallel to the boat.
To make a turn or change direction, you should always paddle in the opposite direction.
So paddle to the right for a left turn.
If there is more than one person in the boat, it is important that everyone makes these movements at the same time and that there is a consistent rhythm. 
Top travel destinations: Get on the boat here!
Here you will find a list of popular destinations for canoeists.
These include lakes and rivers in Germany, as well as Sweden, as the country is a popular destination for active vacationers due to its breathtaking nature.
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More activities & experiences for your vacation
Here you can find more activities on wheels and other activities for your vacation.
Water sports on vacation: canoeing, surfing, water skiing & co.
Whether on a canoe, motorboat, surfboard or water ski, water sports are a popular pastime on vacation.
A trip on or into the water is particularly popular when camping.
Whether it’s fishing, canoeing, swimming, sailing, surfing, diving, scuba diving, water skiing or wakeboarding, you’ll find lots of tips for beginners here.
Vacation activities: Water sports, winter sports & co.
Are you planning a vacation but still looking for activities for you, your family, your partner or just for yourself outside the campsite?
Here you’ll find lots of great ideas for experiences that will enrich your vacation.
With lots of tips for beginners, you can also start right from the beginning and get your bearings.
