Canoeing is not only a great way to get out and enjoy the nature and spend time with your family or friends, it is also a great way to stay physically active. In 1999, 17.5 million people went canoeing, 8.8 million went whitewater rafting, and 5.1 million kayaked in the United States .
Canoeing is a great way to work your upper body and it is a fun way to burn calories. If you weigh 150-215 lbs, canoeing for leisure (2.5 mph) can make you burn 180-260 kcal/hour. However, these are under calm and low-resistant conditions, thus if you paddle against the current or under rougher conditions you will almost burn twice the amount of calories.
There are three important points to consider when canoeing. The first one is the equipment. You need a canoe, an extra spare paddle, a lifejacket, a sun hat, a first aid kit, sunglasses for UV-protection, sunscreen, water, and food. Make sure to pack extra clothes in waterproof bags and tie them to the canoe in case of an unexpected flip. The second point to pay attention to is the weather. Avoid canoeing in windy conditions since the water can get rough, and never be on the water during a thunderstorm since you will be the highest point and possibly a target for lightning. Finally, choose a route close to shore on waters without fast currents.
Remember to ALWAYS wear a lifejacket, 75% of all canoeing fatalities in 1999 were not wearing lifejackets. Even skilled swimmers can be knocked unconscious with a flip. Never consume alcohol while canoeing, and always dress appropriately for the climate and water conditions, wear shoes. As always, consult with your physician before doing any new strenuous activity.