Newb here...need Canoe Direction

[paddle2fish]

Group,

I want to get into canoeing.

Need Direction:

1. What kind of gear does a newb need? Best canoe for a newb?

2. Best way to learn good canoeing? I am generally going to be a canoer to get out to some fishing.

3. Any other keys for a newb canoer are appreciated.

Cheers

[Jim Krueger]

Paddle,

Welcome! You're in good company for paddling and fishing!
First off, whether your interests are just canoeing to fish and sight-see or to advance your skills to white water play, learning the basics is the very best was to begin. The club sponsors several classes of various types during the year, with the Recreational Paddling School being the one I recommend you begin with. The Rec. School is held on the Spring River each year, usually in early June. It's a two-day school and includes classes for kayaks and canoes, paddling safety, gear, paddling strokes and maneuvers, in short an excellent way to learn the basics and feel confident as you progress.
June is aways off I know, and we have many nice Fall days ahead for paddling so you likely can join various outings and get a good start on things with the help of the many good paddlers in the club.
There are many canoe choices, and being a kayaker myself, will leave others to chime in about the boats. I will say, at a minimum, you will need to get yourself a good type III life jacket for paddlers. If you're in central Ark. I'd suggest stopping by Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters to visit more about gear.

Best Regards
Jim

[gfitzge7]

I use a Gray Rock canoe, which might be very difficult to find, but has served me well from some pretty hairy trips to just leisure days of fishing. I do like my friends old town for fishing a little better though. The wind does not seem to mess with the tracking when we are fishing in still water quite as much. A good Buffalo canoe would be great as well.

[mloving]

I have a couple of Old Town Guide 147s that I like for paddling. They are very stable. I usually fish from a kayak but the Guides should do very well to fish from. They can be paddled solo, but are basically tandem boats.

Your main need is a good PFD and paddle(s). Presumably you have the fishing gear you need. There are a million toys you can get if you want them. mike

[mb]

If you can't find enough toys locally --piragis.com