Canoeing has something for everyone...
There's something special about spending your time on or in the water. There's a reason kids are drawn to it naturally.
We tend to spend less time in the water as we get into adulthood but really it's one of the best places to spend your time.
One of my favourite ways to spend time around water is to go canoeing. I'm not just saying that for a bit of marketing on a website. I have canoes which I take out and paddle as often as I can whether that's coaching others or just getting out for myself (of course I get the benefits for me when I'm out with others as well... everyone wins).
The Science Of Water's Benefits
If you look at the Control-Alt-Delete course you'll see the concepts of Shinrin-Yoku - a japanese idea to do with bathing in the natural environment for it's health benefit which is scientifically confirmed to work.
This same concept is as true of our blue spaces as it is of the green.
All through history humans have been making use of the watery environments around them for improving on their health and there are some solid physiological bases for it working.
The Greeks and Romans used natural springs and made baths to allow them to immerse in water. The Japanese have a Shinto purification practice called Misogi which often involves standing under a waterfall.
These and many other options work with our bodies and minds to achieve a number of huge health benefits:
- Any activity in water gives a direct improvement to strength and stamina.
- The sights and sounds of moving water have a meditative effect providing:
- Mindfullness
- A sense of calm
- A reduction in stress
- An increase in empathy
Reasons to Canoe
- It's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun. Such an important point it was worth saying twice.
- You can do it anywhere there's suitable water - canals, rivers, lakes, seas - loads of options for you.
- You feel great. It's healthy physical exercise and can be done at any effort level.
- The water is a massive stress reducer. It's almost impossible to be stressed while on the water.
- Anyone can do it. I really do mean that. I've never met anyone who couldn't access this sport.
- You get to connect deeper with Nature. The water environments are a whole different world.
Reasons NOT to Canoe
OK. I'm thinking. I'll get back to you when I've thought of something...
Where Do We Canoe?
As I'm based near the Peak District the typical day trips are in the immediate area here. We have some lovely canals on the local part of the network. There are a few river options and a couple of lakes/reservoirs.
Further afield, we visit some of the most amazing places the UK has to offer.
Now and then we get to visit other countries as well.
On this page you can book for days out. Look at some of the other pages for the longer trips such as the Scottish rivers (usually multi-day trips).
