Paddling school questions

[robbakersc]

Hello all. I'm a lifelong casual paddler, but have never really learned the ins and outs. I've been planning on going to canoe school for years, but it never seems to work out with my schedule. A buddy and I have been planning on going this year for several months, but he is having some family issues and isn't sure he'll make it after all. Nonetheless, I'm committed to going but had a couple of questions if someone doesn't mind.

First, if I just did the solo canoe class, would what I learned still be pretty applicable to tandem paddling?

Second, if the solo class would be good for someone who mainly does tandem, does anyone know where I could rent an appropriate boat? I paddle a 17' Bell Alaskan (I mainly do canoe camping on the Buffalo), which obviously doesn't quite work for the whitewater school.

Would appreciate any advice you guys might have.

Thanks!

[Steve S]

There is a great deal of knowledge transfer that can occur between learning to paddle a solo canoe on whitewater and paddling a tandem. The problem that may occur in a tandem boat is one paddler has the knowledge of what needs to be done and the other doesn't have a clue. So the paddler who has been through whitewater school is going to need some patience while bringing the other paddler up to speed.

After taking the solo class, you will understand eddy turns, peel outs, and ferries. And this knowledge will apply to handling a tandem in whitewater. Many of the strokes will be the same or similar.

As far as finding a boat to use at the whitewater school, you may have better luck finding someone who can lend you one rather than a livery who will rent one. You should look for a boat between 12'6" and 14" in length. It will need bow and stern floatation and preferably be equipped with thigh straps.

Another possibility is to check with the Whitewater School to find out if there is another paddler who would like to take the tandem class but doesn't have a partner.

[Deuce]

Welcome, Rob. As a relative novice paddler (especially relative to Steve) I'd like to make a suggestion. It sounds like it might be worthwile for you to at least consider rec school. I soloed my sixteen foot tandem there last year. That wasn't the original plan but it worked out great. This year I'm going to whitewater school, but I enjoyed rec school so much I'm also going back there to help out (shuttle bunny, gopher, or whatever the boss tells me to do) and play.

[turboturtle]

Yeah Rob, you come to Turner Bend either way, as just being there does the soul good. A solo boat would help for sure if your coming. Sign up for the rec school too if flatter waters are more your speed.
I've been to canoe school several times, and never taken a class.

Party on Garth!


aka Bob

[robbakersc]

Thanks, everyone, I appreciate all the input. It looks like my schedule will work out with the rec school, so I think I'll give that a try. Can't wait, sounds like a great time!