Texas has no shortage of lakes and rivers, making canoeing a practical and fun summer activity for you and your family.
“Canoeing can be tremendously rewarding,” said Martha Muckleroy, senior lecturer with Texas A&M University’s Department of Health and Kinesiology. “It’s a noncompetitive sport that can help relieve stress, and it provides a great opportunity to appreciate nature and learn to work as a team with your family and friends.”
What people may not realize is how inexpensive the hobby can be.
“You don’t have to own a canoe to take up the sport,” Muckleroy said. “Many communities, particularly larger cities, have canoe clubs that you can join for a nominal annual fee. The clubs coordinate trips, provide education materials and give you a network of experienced people to paddle with. They can also help you find inexpensive equipment to rent.”
Muckleroy said many universities, including some within the A&M System, have sports and recreation departments that rent out gear and provide training to the community.
Whichever organization you select, Muckleroy said proper training beforehand is a must.
“Anytime you participate in a water-related activity, the consequences are extremely elevated,” she said. “Receiving proper canoe training will help you learn how to prevent accidents and injuries. It teaches things like the importance of wearing personal flotation devices regardless of your age or swimming capabilities, and it teaches how to wear them properly.”
If you have friends or family members who have disabilities but would like to participate, a canoe club can help you find Adaptive Paddling workshops in your area. Adaptive Paddling training is designed to teach people how to make canoeing a fun and safe experience for people who have special needs.
For more information, visit the American Canoe Association online. For a paddler’s guide to Texas rivers and creeks, check out Texas Whitewater (Texas A&M University Press), by Texas A&M University philosophy professor Steve Daniel.
This information is provided as a service by Texas A&M University’s Department of Health and Kinesiology.
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.