PE canoeing, kayaking & snorkeling

• Canoe


  Originated from the Carib word "kenu" meaning "dugout", originally made from a large tree trunk
• Kayak


  Originated from the Inuit and Aleut tribes of Arctic North America, meaning "man's boat" or "hunter's boat", built with a wood or whalebone frame and covered in stitched skin waterproofed with whale fat
• Basic Parts of Kayak and Canoe

  • Length
  • Beam
  • Bottom Shape
  • Profile or sides of the boat
• Length


  • Longer boats are faster and move in a straight line, can carry more people, but are less maneuverable
  • Shorter boats are easier and lighter to handle, but less stable
• Beam


  • Generally, the wider the boat, the more stable, but a narrower kayak and canoe may be faster and less stable
• Bottom Shape


  • Flat - good stability in calm water
  • Round - designed for speed and efficiency
  • Vee - between flat and round
• Profile or sides of the boat

  • Tumblehome design - sides curve inwards, narrower on the deck
  • Flared sides - sides curve outwards, wider on the deck
  • Straight sides - a mix of the two
• Choosing a paddle


  • Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddles
  • Shorter, lighter paddles for smaller builds
  • Measure paddle height while standing
  • Wider blades give more acceleration but more resistance
  • Narrower blades use less effort per stroke but require more strokes
  • Curved blades increase power of each stroke
• Activities that can be done with kayaks and canoes

  • Sea Kayaking
  • Whitewater kayaking and canoeing
  • Flatwater recreation
  • Sailing
  • Surf kayaking
  • Marathon racing
• How to start canoeing and kayaking


  1. Learn how to get in and out of the boats

  2. Learn the correct posture

  3. Learn the proper way of holding the paddle

  4. Learn the basic of making the boat move forward
• Correct posture in canoeing

  Relax the muscles
• Correct posture in kayaking


  Good posture is key to use the body efficiently
• Important things to remember for safety

  • Know your swimming and canoeing/kayaking skills
  • Avoid paddling alone, far from coastline, or in shipping routes
  • Yield to safety and know where to go in case of emergency
  • Always wear personal floatation devices and other safety equipment
  • Keep hydrated
  • Check weather conditions
  • Always plan ahead and study river maps
  • Never forget to put things in waterproof bags
  • Follow orientation given by facilitators or leaders
  • Always check equipment
• Snorkeling is peeking through life underneath water by swimming with aid of a snorkel and mask
• Basic equipment in snorkeling

  • Mask
  • Snorkel
  • Fins
  • Snorkel vest
  • Skin protection
  • Swimming cap
• Parts of the mask

  • Strap
  • Mask skirt
  • Nose pocket
• Parts of the snorkel

  • Flexible tube
  • Purge valve
  • Splash guard
  • Dry valve
• Types of snorkeling fins

  • Full-foot fins
  • Adjustable fins
  • Paddle-bladed fins
  • Split fins
• Snorkel vests provide more buoyancy to help conserve energy while floating
• Wearing a rash guard can protect skin from sun and jellyfish stings
• Safety tips for snorkeling

  • Stay close to shore if a beginner
  • Never do it alone
  • One up, one down
  • Rain check!
  • Know your surroundings
  • Energy retention
  • Leave marine life alone