1. Sea Canoeing--In the Beginning
Sea canoeing, sometimes called ocean canoeing, has been in the tradition of ocean exploring and island hopping peoples for centuries. They crafted early sea canoes out of a single log that was carved out and then treated with natural resins. Native Americans explored the coasts in sea canoes made out of cedar, which, they found, were sturdy enough to face the choppy waves and rollers of the oceans. Similarly, Hawaii's watermen are famous for their multi-hulled outrigger canoes that can navigate swells at relatively high speeds to bounce from island to island in the Pacific.
2. Bays, Coves, Atolls and Treasure
Today, sea canoeing is a popular way of exploring the rich and fascinating coastlines of tourist destinations like Hawaii and Thailand. In the American island chain, you can get yourself a ride on an outrigger canoe with expert paddlers who know how to maneuver the boat so that it literally surfs the waves. The Thailand style canoeing is a little more tame but just as interesting since canoes are stable and maneuverable enough to navigate into the dozens of sea caves that line the coast of Thailand and its islands.
3. Prepare Yourself
Many people associate sea canoeing with lake or river canoeing or kayaking since the equipment is the same. The two activities are, in reality, extremely different. River and lake boating doesn't present you with the dangers of ocean currents, tide and the endlessness of the seas. This means that whether you're a new or veteran canoe enthusiast, you must adequately prepare yourself before you step into a sea canoe. Protection from the sun is one of the most important things to have, as is water. Life vests and a hand-held radio are also critical in case you get swept away by a current or strong wind. More important than all of this, however, is making sure that someone on the sea canoe is experienced at navigating the sea by small craft.
4. Know Your Rights
Unlike a small lake or river, you're also likely to encounter other craft as you canoe around the coastal area. You must know the specific right of way rules for the region you're in so you avoid any collisions. In general, human powered craft, like kayaks and canoes, have right of way over wind powered or motor powered vessels. The reality of the situation, however, is that larger craft simply can't see you, which means it's your job to steer clear of potentially life threatening vessels and collisions.
5. Own Your Own
Buying a sea canoe is a good option for true enthusiasts, but it's only worthwhile if you're going to use the canoe on a very regular basis. Even relatively inexpensive boats like inflatable versions run into the thousands of dollars while wood crafted canoes go for much more than that. So, before you jump into buying a sea canoe, check on rental options in your area.
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