Open canoe (or Canadian canoe) is new to some in EEKCC whereas some have been paddling these versatile craft for years.

The open canoe was the hunting vessel and HGV of the native peoples of North America.  A canoe can carry a great load and in the hands of a skilled paddler can negotiate hard rapids as easily as as cruise a loch.  They can even be sailed!

It is a discipline of paddlesport that offers something different to kayak.  It is ideal for camping trips and trips with friends and lets someone who may not want to or be able to paddle a kayak to do paddlesports.

Paddlesport coaches now have to be experienced in both canoe and kayak, though many will specialise in coaching in only one type of craft.  All newcomers to paddling will spend some time in both a canoe and a kayak in their early days in the sport.  This allows you to make a choice if you want to paddle canoe, kayak or both!

The club has recently  bought an open canoe for members' use and a number of members have recently achieved their 3* open canoe award.

There is a very active web forum for  all things open boat here.