Canoe Lake Lesson

The Canoe lesson is your introduction to our canoe fleet and will allow you to check our long boats out on Lake Mendota and participate in most quietwater trips.  This also opens the doorway to touring Wisconsin's plethora of lakes and riverways (eventually including trips on the Great Lakes).   We will meet at the Hoofer boathouse in the Memorial Union. 

The lesson will include: 

1. Instruction in wind/water/weather considerations.

2. Boat and paddle differences.

3. Basic paddle strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, & draw).

4. Wet exits and assisted rescues. Individuals who take this lesson must demonstrate they can perform an assisted T-rescue.

Please watch the following two videos prior to this lesson to get a background on canoeing and canoe strokes so we can get out on the water as quickly as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3AgRxPqZXU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVUNzKkBE5o

Be prepared to get wet!  Please have a swimsuit, water shoes, water, and a change of clothes.