The Nature Conservancy in Indiana - JWN

Canoeing in Indiana

Origin of the Canoe

Canoe originated from the word 'kenu' meaning dugout which is exactly how the first canoes were built; by digging out an entire tree. North American natives later designed the more well-known canoe, one with a wooden frame and covered with lightweight bark. These vessels were used to travel and explore the continent through its vast waterways. Today, the canoe is still used for transportation as well as recreation and sport.

Don't Forget Your Permit!

Indiana requires all watercrafts - motorized or not - to have a lake permit displayed on their vessels. The lake permit replaced the launching permit beginning in 2006 but the funds are still used to cover operating costs to the facility visited. Before you head out, make sure to check out DNR's information on watercraft permits.

Canoeing vs. Kayaking

Canoeing is when the vessel is propelled using a single- or double-bladed paddle while kneeling or sitting on a raised seat. Canoes are usually open boats but can be covered too.

Kayaking is using a paddle with two blades to propel a usually closed-decked boat. The paddler sits with their legs in front of them in the enclosed vessel.

Although the two differ in vessels and paddling techniques, the canoe and kayak are equally just as fun!

Do you canoe? Or have you always wanted to give it a try? If you didn't know already, Indiana offers a number of incredible canoe trails and helpful outfitters to make canoeing in our state fun and easy. Thousands of Hoosiers are out there paddling away every year for a reason, why not join them and find out why.

The canoe is the oldest means of water travel in history. Throughout the world, man has used the canoe to explore the wilderness and all it has to offer. No motors or possible gas spills to worry about with this watercraft for the canoe is propelled by sheer human force making canoeing an activity good for the mind and body. Not to mention good on the environment; canoeing is a low impact activity causing no pollution or erosion (as long as appropriate water levels are reached).

Getting Ready: Canoeing Guides and How-To Tips

There is a lot you need to know before setting out on your canoe adventure. Luckily, there are organizations who want to help. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, DNR, offers a great Indiana Canoe Guide suitable for the beginning and seasoned paddler. The guide gives some great advice on where to find canoe trails and canoe liveries; how to paddle; canoe camping; topographic maps and river flow data; and commonsensical tips on being safe while having fun.

The American Canoe Association, or the ACA, also provides a "Beginner's Guide to Canoe and Kayak Paddling." Learn paddling jargon; whether to choose a canoe or kayak; essential and optional gear; how to plan a trip appropriately; paddling techniques; how to be safe on the water; and boat care all in one easy to read handbook.

Where to Canoe in Indiana

Indiana has about 2600 miles of waterways suitable for paddling. However, not all of these possible destinations have public access sites therefore it's important to do a little research before heading out to your local lake or river. A good place to start would be the DNR's Canoe Guide which offers a listing of canoeing trails open to the public. The following waterways are just a few of the more popular canoeing sites in Indiana:

* Picture perfect beauty can be found paddling down the Blue River. Forests, caves and pastoral landscapes can be seen no matter what Blue River access point you decide to launch from.

* Wildcat Creek is just one of Indiana's three scenic rivers and is located in north central Indiana. The Wildcat Creek Foundation offers their own canoe guide with information on access points and water levels.

* Sugar Creek will not be the most challenging canoe trail but it may just be the most beautiful found in Indiana. A map for all possible Sugar Creek public access points is available thanks to Indiana Outfitters.

* Indiana's most famous river, the Wabash, flows 465 miles throughout our great state. The Wabash River Heritage Corridor offers a great map of the Wabash River trail including access points.

Indiana Canoe Clubs and Outfitters

If you're a beginner canoeist, you may want ot think about going out with people who have more expertise in the water. Then again, you may be an experienced paddler hoping to meet others with similar passions. Either way, Indiana offers several canoe clubs and plenty of professional outfitters to fulfill all your canoeing needs.

Canoe Clubs

Hoosier Canoe Club
Central Indiana Wilderness Club
Fort Wayne Paddle Club
South Bend Paddling Club
Paddle Michiana
Indiana Kayak and Canoe Racing

Outfitters

Brown County Wilderness Canoe Rental
Cave Country Canoes
Morgan's Canoe & Outdoor Centers
Rusted Moon Outfitters
White River Canoe Company

IndianaOutfitters.com offers an extensive list of canoe and kayak outfitters throughout Indiana. If you want to find the closest shop at your location, use the clickable map.

Being Prepared and Playing It Safe

Canoeing may seem like a simple, laid-back kind of activity but dangers do exist. Motorboats sharing the same river or lake and bad weather are canoeist's biggest threats. However, you can minimize your risk of danger by being smart about where and when you canoe. These guidelines will help keep you safe:

Choose a lake or river appropriate for your skill level. Visit WaterWatch for current water conditions based on historical information.
Unless you're a skilled canoeist and looking for some excitement, stay away from high waters as it causes the river to elevate.
Avoid going out during bad weather, i.e. high winds and thunderstorms.
Don't go solo; it is always best to have at least one partner along. Remember, the more the merrier (and quite possibly, safer).
Like the Boy Scout motto says, "Be prepared." The following list are items that canoeists are advised to bring along.
At least two paddles, you'll need an extra if you drop or break one
Extra ropes or lines, duct tape and extra straps.
A bail bucket to get water out of the boat.
A well-stocked first-aid kit.
A litter bag; bring in what you take out.
Appropriate clothing; sun hats and rain gear if weather calls for it.
A dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag.
Food and water, plenty for the duration of the trip.
A flashlight if you will be out in low-light conditions.
Visual distress signals.

A personal floatation device (pfd) or life jacket, with a whistle attached, for each passenger.
Remember, you should always wear your pfd when in and near the water.

If you would like to have more information on canoe safety, visit the National Safety Council or the American Canoe Associations "Safety" section that offers a number of brochures on life jackets, safety checklists and rescue guides.

Keeping It Eco-Friendly

Canoeists understand that one of greatest enjoyments taken from being out on the water is the connection they have with the waterways and the wilderness surrounding them. For many paddlers and paddling associations, nothing is more important than water conservation and stewardship. The American Canoe Association is just one of these organizations that has taken great strides in making sure that paddler environments are kept clean and healthy. Here are several tips on how to make your camping adventure as low-impact as possible:

* Leave no trace! Never litter and always pack out whatever you packed in. It may be necessary to pack out human waste when visiting environmentally sensitive areas.

* Make sure to conduct all toilet activity at least 200 feet away from all water sources to prevent contamination.

* Do not disturb the wildlife around you.

* Leave what you find. Rocks, plants and other natural objects should be left where you found them as it will prevent introducing or spreading of non-native species.

* When it is possible, use designated paths and launching areas. Please respect the rights of private land owners as well.

* Minimize the impact made on the shore when launching, portaging or taking the canoe in. Float the canoe when launching and lift it out when landing.

* Campfires along the shore should be contained in fire rings and used only in an emergency.

Information above from the ACA's brochure on "Practices, Ethics and Conduct".

For More Information

United States Canoe Association

Indiana River's forum for searching for paddling groups and shuttle help.

Paddling.net offers reports and descriptions of Indiana canoe trips.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman - BOW - an outdoor skills program for Indiana women

GORP.com offers plenty of knowledge on adventure travel and outdoor recreation including hiking, camping and paddling. Although it is necessary to join the website, gorp.com has a plethora of information on canoeing from Choosing the Right Canoe and Selecting a Paddle to How to Paddle and Canoeing with Kids.

How to Canoe with Kids

Canoe Games - suitable for children of all ages!

How to Make a Wooden Canoe Paddle
and How to Make a Dugout Canoe are two do-it-yourself projects that may prove to be just as fun as canoeing itself.

Canoe Camping - Information on canoe camping on the Wabash.