Paddling History

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History of Paddling Throughout history paddling has been characterized by the various situational opportunities presented in that day, in time. Recreation, Transportation, Traveling, Competition, Exercise, and Fishing are just some of the ways paddling has been seen throughout history. Along with the activities that go on with paddling, different types of canoes and kayaks had to be made to keep up-to-date with these activities evolvement. Beginning more traditional with a dugout canoe and ending more advanced with the numerous racing canoes, our world has in fact grown to new developments. Kayaks on the other hand are similar in the way that they have progressed through history, however, the boats are all based on the idea of measurements, …show more content…

This made a change from dugouts to the use of birch bark. Birch Bark canoes started in the 1800’s in Canada. Various people such as, Native Americans, missionaries, and trappers, would use this type of canoe for travel through the North American waterways (Winkler). The bark itself would be strong enough to carry large loads that normally dugouts could not hold, as well as, be light enough to be carried across land and used again. Continuing, the canoe was completely waterproof, causing a smooth flowing canoe, therefore, the people paddling would not have to worry about their items getting wet when being transported. These canoes could also be fixed easily, because of the material being used was so available, therefore, even if this canoe broke a little, it can be prepared fast and easy. Birch bark canoes started a new form of transportation in the way that they could run all sorts of water flows. From rapids to slow moving backwaters, this canoe could adapt it’s function. When European explorers came over, they immediately found an interest to the birch bark canoes and decided to bring them back over to Europe. Expansion of the birch bark canoe, soon developed all over the world. Transportation, was in fact, made easier through the use of the birch bark canoe, due to it’s easy accessibility and it being …show more content…

The voyageur canoe was invented that could carry thousand of pounds of cargo, as well as, 12-20 people. This canoe was built in demand of the fur trade business, but has been used for other uses as well. When thinking of Voyageurs, we think of travelers, and this is exactly what this canoe was developed for. These types of people were typically french Canadian indentured servants that were ready to transport fur when needed. The voyageurs would be on this voyageur canoe, ready to work as a team to get to the location needed for

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