Ocean Canoeing: An Interview

How did you get into canoeing?

While I grew up canoeing at camps or friends' cabins, I fell in love with it more once taking an instructor course and really learning how to maneuver the canoe properly.

This is Shawn on a trip we did together on the Upper Stikine river.

What do you love about ocean canoeing, specifically?

The feeling of freedom on the ocean and how it is connected to everywhere along the coast.

What do you wish people understood about canoeing?

People have been canoeing along this coast for at least the last 14,000 years.

Sometimes when I talk about canoeing on the ocean, people ask if it is dangerous. Risk is about knowing the hazards and making good decisions.

What have been some of your favourite places to paddle?

I have canoed many places along the coast from Wrangell, Alaska to the Gulf Islands, BC. One of my favourite places to have paddled is in Musgamakw Dzawada̱’enux̱w territory (including and North of the Broughton Archipelago). I have worked with the communities there to develop a paddle program for their youth. The area includes protected bays, large inlets, thousands of islands, tidal currents, open water, and a healthy marine ecosystem with many whales, sea lions, and orcas.

Learning to avoid or paddle in current is one of the joys of ocean canoeing.

Why canoe vs. sea kayak on the ocean?

Personally, the canoe always suited me better. My body position feels better in a canoe, which makes it more sustainable for longer trips. There is much space so you can bring as much or little as you want. Canoeing has a lot of finesse to it, it is a beautiful way to travel.

What do you need to get started canoeing?

A love of exploring the water. Gear can always be rented or borrowed, also there are great deals on used gear (canoe, paddle, PFD). Knowledge of risk and hazards so you don't get yourself into trouble!