{"id":3214,"date":"2023-05-25T14:42:38","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T19:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.niacc.edu\/niacc-minute\/?p=3214"},"modified":"2023-05-25T14:45:20","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T19:45:20","slug":"to-kayak-or-to-canoe-that-is-the-question","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.niacc.edu\/niacc-minute\/2023\/05\/to-kayak-or-to-canoe-that-is-the-question\/","title":{"rendered":"To Kayak or to Canoe – That is the Question"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NIACC’s DiscoverU<\/a> is offering a variety of kayaking and canoeing classes this summer.  Both activities are the perfect way to immerse yourself into the great outdoors.  Breathe in the fresh air, feel the gentle breeze blow gently across the water, and soak up all that spectacular Vitamin D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s society, where screens are prevalent in every aspect of life, it\u2019s the perfect way to unplug and relax in nature.  The real question isn\u2019t, should I take this class<\/em>?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The real question is, which class should I take<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kayak & Canoe – a Basic How-To<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Canoeing for Families<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Canoeing Lake Catherine<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Float and Yoga: River Retreat Day<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For those not familiar with either form of water transportation, here\u2019s the 411. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canoes were made and developed thousands of years ago by the Native Americans.  The first canoes were made by hallowing out large tree trunks and were solely used for hunting and fishing expeditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is, until someone likely challenged their mate to a race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, there are local and even national competitions for canoe racing.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"father<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Kayaks were invented by the native people of Arctic North America.  We can trace the roots of kayaking as a mode of transportation to people living in this region.  The first kayaks were made from wooden frames covered in sealskin.  The fiberglass kayaks came on the scene in the 1950s and were all the rage until polyethylene plastic was invented in the 1980s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we know a bit of the history, we can\u2019t help but wonder\u2026 which is better?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a common argument amongst outdoor enthusiasts, actually.  Each have an extensive list of pros and cons in a variety of categories.  One surefire way to know which is best for you is to try them both and then decide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good question to begin with is: What is your purpose? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying your purpose for use will help decide on a kayak or canoe. Are you fishing? Racing? Going down rapids? Or out to enjoy the great outdoors on one of the fantastic waterways in North Iowa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those unable to give each option a shot, here is a short rundown of a few characteristics of kayaks and canoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kayaks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n