Learning Our Strokes
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Before beginning our first real outdoor adventure, an overnight canoe and camping trip on the Blackwood River, we first had to be certain that everyone was familiar with canoe safety, operations, and etiquette. We headed south of Dwellingup to the Baden-Powell Pool to receive some basic instruction in canoeing. In the photo to the left, Mr. Balabuck supervises the launching of the canoes, following our on-land instruction on safety and maneuvering.
Once on the water students practiced maneuvering, learning different strokes, as well as how to paddle as a team, with the front person serving as the propulsion and the rear person providing the steering. As we soon found out, going in a straight line was no easy task. Here Anika and Jollene work on getting the hang of canoeing.
We met group 2 people at [the Baden-Powell Pool] and learned some basic canoe strokes from Ms. Glass. I was working with May. Both of us were not able to control canoeing (paddling). We had a hard time, but got used it and later we were fine. Because the canoe was so heavy, our hands were sore later.
After learning the basics, such as how to enter the canoe without getting wet and navigating in a (relatively) straight line, we proceeded to more difficult maneuvers such as directing the canoe sideways and learning to turn rapidly. These maneuvers became indispensable the next day when rapidly flowing waters required quick and precise maneuvering if we wanted to stay dry and on course. Here Joe and Dario show us how it is done.
Of course, this trip isn't all about work; next to the Baden-Powell pool there was a large crack in the rock formation through which water flowed. This served as a natural Jacuzzi. Although the water was freezing, it served as a refreshing change from the hot Australian sun for some of our more adventurous group members, shown here "relaxing" in the frigid waters. It takes all kinds!
