Getting Started FAQs
1. What’s the first step to becoming a paddler?
New paddlers should find a program that will help them in the early stages of learning to paddle.. Teaching pros make learning to paddle fun and research shows that you are three times more likely to enjoy paddling if you are part of a lesson program rather than just trying to learn to paddle on your own.
That’s why we established Canoe and Kayak Welcome Centers throughout America, to help you “learn to paddle…fast!”
Just go to the Find a Welcome Center page and you can find Welcome Centers in your community offering programs that will get you paddling in no time. Instruction, people to paddle with, skills tips – you’ll find them all here. Like the name says, there’s a place for everyone at the Canoe and KayakWelcome Centers, even if you’ve never touched a paddle in your life.
2. How much time will it take to learn?
A: Teaching pros say they can teach you the basics in an hour but to get to a level where you can feel comfortable paddling on your own it’s best to take at least a multi-day lesson program. Group lessons are an affordable way to learn good technique and meet new paddling friends.
3. What equipment do I need?
A: Most Welcome Centers will have loaner gear that you can use for your first few lessons. Once on your own, you’ll need a boat, paddle, personal flotation device, helmet (particularly for whitewater paddling), and for closed deck boats, a spray skirt. Gear swaps and demo events are the best way to find the best gear for you at the best prices.
4. Can I get a good workout?
A: Want flat abs, sculpted arms and great shoulders? Paddling will help you get them. The abdominal muscles, back and shoulders, and to a lesser degree your legs are involved in every stroke. Want to burn calories? A 150 lb adult will burn between 340 and 400 calories per hour of paddling. An hour on a stationary bike will burn 387. Which one sounds like more fun?
6. Can paddling help my social life?
A: Paddling is a great way to spend time with friends. Water levels the playing field and rewards technique so women with good technique can keep up with men. Singles, married couples, friends, fathers, daughters- rivers, lakes, streams or the ocean, water invites everyone to play, explore and enjoy whether your preference is leisurely sunny paddles on placid lakes or charging adrenaline-inducing whitewater rapids.
7. Is there a charge to be in a Welcome Center program?
A: Welcome Centers will offer a free Introduction to Paddling program during May but to really get good at it, you’ll want to sign up for multi-session course, taught by a professional, where you will learn how to paddle with confidence.
8. Can my spouse/friend and I learn together?
A. Absolutely! Paddling is an excellent way for men and women to play together. Virtually all entry level paddling programs are co-ed.
9. What about my kids? Can they get into these programs?
A: Yes, most Welcome Centers will offer programs for both kids and adults. When you click on a facility, they’ll have this information.
11. What if I can’t find a Welcome Center facility in my area?
A: Please contact us HERE. We will try to connect you with a facility in your area.
12. How does my facility become a Welcome Center?
A: To get your facility enrolled as an official Kayak or Canoe Welcome Center, Click here for more information.
13. Are there any rules about paddling I should know before I can start paddling on my own?
A: There aren’t any rules in recreational paddling but there are basic rules of safety, safety equipment and river etiquette which instructors at Welcome Centers are well versed in and will share with you during your lesson program. If you think you’d like to race or compete in freestyle, some events are times, others involve scoring which will be explained to you when you’re ready to start competing.