Recreational canoeing can be started at an early age, enjoyed by all members of the family and continued on into retirement.
Recreation includes White Water Rafting and all other non competitive activities.
Even for the easiest waters all canoeists should be able to swim at east 50 metres in canoeing clothing. It is not sound practice to set out on a canoeing expedition alone, or without practice or experience. On fast rivers and the sea, there should always be at least three boats in a group, so that they can help each other if the need arises. Start with easy rivers or canals and work up gradually to faster waters. Do not attempt sea or estuary canoeing until you have had more experience, can swim well and have learned about winds, tides and tidal currents and buoyage.