Canoeing on a date--good idea or not?

Question

I've met a cool guy, and we both talked about going canoeing on a date. Neither have us has ever been, and we thought it was a relatively easy task. I googled it and read horror stories. So is this a common activity for the inexperienced? How difficult is it? I was thinking a calm lake or something. We're not trying to get too crazy! Thanks!

Answer 1

If you've never tried it before, don't do it together for the first time unless you guys have an instructor. Be safe.

Answer 2

If neither of you have every operated a canoe then maybe your first date should be a lesson from a qualified instructor. Apart from basic safety and technique paddling a canoe with a friend is a test of cooperation and mutual trust. Generally it is best if one member of the "crew" makes the decisions about where to go or else you wind up paddling to cross purposes and don't get anywhere.

So for a first date it might be too stressful even if both of you know what you are doing.

On the other hand if you just rent a canoe in a park lake, wear your life preservers and agree to have fun no matter what happens, it might be a great ice breaker. And if you survive a crisis you might find out a lot about each other that will either strengthen the relationship or nip it in the bud.

Answer 3

For the inexperienced. Yes a good date. just a few things.

1 yes, a calm lake good until you KNOW how to do a canoe.

2 If you both can swim or not, wear a life vest.

3. If in the day , wear lots of sunscreen cream. Water reflects the sun and you will get a sunburn very quickly.

Answer 4

My husband and I had our first date going kayaking. I nearly drowned, he saved me, and the rest is history. (Ok, the "nearly drowned" part is a slight exaggeration, and kayaking is much harder than canoeing...)

I say GO FOR IT. Canoeing is relatively easy. Most horror stories come from white water (fast rivers). Stay away from the fast stuff (a calm lake would be perfect), and you'll have a great time. Having some adventure, trying something new.... what a greta way to get to know each other quickly and create memories!

Answer 5

Canoeing is fun and can be a first date on a quite lake.

However things to be wary of.
Sunburn
Blisters on hands - thin gloves help
sore muscles - arms and shoulders
this depends on how fit and loose you are.
Also bring a kneeling pad - the better way to paddle is kneel on the bottom of the canoe and rest your backside agaist the crossbars or seats. If you sit on the seats and are not good at this the tip over rate is higher.

Answer 6

I think it's such a good idea if you both are adventurous. Just to be safe, make sure you hire a guide or something. Last thing you want is someone falling into the water and drown. That might get up on the list of top 10 worst date ever. =)

Answer 7

Sounds like fun! If you just going on a calm lake or pond/marsh area, you should be fine. Just wear a life jacket and don't be out on a mission to impress anyone (mention this to your date :) ).

Answer 8

WOW !!!! Both of your earned my respect. Two person who have no experience on canoeing go for canoeing on a date ? You are very creative for a date... keep it up...cooool

Answer 9

Bad idea, your usually talking to someones back the whole time and that might make someone not even think of it as a date. try kayaking in calm waters instead.

Answer 10

great idea i took my girlfriend on to a canoe date cuz i had to tell her we arent together anymorecuz i was dating some other girl so i told her to stand up cuz i said she grown taller then i said hey babe by the way were done and pushed her off the canoe and rowed as fast as i could away from her