CANOEING Canoeing is a highly popular paddling activity, internationally. As a sport, Canoeing is a distant cousin of Kayaking with the major difference being that unlike a Kayak, it is an 'Open Craft', which means that the top of the 'boat' is open and not closed like most Kayaks. Canoes are known to be invented by the American Indians to be used for fishing and transportation in the Amazon. Its long - slim body provided an easy way to steer through the still waters. Part of the planning of a canoe trip entails knowing what to expect on your trip. This is not so difficult to figure out when you are canoeing on a lake. For canoeing on a river, however, you should learn about the ratings given to rapids, water level, and even canoeists. Canoeing in India is not a new sport. For centuries, the famous Shikaras on Dal Lake of Srinagar, have been the symbol of ultimate offbeat family holiday and family recreation in India. This Indian version of Canoeing has always attracted both International travellers and domestic holiday seekers. Today, though may not be packaged and branded as 'Canoeing' due to lack of awareness, but great canoeing is done at various parts of the country, be it Canoeing on Uttaranchal border at Renuka lake, or Canoeing in the Himalayan lake haven of Nainital and Saat Tal in Uttaranchal or Canoeing in the hundreds of beautiful lakes in all parts of India - Yercaud, Ooty and many spots in Kerala. The lake of Tehri Dam at Tehri in Uttaranchal is pegged to be the best place for canoeing and water sports not only in India, but in the entire India Sub continent. Rating the Rapids Rapids, like skiing slopes, vary in their intensity. The International Rating system classifies rapids as follows: Class A: Lake water. Still. No perceptible movement. met. Even nor Class I.- Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sand banks and gentle curves. The most difficult problems might arise when paddling around bridges and other obvious obstructions. classification Class II.- Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water. Class III.- Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown. Open canoes without flotation bags will have difficulty. These rapids are best left to canoeists with expert skills. Class IV.- Difficult. Long and powerful rapids and standing waves; souse holes and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory. Cannot be run in canoes unless the craft is decked or properly equipped with flotation bags. Advance preparations for possible rescue work important. More on this... Canoeists Rating Glossary