This module is designed to acquaint students with basic information and skills for canoeing and kayaking on Iowa waters. This is a brief introduction to these outdoor activities. An annotated bibliography of additional resources (104K pdf) related to teaching these concepts/skills is included at the end of the module.

The Background Information (911K pdf) provides a brief overview for the educator or leader. It discusses the history of paddling; Iowa's aquatic resources and values related to them; types of paddling; equipment and terminology associated with canoeing and kayaking; basic strokes; and tips to plan a canoeing or kayaking trip. It also discusses paddling safety and Iowa regulations for canoeing and kayaking.

• A Look Back - The History of Canoeing and Kayaking (110K pdf)
• Looking to the Future - Our Impact on the Resources (124K pdf)
• Sinkers and Floaters (118K pdf)
• Don't Catch that Cold! (108K pdf)
• What to Wear! (193K pdf)
• Paddling Telephone (Float Plans) (127K pdf)
• Grab that Paddle! (111K pdf)
• Basic Strokes (108K pdf)
• All Aboard!: Boarding/Launching the Craft (95K pdf)
• Reading the River (93K pdf)
• Water Obstacles (114K pdf)
• Scavenger Hunt (120K pdf)

Each activity includes an overview of the activity, associated objectives, estimated time needed to complete the activity, a list of needed materials, directions to complete the activity, suggested evaluation, and extensions to the activity.