How to recruit new canoe paddlers?

tketcham said:

paddling in a corset must have been uncomfortable to say the least...

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The styles of paddling clothing have changed quite a bit over the years.

Benson

Alan Gage said:

I'm thinking that sex might be the best way to recruit new paddlers to canoeing.

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This certainly was part of the appeal in the past.

Benson

The Golden Age of Canoeing was right before cars became popular. It was the easiest way for young people to get some privacy.

I am not hopeful about the future of canoeing because so many people do not take the time to learn to paddle one.

Benson Gray said:

That picture shows a slow day at Belle Isle in Detroit. It was said that you could walk across the Charles River near Boston on a busy day without getting your feet wet by simply stepping from one canoe to another. The postcards below may give you an idea.

Benson


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That was BC...... Before Cayaks. (They're not real, so I can spell it how I want)

Before cars, televisions and the interwebs... before instant gratification, 10 second attention spans & the designated hitter... Whole world's gone completely to Hell. (go ahead, I'll wear the "curmudgeon" badge proudly.)

Actually, those pictures might have kept me out of a canoe... too many people on the water for my liking. (then again, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed living in Detroit [or any city] even back then)