When thinking about boating in the Lakes Region, probably the first image that comes to mind is a power boat — particularly on a large lake like Winnipesaukee. A power boat offers the thrill of speed and can get the boater from one place to another much more quickly than a rowboat, canoe, kayak, or paddle board. A power boat also is safer on large expanses of water where abrupt changes in the weather can turn a great day on the lake into a nasty experience.
Yet manually powered boats definitely have a place on the water. While they are most appropriate for rivers and small lakes and ponds, paddling on even a big lake can be a lot of fun. That is the case whether the goal is simple fresh air and exercise or a more practical reason such as fishing. Paddling gives the rider time to view the shoreline and explore inlets or islands, whether alone or with others.
Rowboats (with or without an engine) are the old standby, along with canoes, but kayaks have become at least as popular, and the latest trend to emerge is the standup paddle board. That is the case even while fishing, with boards now capable of having a fishing rod holder on the front, leaving the occupant with hands free for paddling or casting. A bait bag can be attached to the rear of the board, and bungees can hold other essential gear.
Equipment and food storage are easiest on a power boat, but a lot of gear can fit into a canoe, and kayaks often contain storage areas or bungees to secure what you need to bring along. Even paddle boards can be equipped with a backpack to carry essential items.
It comes down to what the paddler has in mind. An article in Paddling magazine states, “We hear a lot about the exploding popularity of SUP [stand-up paddle boards], but I think canoeing is still the gateway drug for getting into paddlesports. That won’t change. Camps and school groups still use canoes most often, and for many kids it’s their first experience on the water. We’re also seeing more paddlers getting involved with community events and clean-ups.”
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