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In the words of Ronnie Lane of the Ooh La La’s, “I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger”—a statement that rings true when most of us think back to our years as newbie-paddlers.
Of course, there isn’t a textbook substitute for first-hand experiences; our water literacy mostly develops through trial and error. Still, we thought it would be fun to ask our readers (via our Instagram account) what they wish they had known when they were beginners. After sifting through hundreds of great responses, we’ve handpicked our favorite 17 pieces of advice.
1. It would take years to get good, but it would be worth it.
– @katbulk
2. You don’t have to eat dehydrated meals on trips! Bring a cast-iron skillet!
– @kevinkapala
3. You need lots of core strength.
– @_ridnar_
4. How to j-stroke!
– @willem_hunt
5. To take ownership of my own goals and desires – not to wait on someone else to plan mine out.
– @jiggerjax
6. Buy the boat, you can always sell it later and buy another boat.”
– @maddymarq
7. How scary the ocean can turn…
– @kolmurf
8. A boat that tracks is a boat that’s hard to turn.
– @drbigotes
9. UV light and uncovered storage damage everything with time.
– @tintin_project
10. It is all about efficiency.
– @scablanderd
11. That I wouldn’t be able to think about anything else.
– @ben2thewild
12. Stretch first.
– @novacraftcanoe
13. Despite what anyone may tell you, it’s never too early to invest in good gear. Especially when it comes to safety gear!
– @louise.stanway
14. It is all about efficiency.
– @scablanderd
15. The importance of a good paddle.
– @nverstoppen
16. To wait and save and buy better gear. Don’t rush it.
– @miss_t_bliss
17. More about paddling safely in the ocean!
– @tkimbar2611