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What to Bring Print checklist (PDF)

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably synthetic*)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Closed-toed water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat with visor
  • One-quart water bottle or hydration system
  • Personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler

Optional

  • Waterproof camera
  • Wetsuit or drysuit
  • Canoe, U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD and paddle†
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Extra change of shoes
  • Towel
  • Lip balm with sunscreen

What We Provide

  • Use of all necessary paddling equipment: boats, paddles, PFDs, etc.
  • First-aid kit
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools

Introduction to Canoeing Course

Reserve Your Spot Now

Our four-hour Introduction to Canoeing Course will teach you everything you need to enjoy this relaxing and family-friendly activity. Plus, it offers plenty of time on the water to practice paddling strokes, canoeing safety skills and more.

  • Prerequisite:  None
  • Activity level:  Easy
  • Minimum age:  12 (17 and under with parent or guardian)
  • Questions? Please call 1-888-552-3261

Course Description

Canoeing is a great way to get the family outdoors and explore waterways near and far. Our Introduction to Canoeing Course makes it easy for you to learn all the skills you'll need to make the most out of every canoe trip.

Your instructor, a Registered Maine Guide, will begin with a detailed introduction of the canoeing equipment and the tandem canoes you'll use. You'll get tips on canoe transport, trip packing and the best methods for overland carries, essential skills for exploring remote lakes and inland ponds.

Your instructor then will demonstrate the proper posture and positioning for getting the most power out of every stroke. You'll learn forward, reverse, draw and corrective strokes – all necessary for efficiently maneuvering your canoe.

Instructors also will demonstrate rescue techniques for righting a capsized canoe and share advice on how to avoid situations that might cause your canoe to overturn. Plus, your friendly guides will happily share the many tricks of the trade they've learned over their lifetime of guiding canoe adventures.

Please Note  Capsizing and rescue techniques will be demonstrated only; participants will not practice these skills in this course.

All necessary canoeing equipment is provided.

L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation.

Canoeing is a great way to get the family outdoors and explore waterways near and far. Our Introduction to Canoeing Course makes it easy for you to learn all the skills you'll need to make the most out of every canoe trip.

Your instructor, a Registered Maine Guide, will begin with a detailed introduction of the canoeing equipment and the tandem canoes you'll use. You'll get tips on canoe transport, trip packing and the best methods for overland carries, essential skills for exploring remote lakes and inland ponds.

Your instructor then will demonstrate the proper posture and positioning for getting the most power out of every stroke. You'll learn forward, reverse, draw and corrective strokes – all necessary for efficiently maneuvering your canoe.

Instructors also will demonstrate rescue techniques for righting a capsized canoe and share advice on how to avoid situations that might cause your canoe to overturn. Plus, your friendly guides will happily share the many tricks of the trade they've learned over their lifetime of guiding canoe adventures.

Please Note  Capsizing and rescue techniques will be demonstrated only; participants will not practice these skills in this course.

All necessary canoeing equipment is provided.

L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

*Synthetic clothing dries quickly and is the best choice for outdoor pursuits. Please do not wear cotton clothing. When wet, cotton rapidly robs the heat from your body and takes a long time to dry. We also recommend you dress in multiple layers, allowing you more flexibility to comfortably respond to weather conditions and your level of exertion.

†Please call ahead if you plan to use your own equipment as it must pass inspection by L.L.Bean staff before use. If it's deemed unsuitable, we'll provide you with the necessary equipment.

Customer Reviews

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Introduction to Canoeing Course

Canoeing is a great way to get the family outdoors and explore waterways near and far. Our Introduction to Canoeing Course makes it easy for you to learn all the skills you'll need to make the most out of every canoe trip.

Your instructor, a Registered Maine Guide, will begin with a detailed introduction of the canoeing equipment and the tandem canoes you'll use. You'll get tips on canoe transport, trip packing and the best methods for overland carries, essential skills for exploring remote lakes and inland ponds.

Your instructor then will demonstrate the proper posture and positioning for getting the most power out of every stroke. You'll learn forward, reverse, draw and corrective strokes – all necessary for efficiently maneuvering your canoe.

Instructors also will demonstrate rescue techniques for righting a capsized canoe and share advice on how to avoid situations that might cause your canoe to overturn. Plus, your friendly guides will happily share the many tricks of the trade they've learned over their lifetime of guiding canoe adventures.

Please Note  Capsizing and rescue techniques will be demonstrated only; participants will not practice these skills in this course.

All necessary canoeing equipment is provided.

L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation.