The composite canoes are lighter and faster than plastic and aluminum canoes. They are preferred when paddling over long distances. We recommend these canoes for trips involving open rivers and lake crossings. While they are a joy to paddle and hard not to love, their hulls are less able to cope with hitting rocks and careless handling. With composite canoes it is better to portage around, or line the canoe through hazardous water. You will soon respect your composite canoe so much that you would not wish to grind it’s hull along submerged rocks or along the shore – you begin to take pride in your ability to keep it free floating. You will want to look for a grassy spot to set it down just out of respect for an elegant craft. Generally a composite canoe is the most suited canoe for the lakes and rivers commonly found in Manitoba and in western Ontario. When conditions are not ideal, it is better to walk around, carry around, or “Line” the canoe to avoid the hazard. Sometimes it’s better to just enjoy the superior qualities of a composite canoe during 99% of the day and learn to appreciate watching water pour over rock gardens from the security of a river bank for the remaining 1% of the day. (a thought)
