2024 WINTER GATHERS
Get them on your calendar now! All sessions start at 7pm (click titles for more details).
March 21: Sporting in a Canoe: Fishing
“I’ve had the opportunity to fish from almost every type of watercraft, and … if I only could have one fishing boat…it would be a canoe” Come to the Gather to find out why!
PRIOR EVENTS
January 18: Learning on and about the Merrimack River!
Learn about safely paddling on the Merrimack River and about how to learn more about the river itself along the way! Here’s a link to the YouTube video of the event!
February 15: A Tale of Two Trips: Paddling the Broken Skull River. The Assabet River to the Sea.
Listen to stories of two multiday expeditions - one in the wilds of the Canadian North and the other facing the challenges of urban tripping. YouTube video coming soon.
Places to Go!
There are lots of places to paddle your canoe. Periodically we highlight one to hopefully spark your imagination.
Another distant spot for winter canoe trip planning (or dreaming), but this time here in the US. Big Bend National Park offers paddling through canyons on the Rio Grande with spectacular scenery.
Basic information: NPS Website
A trip through the canyons: Video
Featured Video
Updated 03/10/2024
One of our favorite tie down knots…
Knots aren’t mysteries. And you only need a few to be able to tie down most anything.
The Taut-line hitch is used to put a line (rope) under tension. The video focuses on using it to tighten tarps. But it’s also a great one for tightening bow and stern lines when you’re tying your canoe onto your car (‘cause every one uses bow and stern lines, right?)
It’s simple, straight forward and effective. Pair it with a bowline (used to tie a non-slip loop around something) and you’re good to go. Give it a try!
Featured Read
Updated 03/10/2024
Another Rutstrum Classic
First published in 1964, North American Canoe Country was intended for folks tripping into the wilderness, but I think it’s a fascinating insight into how paddling worked before all of the electronics, hi-tech materials and other “mod cons” were everywhere. His paddling techniques are solid (his favorite forward stroke may surprise you) and the book describes strategies for rough waters and rapids, for boating alone or in tandem, portaging, safety procedures, direction finding (without electronics), towing, and much more. A good read.
PADDLES!
We stock canoe paddles from Bending Branches, Grey Owl, Sanborn and Hunter and Harris.
Quality, hand-made paddles at good prices.
Beavertail, Ottertail, Sugar Island or just a basic paddle, we have what you are looking for.
Visit out Paddle Page for more information
Community
Events
Our YouTube Channel
Watershed organizations
Where to launch a canoe
Advice on canoes
Canoe Organizations
Our Blog
Launch at the shop
Canoe camps
Can I afford a real canoe from a real canoe shop?
We get this question a lot. Follow the link below to get a rundown on canoe pricing and what you get for what money.
MORE ABOUT CANOE PRICING
Go “Old School”
Looking for the classic feel to paddle or look to beautify a space? We have fully restored working canoes, and fixer-uppers ready for some love. Stock includes the 1917 Robertson and the mint 1972 paddled twice Old Town Guide in the background image. Also in stock are Old Town 16 and 18 Guides, a 2008 Stevens Tripper, and more!
We also buy wood and canvas canoes. Have one it’s time to let go of? Contact us.
