by Cliff Jacobson Canoeing big lakes can be challenging to navigate, and when the wind is up, dangerous. You're canoeing a big lake and come to a large bay. It's a mile, or about 20 minutes, if you head straight across, or 10 miles if you follow the shore. There are some breaking waves out on the lake, but they look manageable. Should you chance it and paddle the breezy bay, or take the slow safe route near shore? The answer is easy if you're ahead of schedu

An abbreviated version of this article was originally published in the 2010 Canoe & Kayak Magazine's Dealer-marketing Guide (long gone). Given the concerns in law enforcement today, I thought a second look might be enlightening. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gates of Ladore, Green River, Utah It began at one of Rutabaga’s famed “Canoecopia” events. I stopped to chat with Larry Laba, CEO of SOA

Ask folks what they fear most about canoeing a wild river where help is an airplane ride away and you'll probably get these answers--in roughly this order: FEAR #1: Bears! They're afraid they'll get eaten alive by one! Or, a bear will get their food! FEAR #2: They fear they will paddle over a falls or drown in a rapid! FEAR #3: Getting lost. Many people canoe the same route every season, claiming it's because the fishing or campsites are great. Truth is, they probably d