Oxbow canoe quick start guideUpdated 10 months ago

Inflation

Inflating you canoe correctly to 15psi will allow it to perform it’s best, but watch on on hot days (we all know hot air expands) Correct inflation means a stiffer more responsive canoe.

Firstly, grab the pump (On its first use, make sure you fit the handles and footplate). Then attach the hose to the “inflate” outlet (there is also a deflate outlet, so be careful). You’ll then have an odd-looking connection that fits into the canoe with a half-turn STOP - make sure the valves in the canoe are in the correct position. It’s easy to get it wrong; you’ll pump up the panels, unscrew the valve, and have a sharp escape of air, which means everyone on the lakeside will know you didn’t get it right.

The valve has two positions: closed/open

Closed, the small release knob is at its highest. You can pump up the canoe, but the air won’t escape when you pump it; if the valve is in the open position, it is at its lowest twist, so turn it clockwise. You can still pump up your board, but the air will escape when you take off the hose. Don’t worry; you’ll do it wrong a couple of times before you remember.

Once connected properly, the pump has two settings. Single and double action. Select double action first and inflate using both up and down strokes. When this gets too difficult, switch to a single action and keep pumping to 15psi. Initially, it will look like the pressure gauge isn’t working. Don’t worry once it starts to register when the board begins to take shape, 1 to 2psi 

Once you hit 15 psi, then it’s ready, but remember to attach the safety cover.

Care and Storage 

You are back from your first canoe session—don’t relax just yet. Important: don’t pack it wet or unwashed.

Clean and rinse everything. You do this for a few reasons: one to stop the spread of water-borne diseases and weeds such as New Zealand Pygmy weed; second, it is a good chance to inspect and, if necessary, repair your equipment before the next time you need to use it; and third, it’s also good to wash any salt or grime out of our equipment. We do this with the canoe, paddle, and seats, along with our buoyancy aid and clothing, especially our footwear.

Don’t forget to take your paddle apart to clean and dry them

Storage

We always think that companies say a dry, dark place, just to make life difficult as there is only so much room in the back of your wardrobe and this isn’t going to fit. It can happily be stored, inflated around 5psi, or rolled away in its bag. We’d only avoid the damp bit at the back of your shed. It’s less of a problem for the canoe but more for the paddles and bag. Long-term storage in the sun will eventually have a slow but detrimental effect on all materials; the odd day is fine, but months left inflated in some will affect material quality.

Paddle assembly

Four sections clip together, a paddle on each end with the two middle sections. 

Attaching your keel

The single removable keel adds directional stability, making it easy to go in a straight line. To attach the fin, you slot the fin into the rail at the bottom of the board and clip in the flat safety pin. This pin should click into place. 

Deflating your canoe

Twist and remove each of the valve caps and press the button. We warned you it’s loud, so be careful who is close by, especially pets. Once there is no more air in either of the three chambers coming out, it’s time to roll. Firstly, do a quick messy roll and sit on it, then roll it back out flat. You’ve now got most of the air out, so it will be easier. 

Be careful and take your time. Fold each side in neatly, and starting from the opposite ends of the valve, roll it up tightly. The better the job you do, the easier it will be to get it back in the bag.

Seat Assembly

You’ll need

2 x Seats

2 x Footrests

1. Start at the back, but note that you have five attachment points along the length of the canoe. The attachment points are the metal D rings.
2. Grab one of the seats and use the short straps with black plastic clips at the base to attach to D rings at the back. These stop the seat from pulling forward.
3. Then, attach the next two straps on the same seat to the next set of Drings. These straps allow you to lean back in the seat.
4. Attach the footrest to the third set of D rings; these allow you to push yourself back into the chair.
5. Using the same third/middle set of D rings, attach the next seat and repeat the same process above
6. You should now have the inside set up with two seats and 2 foot rails.

Warning

The use of any inflatable boat can be potentially dangerous.

Dress appropriately. This can mean anything from a full wetsuit to board shorts. If you plan on ending up in the water, you can’t go wrong. Having a warm jumper and hot drink waiting for you at the end of the day is a great way to finish.

Winds and tides are your hidden dangers; we tend to paddle against the wind at the start of the day as your day will only get easier and not harder. Knowing the local tide dangers is vital. Make sure you find your local guide to help with that.

Take a mobile phone and dry bag, and write your name on your canoe in case you get separated.

Don’t put others in danger by paddling in locations and conditions beyond your experience.

Safety Equipment

Buoyancy aids are always required. Just think of them as an essential part of paddling.

Helmets—If in doubt, always wear a helmet. They become essential in white water or surf. You may see some sea kayakers and open boaters choosing not to wear one, but this is not our recommendation.

Experience and an understanding of the dangers are important. There are some great courses to take if you want to build up knowledge and confidence.