As an organized sport canoeing began in the second half of the 19th century in local and national competitions in Great Britain and North America, many of which persist.
Canoeing began as a noncompetitive recreation and for a majority of canoeists remained such, involving paddling on local streams and lakes, extended tours, sometimes in North America repaddling the waters of earlier missionaries, explorers, and voyageurs.
Canoeing as a sport probably began as impromptu races between individuals returning from hunting and fishing raids and war expeditions.
Beginning in Baghdad, it visits Babylon, Kufa and Uruk (ancient Gilgamesh), includes canoeing along the Tigris then tours western Iran, spectacular Persepolis, Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran.
Begin by checking out the Salt Pond Visitor Center, with its excellent exhibits about the area, then join a ranger-guided trip, from canoeing through Nauset Marsh to family-friendly shellfishing demonstrations or yoga on the beach (00 1 508 255 3421; nps.gov).
Perhaps too windy for canoeing.
The Montoyas, meanwhile, likened canoeing to therapy.
I didn't go canoeing right away.
There are also canoeing and boating nearby.
