Provided Paddling Gear

For all Swamp Base treks Scouts will paddle in tandem Wenonah Canoes. Tandem canoes allow the two people in the boat an opportunity to participate, as well as being more efficient on the water.

The polyethylene Wenonah Northfork is made for people who demand ruggedness— sportsmen, camps, outfitters, etc. Its stable hull feels solid when the going gets rough. It has plenty of capacity for gear, and paddles easily when loaded.

  • Length – 16’9”
  • Width – 37 1/2”
  • Weight – 87 lbs.

Swamp Base employs an unconventional method for paddling our canoes. Instead of using traditional single blade canoe paddles, Swamp Base participants use double bladed Werner Skagit kayak paddles. Through our experience, we find that kayak paddles are the preferred method of paddling for the following reasons:

  1. Brings even unexperienced paddlers up in skill level
  2. More efficent
  3. Less corrective strokes needed
  4. No wet laps when switching paddling sides
  5. Stronger and faster boats

For PFDs (personal floation devices), Swamp Base exclusively uses Astral V-Eight lifejackets. These PFDs provide plenty of manuverability and are ideal for adventure in the climate of Louisiana:

  • Super high mesh back is ideal for warm temperatures keeping you cool and comfortable
  • Strategically placed "Vent Port" cutouts in the foam let warm air escape out of the jacket
  • The inside of the PFD's foam has a textured surface that reduces body contact by 70%, creating channels for air to move freely
  • The foam in the upper front is sculpted to fit a woman's body

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