The Chestnut Canoe... and me
I'm an author and blogger, but more relevant to you is the fact that I used to be (emphasis on the past tense) one of the best style canoeists in the world. It helps that there aren't very many of us... I learned to canoe from Chuck LeBow. He was taught by Omer Stringer, who invented the sport. One summer day in 1982, Omer and I spent the day paddling together, which I'll not soon forget.
On this page, I'd like to teach you a little bit about Omer, about Chestnut and about canoeing.
The auction of my canoe
100% of the proceeds go to the One Laptop foundation
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
What you need to know about Omer Stringer
- Omer's biography
- Omer Stringer was Canada's premier solo paddler. He was also known for being a canoe guide and canoe builder. Although his working career followed many diverse paths, paddling a wooden canoe remained at the core of his being.
His method of paddling has been named the 'Omer style' paddling. Omer started guiding in Algonquin Park at a very young age... - Becky Mason on Canoeing
- Most of what I know about canoeing I learned from my Dad. He is the inspiration behind my passion for solo paddling. As a filmmaker, Dad was always looking for an excuse to make another film involving canoes. In the late 70's, he explored the possibility of making a short film on what he called "canoe ballet". Canoe ballet is a flashy style of solo paddling popularized in the '50's by camp instructors like Omer Stringer. In canoe ballet, the canoe is heeled right over so the gunwale almost touches the water and the paddler fluidly connects various manoeuvres together with as little splashing as possible....
You go backwards
The secrets:1. Sit on the bow seat, facing the stern.
2. Sit on your knees.
3. Lean. A lot. Until the gunwhale touches the water.
The canoe has a special shape... a tumblehome... that makes it right itself instead of tipping over. When you are in a Chestnut, the tumblehome is perfect. You are magically balanced, an inch from capsizing.
With this posture, locked in place, you begin to understand what's happening. You don't push water with your paddle. The paddle pries off the water and pushes the canoe forward. Silent, efficient, fast. Easy.
Canoe news from Google
Have you ever been in a canoe solo
As in "by yourself"
That's the secret to a Chestnut.
Photos of Canoeing on Flickr
Canoeing
Whitewater #0782
Colors of the Shade...
Colors of the Shade...
Coming back to light
Learn about Chestnuts and Canoeing
The Story of the Chestnut Canoe
Amazon Price: (as of 11/15/2009) 
When the Chestnut Was in Flower - Inside the Chestnut Canoe
Amazon Price: (as of 11/15/2009)
Path of the Paddle: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Canoeing
Amazon Price: (as of 11/15/2009)
The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson
Amazon Price: $32.97 (as of 11/15/2009)
This time, it's personal
As you can probably tell, I'm a fan
It's not just a boat. The way the Chestnut moves through the water and handles is like nothing I've ever experienced in any other boat. I hope you're already a fan and have been looking for a long time. It will make me really happy to help you get back on the water. 
