A Winter Inspiration for Paddlers - The Founding of Our Pastime: A Review of “A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe”
As the winter winds howl outside, the warmth of my imagination carries me on a remarkable journey through "A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe." This captivating tale is a treasure trove of inspiration for amateur and pro performance paddlers alike, igniting the adventurous spirit within us all and providing fuel for our big summer goals on the water.
For anyone who knows me, I read a fair bit and this title is one that’s been on my annual rereads for the past five years… with the exception of the time I lent it to Keith and it lived on a shelf for a year. Even then I got a cheap Kindle copy to refer to it when desired.
Set in a time when paddling was not just a sport but a way of life in pre-civilised societies, the story revolves around John MacGregor’s intrepid quest to conquer a seemingly insurmountable challenge: navigating a thousand miles in a unique and elegant Rob Roy Canoe. This is the story of the founding of our sport.
I have quite a background in kayaking and get warm fuzzies when he talks of discovering the effects of a wide stroke in a sweeping motion to turn the boat or his experience with the braids of rivers in Europe in Chapter IV;
“… I think, also, it promotes decision of character, for you must choose, and that promptly, too, between, say, five channels opened suddenly before you. Three are probably safe, but which of these three is the shortest, deepest, and most practicable? In an instant, if you hesitate, the boat is on the bank; and it is remarkable how speedily the exercise of this resolution becomes experienced into habit, but of course only after some severe lessons.”
The discoveries he describes early on in his journey bring a smile to me even after multiple reads as these are the skills we teach still to this day to new paddlers and I got to watch clients discover this for themselves throughout my career.
John MacGregor describes vivid imagery, transporting us to distant landscapes and remote corners of Europe in the 19th century, pre-world wars and automobiles. The portrayal of the protagonist's emotions, struggles, and triumphs is so relatable that I can't help but feel an empathetic bond with their journey.
Credit: All drawings above are in the book by John MacGregor himself on his journey.
While the primary focus is on the passion for paddling and ultimately encouraging others to get stuck in, this narrative delves into the human spirit's resilience and determination to pursue dreams despite obstacles. As I sit by my Youtube fireplace of choice with the heat pump blaring in a storm, I find myself reflecting on my own aspirations for the coming summer, bolstered by the courage of the character to embrace the unknown and seek growth on adventures.
I believe this book is a must-read for those with big summer goals. From mastering technical paddling skills to building mental strength and even some river navigation know-how, "A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe" imparts wisdom that even the most seasoned paddlers can appreciate.
As winter's chill persists, this captivating book stokes the flames of my anticipation for summer adventures. Whether I'm planning to explore lakes, rivers, or challenging swells, the stories, if not also, the lessons from the Rob Roy Canoe journey will be with me through my own paddling experiences.
In my case, it also distracted me from carbon fibre and made me curious about wooden kayaks. That’s a story for another day.
In conclusion, "A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe" has, for me, become a winter gem, with inspiration for amateur and pro performance paddlers to assist with ambitious summer goals. So, let's brace ourselves for the coming season, for within these pages lies the transformative power of paddling and the potential for unforgettable experiences that await us on the water this summer.
See you out there!
Paperback Cover
Here is the link to the currently free Kindle copy or you can order a paperback version.