These are just some examples of ideas for aims. You and your team should create an aim that is personal and interesting to you – and suitable for your expedition area and mode of travel.
Environment
- List different flora and fauna that you see by the side of the canal
- Make a recording of the sounds of nature you hear on an expedition
- Investigate the use of towpaths, type and frequency of use
- Investigate samples of the river bed on your route and compare them with each other
History
- Note the age and history of buildings and areas that you pass
- Use authentic old canoes or kayaks and compare how they are made and used compared to modern techniques
- Plot the course of a canal and explore the history of why it was built in that location
- Investigate Second World War defences on the Kennet and Avon Canal
Conservation
- Help make a canal navigatable by keeping a log of parts that need clearing and send it to the owners of the waterway
- Consider the impact of boat traffic on local wildlife
- Study the effect of human erosion on towpaths
- Photograph weirs and other water features and investigate their use
Teamwork
- After keeping a daily log, each evening, reflect on what challenged and tested your team, suggesting ways of dealing with possible future problems
- Produce a promotional film about how much fun a canoe expedition can be
- Analyse the team's need to have a leader and what skills and qualities they should have
- As a team, record your expedition experiences and create a scrap book
See specific advice for paddle expeditions in the DofE Expedition Guide..
