2026 09 21 Open Canoes in the Docks at Night

2026 09 21 Open Canoes in the Docks at Night

Does a good paddle have to have speed? 
Does it have to have the thrill of challenging the rapids? 
Does a good paddle have to have conversation? 

Last night’s open canoe paddle had none of the above.  It was slow, as slow as the paddler wanted.  It had flat water, so flat everything was reflected in the glass-like water, and after the initial ‘hellos’ and how are you’, it was absolutely quiet.  The air was calm, warm, still.  Liverpool was silent.  No sirens, no chatter from the banks, no noise from the restaurants.  5 boats gently, silently and unhurriedly paddled their way up to Albert Dock and into Little Canning.

Can you look at stillness?  We looked, we listened, we felt such peace, we reflected (!) in our presence on such a night, and we agreed, tonight’s open canoe paddle wasn’t just a good paddle, it was perfect! 

Next Monday’s Open Canoe paddle will be the last regular one for the season.