A Song of the Paddle: haptic aesthetics of canoe travel in the English Lake District

Paddling a canoe on the English Lake District offers a unique sensory experience that blends haptic, acoustic, and ethical dimensions. This study reveals that such leisure travel is deeply rooted in tactile engagement (haptic aesthetics) while also being shaped by the soundscape of the natural environment—a concept drawn from 'soundscape ecology.' The research demonstrates how paddling transcends mere physical movement, embodying a practical or everyday aesthetics that connects individuals to their surroundings in an ethically meaningful way. By analyzing this phenomenon phenomenologically and epistemologically, the study provides insight into the sensory and theoretical layers of recreational activities in natural landscapes.

Hughes, C. (2017). A Song of the Paddle: haptic aesthetics of canoe travel in the English Lake District. Leisure Studies, 37(3), 268–281. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2017.1414293