How to Canoe

If you have ever tried to canoe and found yourself traveling in circles or tipping over, don't give up. A few simple tips and some practice can enhance your skills and keep you dry. Read on to learn how to canoe.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wear an appropriate life jacket and tie a 15-foot section of rope to each end of the canoe before you begin. The ropes can be used to right the canoe if you tip or to secure the canoe to a dock.

2. Carry the canoe to the water and allow the rear (stern) paddler to get in first. Hold both sides of the canoe and place your first foot at the center of the floor. Swing in your second foot to get in the canoe.

3. Sit or squat in the canoe while the front (bow) paddler enters the boat. When it is time to exit the canoe, do so in the opposite order that you entered.

4. Sit on the seat and stretch your legs in front of you as you would if you were driving a car. Grasp the paddle with one hand on the grip and the other approximately 6 inches above the paddle's blade.

5. Begin to paddle in a straight line by having the bow paddler paddle on the left and the stern paddler on the right. With your arms nearly straight, swing the paddles forward at the same time. Rotate at the waist a few degrees and thrust the paddle into the water. Push forward with your hand on the grip and pull back with the hand closer to the blade. Return your body to your original position and remove the paddle from the water.

6. Continue traveling in a straight line by paddling in unison and trading sides after every ten strokes. So after ten strokes the bow paddler switches to the right side and the stern paddler to the left.

7. Turn the canoe toward the bow paddler's side by having the bow person paddle backward and the stern person paddle forward. Turn toward the stern paddler's side by having him paddle backward and the bow person paddle forward.

8. Perform a quicker turn by having the stern paddler continue to paddle while the bow paddler pushes his paddle into the water so that the shaft is nearly vertical. The paddle face pushing the water should be at approximately a 45 degree angle from the centerline of the boat.

9. Practice with your partner and adjust your movements to maintain a smooth flow. Remember to communicate when you are changing paddling sides or making a turn so that your ride stays dry.