How to Right a Capsized Canoe
To truly enjoy canoeing you have to be willing to deal with wayward currents, icy breezes and the occasional capsized boat. If you know how to handle an overturned canoe, you can be up and righted with a minimum of fuss and discomfort.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Grab the Two Most Important Things
-
1
Grab the paddles! Without them, you will have no control over your canoe when you get back in. The boat won't drift too far to reach by swimming, unless you are in rough waters kicked up by a sudden storm. Paddles, however, can disappear quickly, so grab them first.
-
2
Stay with the boat. Once you have the paddles and are next to the boat, you are in a good position to rest for a moment before setting your canoe back into position. Don't rest in the water for too long, as you don't want to get hypothermia.
Maneuver Yourself Back Into the Canoe
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1
Swim with the capsized canoe back to shore, if possible. If not, you'll have to right the canoe and climb back in, which can take considerably more energy.
-
2
Climb into a canoe that is far from shore by first righting the canoe. Then tip the canoe from side to side as best you can while you are treading water. This will empty some of the water that is in the canoe.
-
3
Swim to the center of the boat and kick hard, launching yourself up and over the side of the canoe. Try to grab the opposite side of the boat, as this will make it easier to get in without tipping the boat again. You will need lots of leg and kicking power to propel yourself over the side of the canoe, but the cold water should encourage you!
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1
Tips & Warnings
If waves kick up while you are on a lake or river and you no longer feel in control of the canoe, turn around and paddle toward shore.
Life jackets may seem unnecessary when waters are calm and the sun is shining. However, when waves kick up, your canoe has capsized and you have to struggle to right it, your life jacket can keep you afloat. You'll be able to use your energy to right the boat and climb back in, rather than expending it treading water.
