Things You'll Need:
- Some basic knowledge of canoeing
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Step 1
The first thing you must understand in order to become an expert "paddler" is that the draw and pry strokes are essential in controlling your canoe. You will need to learn to master these two strokes if you wish not to keep switching sides.
Remember that the "draw stroke" pulls the canoe using the "power face" of the paddle blade. The "draw stroke" will pull the canoe toward the paddling side, while the "pry stroke" will push the canoe away from the paddling side. -
Step 2
In order to achieve an effective "draw stroke," there are three elements where you will need to place your focus.
The paddle will need to be vertical so that you may anchor the blade in the water; thus, providing you with a solid paddle to pull upon. In other words, your upper hand needs to be positioned out over the water. -
Step 3
Use the blade to pull water under your canoe. This will help eliminate your natural inclination to "shallow stroke." When you "shallow stroke," you are basically splashing water into your boat without moving the canoe.
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Step 4
As the canoe starts moving towards your paddle, you will need to slice the blade out of the water by dropping your upper hand forward. The hand you have positioned at the "throat" of the paddle should hardly move. Its purpose is to act as a point of support for the slicing action.
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Step 5
The next key stroke is called the "pry." This is a "pushing" stroke and uses the "back face" of your paddle blade.
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Step 6
In order to implement the "pry stroke," begin with your paddle in a horizontal position and placed just outside the "gunwale," or upper edge of the side of your boat. The paddle should be touching the canoe.
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Step 7
Next, slice your blade into the water by lifting your upper hand. This is just the opposite of the action you performed when using the "draw stroke."
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Step 8
Now pull your upper hand in toward the canoe in order to "pry" the boat sideways. Perform this stroke as if your paddle were a lever, which essentially it is. The paddle handle or shaft will move or "lever" off the side of the boat.
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Step 9
You will then need to use a cross-bow stroke. This stroke accomplishes the same result as the "pry" stroke which is move the canoe away from the paddling side (of a bow paddler). The bow is the front portion of the canoe.
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Step 10
Since a "pry stroke" or "cross-bow stroke" counters a draw stroke, you will need to be knowledgeable as to which one to use.
First off, be aware that when making a "cross-bow stroke," the paddle blade spends a portion of time out of the water. (This can be costly). If you are on a team, the recommendation here is to use a "pry stroke," when you are sitting in the "bow" area or front part of the boat. -
Step 11
The rule is to use the "pry stroke," unless there is a good reason to use the "cross-bow" in the bow.
The reasons include: Use the "cross-bow" in shallow water since the "pry" is a deep water stroke. You may also use a "cross-bow draw" where there is not much current. A "cross-bow stroke" can help you turn your canoe around when the current is not of much help. Use a "cross-bow draw" for turning strokes when paddling solo. -
Step 12
You will use a "pry stroke" as an exit stroke. An example is when you are exiting an eddy. Under this circumstance, the "pry stroke" can be a very beneficial, powerful stroke. Just be certain that the canoe is into the turn before you drop your paddle into the water.
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Step 13
Additionally, use the "pry stroke" for efficient steering when working yourself out of a "rocky" area. It is helpful in that it is speedier and will not throw off the balance of your boat.
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Step 14
Practice, practice, and practice. All of the suggested strokes will keep you in better control of your boat.
