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Step 1
Sit in the canoe. Imagine a box in front of your chest, with the sides of the box being the planes that hold your arms. Imagine your fingertips are the front of the box and the back of the box is your chest. Rotate your torso from left to right. Visualize your movements within this box.
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Step 2
When paddling, keep your arms inside the imaginary box. Move the box, not your arms. Engage the whole torso to lessen the risk of shoulder injury and to provide more power.
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Step 3
Isolate the upper and lower body so they can move independently. Use the upper body to stroke. Use the lower body to lean. Work each independently to coordinate different strokes with different leans.
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Step 4
Plant the paddle in the water. Keep the paddle as close to the boat and as vertical as possible. Make sure your upper hand is at eye level. Pull the boat toward the paddle when you take a stroke.
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Step 5
Choose the proper paddle for flatwater canoeing. A flexible paddle will help absorb shock. Select a paddle with a long narrow blade for a good balance of power and efficiency. Choose a paddle with a pear grip to increase comfort and control. Use a paddle with a bent shaft to achieve maximum paddling efficiency while flatwater canoeing.
