How to Use a Canoe

Canoing

Canoeing is not only a fun outdoor adventure sport---it also serves as a way to maneuver through the water to reach a destination. Canoes are widely used on rivers, ponds, lakes and mild whitewater rapid areas. Canoes can be difficult to handle at times due to their shape, weight and balance of the canoe. Having the basic facts down before venturing out on a canoe trip will make the trip enjoyable and safe.

Things You'll Need

• Canoe
• 2 paddles
• 1 setting pole (optional)
• Life preservers (1 per passenger)
• Topographic map of river or water area
• 1-gallon zippered plastic bag
• 1 olive barrel (optional for long trips to keep goods dry)

Instructions

1. Check the canoe for any leaks before departing. Make sure that the paddles are not chipped or bent and that they are in good working order. Place the topographic map into clear, waterproof bag. Map out a canoe trip.

2. Load the canoe with supplies, if desired. An olive barrel will keep dry goods from getting wet or lost. Place coolers, olive barrels and other needed equipment in the center of the canoe between the thwarts or crossbars. Load passengers---make sure there is stability in seating. One person in the back and one in front and heavier passengers in the middle. This keeps the center of gravity in the middle of the canoe. Don't double up small children or adults into one seat.

3. Secure life preservers properly on each passenger.

4. Paddle the canoe. For two paddlers facing forward, the motion involves a down and under the water curl done consecutively with both paddlers. To move forward, paddles must go clockwise to create a forward stroke. For backward movement, counterclockwise. The person sitting in the bow of the canoe will be paddling on the left side and then opposite for the sternman. One hand will be toward the bottom of the paddle and the other toward the top for stability.

5. Turn the canoe in one direction to steer by allowing either the bow or steer person to lead direction so the canoe will turn. One will continue paddling to go left or right and the other will stop. Once the canoe straightens out, both paddlers can resume paddling.

6. Experiment with different strokes when using the paddles. The J stroke, which is performed on the port side or left mimics the letter J. The tip of the paddle rotates and pushes away from the edge of the canoe. This is a good way to paddle if one is canoeing alone. The Indian stroke is much like the J stroke, except the paddle is never removed from the water.

7. Use the Superior stroke method for steering and paddling. This is a good option for single paddlers. The paddle uses the face of the paddle to push against the water during the stroke. At the end of the stroke, the paddle is pried back in the water to provide movement and direction.

8. Maneuver the canoe through rough waters or emergencies by using a setting pole. The setting pole---used by the person sitting at the stern will help the boat to quickly veer away from large rapids, upcoming drops, sand bars, debris, other water obstacles and docks.

9. Utilize the paddles in a reverse motion---or push away stroke---to stop or slow down the canoe for docking on the shoreline. Allow the canoe to come to a stop on the shore. Step out and help passengers out of the canoe if needed. Pull the canoe to dry land and remove contents.

Tips & Warnings

• For two people, make sure that each one is paddling on opposite sides and in rhythm. The bow is considered the front of the boat and the stern is the back. The person paddling at the bow is considered the leader and keeps the canoe from hitting objects and dangerous obstacles.

• Use caution when canoeing in unchartered or unknown waters. Always have a familiarity of the area that will be traveled on. Check a local weather station for boating forecasts and approaching weather systems, dress and plan accordingly.

Resources

• Canoeing Information
• Weather Information