How to Carry a Canoe

Often you have to carry your canoe from the car to the water, or from one body of water to another, by yourself. By using proper technique you can avoid straining your back and ruining your trip.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Canoe Gear Bags
• Canoe Kneeling Pads
• Canoe Paddles
• Canoe Racks
• Canoe Yokes
• Canoes
• Life Vests

1. Make sure the canoe is completely empty.

2. Stand at the center of your canoe, even with the shoulder yoke.

3. Roll the canoe onto its side, so that you are standing with the bottom side of the canoe against your legs.

4. Bend at the waist and reach over the edge of the canoe to grab low on the yoke on the opposite side. Place your other hand on the upper edge of the canoe.

5. Bend your knees, and lean back, rolling the canoe back over so that you are facing the inside and the canoe is hoisted up. Support the weight of the canoe on your bent knees, and counter balance it by leaning back.

6. Push up quickly with one knee, and use your arms' strength to hoist the canoe over your head. Your hands should be wide apart on the yoke bar.

7. Twist 90 degrees to the side, facing the front of the canoe with your head inside of the upside-down canoe.

8. Allow the shoulder pads of the yoke to settle onto your shoulders.

9. Relax, and carry your canoe to where you need to go.

Tips & Warnings

• Two people can do the same lift by standing side by side on opposite side of the yoke bar and on the same side of the canoe.
• Be careful when setting your canoe down. Try to reverse the pickup procedure and not allow the canoe to drop. A rock could puncture your canoe and ruin your trip.
• Stay aware of how much canoe you have in front of you and behind you - you don't want to perform any "Three Stooges" routines and whack people into the water.
• Keep your back straight when lifting heavy objects.
• Always wear a life jacket when canoeing.

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