How to Ferry a Canoe

To "ferry" means to cross a river. By properly angling your canoe, you can safely and quickly negotiate your way across the current of a river.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Understand what a ferry angle is: Imagine the force of the water striking an object angled 45 degrees to it. Which direction is that object going to move in?

2. Aim the front of your canoe upstream and at a 30-degree angle toward the side you wish to ferry to. If you wish to back paddle, aim the front of the canoe downstream, 30 degrees toward the side opposite the side you wish to ferry to.

3. Paddle forward hard. Paddle straight forward, not toward the side you wish to obtain. Your forward motion, combined with the force of the current against your angled craft, will cause you to traverse the river quickly.

4. Keep your eye on the opposite shore to keep your angle correct. Too much angle can turn you broadside to the current and put you in danger of capsizing.

Tips & Warnings

• Master the various canoe stroke techniques in still water before attempting to ferry.
• The downstream paddler has more power than the upstream paddler when ferrying. Therefore, the downstream paddler should be in charge of keeping the ferry angle correct.
• Once you know how to properly ferry angle, forward and backward, you'll see that there are all sorts of applications for it besides simply crossing the river.
• Keep an eye downstream for possible hazards as you're ferrying.
• Always wear a life vest when canoeing.
• Canoeing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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