How To

How to Land a Canoe in Currents

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

Landing a canoe in currents is trickier than you might think. Done improperly, you may capsize your canoe. Follow these simple instructions to do it right.

From Quick Guide: Canoe Guide
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Learn to ferry and understand how ferry angles work (see "How to Ferry a Canoe").

  2. Step 2

    Decide that you want to land your canoe, and choose a safe spot.

  3. Step 3

    Turn the back of your canoe in the direction of the bank you wish to land on.

  4. Step 4

    Back paddle until the back of your canoe hits the shore.

  5. Step 5

    Allow the current to push the front of the canoe parallel to the shore.

  6. Step 6

    Use a paddle to stabilize your position against the shore and get out of the canoe one person at a time.

Tips & Warnings
  • Understand that rivers run faster in the center, where the water is deepest, and slower at the edges. If you try to land your canoe nose-first, the tail will catch the current and spin around. Whipping around in such a manner exposes your broadside to the current and makes it very easy to capsize.
  • 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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