How to Cross-Draw Paddle a Canoe

Used at the front of the canoe, or by a solo canoeist, the crossdraw paddle is a quick way of turning your canoe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Sit in the front of the canoe, and hold the paddle as you normally would, with your inside hand on top and your waterside hand a foot to two down the shaft.

2. Pull the paddle from the water, and twist your torso across the canoe to place the paddle in the water on the opposite side without changing your grip.

3. Reach out and insert the blade of the paddle into the water away from the canoe and toward the front.

4. Pull with your bottom hand and push with your top hand to draw the paddle through the water toward the front of the canoe. This will cause the front of the canoe to pull toward the direction you reached with the paddle.

Tips & Warnings

• Crossdraw paddle only from the front of the canoe or if you are canoeing solo.
• Coupled with a stern pry (a pry stroke from the back of the canoe) this maneuver is extremely powerful and will cause the canoe to pivot quickly on its midpoint.
• This draw is safe in shallow water, as the blade is inserted at an angle and does not reach deep down to catch on rocks.
• Always wear a life vest when canoeing.

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[theyorkieterror]

on 4/22/2007 A cross draw stroke can be used in solo and tandem canoing. The key work of action is the term of "cross" as in across to the opposite of canoe. If the stroke is attempted by the bow-person the stern-person has to react to the strength of the bow to keep the boat upright as in a low,high brace. Here is a common hut-o in that the bow is full across and both are paddling on the same side at this moment causing the off gunnel to rise up. hence the use of brace or movement is a must to recover in-time to avoid getting a drink. No movement of water has been addressed here in that the maneuver gets done faster and commitment is instant. In solo canoing the use of the "K1" duffel stroke (swing around the flagpole reference) is a better choice. Here again in tandem this stroke can flip the canoe faster than staying upright if the team is not on the same page.