How to Pry Paddle a Canoe

The pry stroke is excellent for turning your canoe quickly or, if you're solo, for moving sideways in the water. The opposite of a draw stroke, the pry stroke starts next to the canoe and pushes the water away.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

1. Sit or kneel in a stable position in your canoe.
2. Hold the paddle with your inside hand on top and your outside hand 1 to 2 feet down the shaft.
3. Insert the blade of the paddle into the water directly next to the canoe on the side opposite the direction you wish to move.
4. Hold your top hand out with your arm extended and your bottom hand close to your body.
5. Pull with your top hand and push with your bottom hand.
6. Use the side of the canoe as a fulcrum for the paddle to push against the water.
7. Turn the blade of the paddle sideways, perpendicular to the canoe, and slide it back through the water to the starting position to begin another stroke.

Tips & Warnings

• The pry stroke is good for turning the boat in heavy rapids because the lever action against the boat is very strong.
• Don't use the pry stroke in shallow water. The blade may catch on a rock and the powerful stroke could capsize the canoe.
• 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.