Steering and Manouvering a Canoe
Before you go canoeing, even if you’re only going one time, we advise that you study steering.
This document contains diagrams to help explain the basic strokes
The web has sites where you can watch videos on canoe strokes such as:
• Canoe paddle strokes
• Forward and backward strokes
• Draw and pry strokes
• “J” strokes
• Sweep strokes
For the technically minded
If I exert pressure here with the paddle,
• What reaction occurs at the bow end?
• Where did the pivot or turning motion come from?
The stern paddler is in charge of the canoe
Before you take the role of stern paddler, at the back of the canoe, you should understand canoeing terms and canoe strokes so that you can give guidance to the bow paddler, at the front of the canoe. You need to be able to direct the bow paddler so your combined efforts are synchronised, working in harmony.
Note also that:
- River currents will act against the canoe
- Wind may also act against the canoe
Paddling Forwards
Paddling Backwards
Forward Sweep Stroke
Backwards Sweep Stroke
The Draw and Pry Strokes
The J Stroke
