How to Orientate a Canoe

There are several different paddle strokes used to orientate a canoe; the key to properly maneuvering a canoe is the seat you're in. The back seat of a canoe is, in effect, the driver's seat. The front paddler's job is more to provide forward momentum and to help the back paddler with directional maneuvering when appropriate. A skilled back paddler usually won't need the front paddler's help.

Instructions

  1. J-Stroke

    • 1

      Dip your paddle into the water and begin the stroke with a pull, as you would any other stroke. A canoe is maneuverable only if it has forward momentum.

    • 2

      Rotate the paddle 3/4 of the way through the stroke, with the paddle shaft at a 45-degree angle with the surface of the water. Rotate the edges of the paddle face to be pointing toward the sky and the bottom of the lake or river.

    • 3

      Hold the shaft of the paddle parallel to the canoe and begin to bend it, using your lower hand on the paddle as the fulcrum. The top of the paddle shaft should be over the top of the canoe, in front of you, while the paddle itself should point away from the canoe. The paddle should complete a J motion in the water, hence the name of this stroke, the J-stroke. J-stroking on the left side of the canoe steers the canoe to the left; J-stroking on the right side steers the canoe to the right.

    • 4

      Leave the paddle in the water for as long as necessary to orientate yourself in the direction you want to go.

    Draw Stroke

    • 5

      Dip the paddle in the water perpendicular to the canoe, at a 45-degree angle to the water, or as far out as you can comfortably reach, with the paddle surface facing the canoe.

    • 6

      Pull the paddle toward you, using your top hand as a fulcrum and your bottom hand for pulling.

    • 7

      Rotate the paddle as it gets to within about a foot of the canoe. Finish the stroke with a push, like a normal stroke, to give yourself momentum, which is always important when steering a canoe. Doing a draw stroke on the left side of the canoe steers the canoe to the right; a draw stroke on the right side steers the canoe to the left.