Can I Canoe or Kayak Upstream?

Of course you can! While it is certainly easier to canoe or kayak with the current, it is often necessary to move against the current, especially if you are retracing your path on a lake or river. Paddling upstream can also be a great workout.

  1. Technique 1: Brute Force

    • Face your canoe or kayak directly against the oncoming stream and paddle hard. If the current is light enough, you will be able to make progress. This technique, however, is only recommended if you are looking to maximize your workout and minimize the distance traveled. Do not try to paddle against a current with brute force if the current is stronger than you are.

    Technique 2: Ferrying

    • Point the canoe or kayak at roughly a 30-degree angle upstream and aim for the bank. You should start at the outer edge of the eddy, where the current will be relatively light. If the current pulls you back further than where you started, you will need to point your kayak on a steeper angle against the bank.

    Ferrying, Step 2

    • Lean on your downstream edge and use a power stroke to pull you through the eddy. The power stroke will make sure that the current does not turn your canoe or kayak downstream. Paddle the canoe or kayak to the edge of the eddy.

    Ferrying, Step 3

    • Pull your paddle away from the bank down current and lean to your upstream edge. This will turn the kayak back into the eddy so that you can repeat the ferrying process. Since the current will be pulling you back, it is important to use forward momentum from the previous step in this turn and to complete the turn as quickly as possible. Also, make sure to match the angle on the opposite bank as in the previous step.

    Ferrying, Step 4

    • Repeat Technique 2 until you reach the point on the bank where you want to dock. Point your kayak or canoe 30-degrees past your docking point and paddle through the eddy. Once you have paddled through the eddy, you should easily be able to pull the canoe or kayak to shore.