Paddle Instructions for the Canadian Canoe

Canoeing is a popular recreational activity. There are numerous strokes to use when paddling, including the power stroke, reverse stroke, draw stroke and J-stroke. The Canadian style of paddling has the paddler kneel in the canoe rather than sit on the seat, which is the conventional position for a paddler. Some canoeists claim that paddling and steering are more effective when using the Canadian style of paddling.

Things You'll Need

  • Life Jacket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit in the back of the canoe; the back seat is always responsible for steering the canoe. Sit with the edge of your behind just on the edge of the seat. Place your knees on the floor of the canoe so you are basically kneeling in the canoe with your behind supported and taking some of the weight off your knees.

    • 2

      Carefully tilt your weight down your knees to the floor of the canoe, to the side where you will be paddling. Attempt a gentle paddle while you are tilted. The goal of paddling while the canoe is tilted is to plunge the paddle into the water as close to your knee as possible, which makes the strokes more powerful and effective for steering. Repeat practice paddling until you feel comfortable.

    • 3

      Try the power stroke while tilting the canoe. Place your right hand on the top grip of the paddle. Put your left hand on the shaft of the paddle, just a few inches above the blade. The left hand should stay out of the water when you stroke, so adjust accordingly. Plunge the paddle straight down into the water beside your knee. Use your torso and arms to powerfully draw the stroke back.

    • 4

      Attempt a J-stroke while tilting the canoe. Plunge the paddle straight down into the water. Turn the paddle outward in a "J" motion at the end of the stroke. The J-stroke adjusts the course of the canoe and keeps the steering on track.