How to Carry Your Canoe Across Land

The canoe is designed to glide through the water, but transporting the boat across land is a clumsy process. The canoe is long and portages are often a necessity to bypass dangerous waters and shallow waters. Carrying the canoe is relatively easy with several people but a single person must be cautious to prevent damage to the boat. Plan the canoe trip route to minimize the number of necessary portages and do not overload the boat with heavy gear on trips with required portages.

Instructions

  1. Shoulder Hoist

    • 1

      Pull the canoe on the shore and allow the water to drain away for one minute. Remove all loose gear from the interior of the canoe.

    • 2

      Push on the gunwale of the canoe to tip it upside-down. Leave the canoe upside-down until all water is drained from the inside of the canoe.

    • 3

      Tip the canoe on one side and position yourself along the center of the boat. Bend your knees and place your shoulder under the gunwale of the canoe. Lift the boat and make small position adjustments to balance the boat on your shoulder. Carry the boat, with your eyes looking forward to observe and maneuver around obstacles.

    Yoke Hoist

    • 4

      Remove loose gear from the inside of the canoe. Turn the canoe upside down and allow the water to drain from the inside.

    • 5

      Grab one end of the canoe and lift it in an upwards motion. One end will remain on the ground and the canoe assume a tilted position.

    • 6

      Hold the canoe at an angle and adjust your position until you are under the boat. Position yourself immediately under the yoke and place the center of the yoke on the base of your neck.

    • 7

      Lift with your legs to raise the canoe off the ground. Use your hands to balance the boat and keep it at a slight angle to increase visibility. Walk the boat across the land to the destination.