|
Overall
Warning:
|
|
Canoeing is an inherently
dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend
that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
We also recommend that the first time out be with an experienced canoeist. A life
vest is required for
all who participate in this sport.
|
Level
1 – How to Forward Paddle a Canoe
|
Seemingly the simplest maneuver
in canoeing, the forward paddle can take years to truly master. These simple
instructions offer a beginner guidelines to the most essential aspect of
canoeing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steps:
|
|
1
.
|
Kneel or sit in the canoe facing forward at either
the stern or the bow. If you’re canoeing solo, sit or kneel in the middle.
|
|
2
.
|
Hold the paddle with your inside hand on top and
your water-side hand 2 to 3 feet down (wherever feels most comfortable) with
knuckles facing out.
|
|
3
.
|
Insert
the blade of the paddle completely into the water, at least 2 feet in front
of you,
or as far
forward as you can reach without lunging your body forward.
|
|
4
.
|
Push your top hand forward and pull your bottom hand
back, drawing the blade through the water. Keep the top of the paddle handles
lower than eye level.
|
|
5
.
|
Pivot your shoulder to draw the blade straight back.
Don’t follow the curve of the canoe.
|
|
6
.
|
Pull the blade back
through the water as far as your hip.
|
|
7
.
|
Lift the blade out of the water and turn the blade
parallel to the water (this is especially important on windy days) to carry
it forward to the starting position.
|
|
8
.
|
Reinsert the blade and stroke
again.
|
|
|
|
|
Tips:
|
|
1
|
Keep the shaft of the paddle perpendicular to the
water. Don’t paddle across your body as you would with oars.
|
|
2
|
Avoid pulling the paddle past
your hip. After the blade reaches this point, it’s actually slowing the canoe
down by pushing water up and hence pushing the canoe down in the water.
|
|
3
|
Bent
shaft paddles are more efficient for forward paddling because the bend allows
you to
pull the paddle back farther in the water before you begin pushing water up.
|
|
|
|
|
Warnings:
|
|
1
|
Avoid lurching forward on each new paddle stroke.
Not only is it bad for your back, but it also wears you out faster.
|
|
2
|
Always wear a life vest
when canoeing.
|
← Previous Topic