Canoeing
Basics
There are many canoeing basics to learn. Paddling in a canoe is an excellent form of exercise and it is a versatile way to get around in the water. Canoes are lighter and easier to carry than row boats out of the water and much quieter than a motorboat.
Canoes work best with two people
paddling. They can be maneuvered with just one person and they
can carry three people, or two people and gear, easily. Most
canoes that you would use today have seats in the front and back
of the boat, but you can kneel in the bow and stern and paddle
comfortably that way as well.
Each person paddles facing the front. The back person acts as
the rudder to steer while the front provides more of the power
strokes. Each person contributes to the overall movement of the
canoe. It is important in a canoe that people work together, or
you will wind up spinning in circles, literally!
Canoeing basics include knowing how to paddle correctly. The
flat part, or blade, of the paddle should be perpendicular to
the water when in the water and parallel to the water when out.
Hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the paddle and the
other close to the blade. With the blade straight up and down,
push the paddle away from your body, dig into the water, pull
the blade towards you and behind you for a complete stroke.
Canoeing Basics tip: You must be able switch hands while
paddling as just paddling on just one side will cause you to
spin in circles.
If you put the paddle into the water behind you and push the
paddle forward, the boat will travel backwards. It is usually
best when paddling with two people to paddle on opposite sides
of the boat. When paddling you must focus on where you want to
travel, as it is easy to waste motion if you are not travelling
in a straight line. The best practice is to focus on a far off
point and paddle towards that.
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