Common
Whitewater Canoeing Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
The sport of whitewater canoeing
involves many various situations where, if handled incorrectly,
could lead to serious injury or worse. By making sure not to
make the same mistakes yourself, you are sure to be one step
ahead the next time whitewater canoeing is on the to-do list.
One of the worst mistakes that many novice whitewater canoeists
make is thinking that it is correct to change paddling sides to
help steer the canoe. You want to keep the sides of the paddle
consistent in order to get a good flow with the moving body of
water.
Another widely misunderstood concept of whitewater canoeing is
that you should bury the blade completely under the water when
making your strokes. Having the blade be completely under the
surface of the water will help guide the boat more efficiently
and make sure that you are getting the most out of your
paddling.
Some other words of advice to correct common mistakes of
whitewater canoeing are: when moving toward a turn, do NOT heel
the hull of the canoe into the direction of the turn; when
paddling in a tandem or solo paddling, make sure to rudder at
the end of a power stroke; hold the paddle vertical when doing a
power stroke; and finally, having the grip be outside of the
gunwale.
Whether you are solo paddling or paddling as part of a tandem,
make sure that you are using good stroke techniques as well as
incorporating the mechanics listed above. Not following some of
the most basic rules of whitewater canoeing will lead to an
inability to effectively manage tough conditions, such as big
drops or rushing water. Adhering to good, strict principles will
keep you safe and help you become a more accomplished whitewater
canoeist no matter the type of situation.
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