Methods For Steering A Canoe

Among the other things that people should master in canoeing is steering. Once they have gotten used to doing this effectively, they would be able to easily control their ride. In which case, they would find no difficulty in going in the direction that they want to go. The proper technique of steering helps canoeists make their adventure stable and ensures a smooth ride.

As a matter of fact, there are different methods when it comes to canoe steering. It is advisable to learn all of these because different situations call for different steering methods. Basically, there are two ways of steering that people should familiarize themselves with. These are bow steering and stern steering. Bow steering intends to push the canoe forward by starting in front. Stern steering on the other hand starts from the back to move the canoe forward.

More often than not, people make use of the cruising stroke for it is easy. It is also commonly called the forward stroke. It is used to move the canoe forward without turning. This is the stroke that most people start with before they decide to learn other advanced steering methods. In this method, one brings the paddle blade forward and dips it into the water before drawing backwards. The paddle follows the curvature of the gunwale.

Another method is the J-Stroke, named such for it resembles the letter J when seen from the port side. This is considered the standard stroke; the paddle is drawn backwards in a straight line. Upon the end of the stroke, the paddle needs to be pushed away from the canoe side. At the same time, the paddle is rotated. However, the paddle remains on the same side through the entire stroke. Moreover, this stroke can be used when attempting to get back to the white water.

Another method is the pry stroke. The paddle is placed in the water vertically. Gently, a prying motion is applied to move the canoe in the opposite direction. Furthermore, a push-away is somewhat the same method it is just a little more awkward than prying. While the canoe is moving, a running pry may be implemented.

These are a few of the basic moves that one needs to learn in order to steer a canoe and get it to go in the desired direction. It sounds more complicated than it is; the techniques are easily picked up once they are practiced in the water. It is a good idea to understand the fundamentals before entering the water however in order to prevent getting out in the middle of a river and paddling your canoe in circles. Also, when you know the correct way to steer a canoe, you can get it to move they way you want it to go with a lot less effort and wasted motion.

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