O P E N C A N O E t e C h N i Q u e
forward thinking.
PHoto marilyn scriver
sWeet MoMentuM
CHOOSING TO STEER FROM THE BOW OR STERN DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU WANT TO GO
TRADITIONAL CANOE INSTRUCTION says that the most effective steering strokes are done in the stern; ing downstream and want to eddy out. You are
typically stern draws, rudders and pries. But try watching experienced solo boaters and more often than carrying loads of downstream momentum and
not you will see them steering at the bow. In whitewater, momentum means the difference between catch- facing a rapidly approaching 180-degree turn. A
ing must-make eddies and falling short. Bow control strokes maintain precious momentum, while steer- sure way to make that eddy turn happen is a stern
ing from the stern essentially slams on the brakes. Choosing to steer from the bow or stern is determined control stroke. Friction here is not an issue—you
by where you are going on the river and the momentum needed to make your move. are going downhill, building momentum as you
approach the turn—heck, you may even want to
POWer steeriNG with propulsion and control coming from forward
slow down.
Steering from the bow, called power steering
strokes at the bow, is a much better method of
(Rapid Open Canoe Technique V10, I2), relies
maintaining momentum and controlling angle to
MaKiNG the MOVe
on adapting your forward and cross-forward
pull off the move.
Making your move every time will depend on
strokes to control your boat angle. The advan-
matching your paddling technique to how you
tage of power steering is that these strokes add
sterN CONtrOl
plan on using the current. Your strategy has to ac-
to your momentum. The efficiency of using for- Stern strokes such as pries, rudders and draws
count for the momentum gained or lost from both
ward strokes means that you eliminate the drag are the traditional steering strokes used by all
strokes and the river current. Think of bow control
caused by momentum-killing strokes like stern canoeists. They work incredibly well for steering.
as having less friction and higher efficiency, while
pries and rudders. Anytime you need to turn your canoe in a hurry,
stern control gives you leverage and security. In
Picture yourself planning an S-turn across some the leverage created by these strokes is practi-
the end, choosing to steer from the bow or stern
fast moving water. In executing the move your cally guaranteed to do the trick. The downside
comes down to one simple rule: Use the type of
canoe will begin facing upstream and travelling of these friction strokes is that they all slow you
control strokes that provide you with the momen-
against, and then progressively across, the cur- down—some more than others.
tum you need to make your move.
rent. The swiftly flowing downstream water drag- So, when is the best time to use stern control?
aNDreW WeStWooD is an open canoe instructor at the Madawaska
ging on a stern draw or pry will kill your momen- Anytime you have enough momentum to counter kanu Centre, member of team esquif and author of The Essential Guide
tum and possibly blow the move. Power steering, the drag of the stroke—like when you are charg- to Canoeing. www.westwoodoutdoors.ca.
www.rapidmag.com 2
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