Technique


WORDS BY ANDREW WESTWOOD PHOTOS BY PAUL VILLECOURT/THE HELICONIA PRESS


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The Low Brace


USE YOUR HEAD AND NEVER DUMP TO YOUR ONSIDE AGAIN


The low brace is incredibly effective at preventing you from capsizing to your onside. It allows you to reposi- tion your body so that you can regain a stable posture with your head over your tailbone, which itself is cen- tred above the keel line of the canoe. The low brace can arrest your fall and provide the necessary time to level the canoe with your knees. Getting your head low is the secret to regaining your balance every time.


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4 24 n


Extend your paddle out at a 90-degree angle from your canoe, with your top (grip) hand in front of your stomach.


Smack the water with the backside of the blade. Your knuckles should be pointing down toward the water.


Drop your head toward your paddle shaft while you use your knees to level the canoe.


Once your knees have levelled the canoe, swing your head forward over the canoe and assume a stable paddling posture.


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This article was adapted fromCanoeing, the Essential Skills and Safety, written by Andrew Westwood and published by The Heliconia Press.


C ANOE ROOT S summer 2007


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