example, after you peel out of an eddy into the current (stern person controlling the angle), you back ferry across a current to avoid a small ledge (bow person controlling the angle), then together you decide that you are going to carry on downstream (the stern resumes control). With practice, timing and communi- cation tandem partners work together in a coordinated duet to descend a rapid. The easiest strokes for the bow paddler to use during the
back ferry are the draw and cross-draw (Rapid, Spring, 2001). However, these strokes can be modified to be more effective by pointing the paddle blade toward the bow. The modified strokes are called the scoop and cross-scoop strokes. The key to success with these strokes is to do the work with the grip hand. Use the shaft hand as a fulcrum and lever the paddle
with the grip hand to push the water beneath the bow.
This
effectively turns the canoe left or right. In the stern, your priority is to provide backward momentum. Back paddling with a vertical paddle shaft held alongside the gunwale is the most efficient stroke and is less likely to counter the steering efforts of your bow partner. Resist the temptation to steer for the bow person. You can provide helpful, if not “colourful,” instruction from the stern since it is easier to see how well the canoe is moving toward your destination. Be warned that any “instruction” from the stern that is too dis- paraging may come back to haunt you when you regain the helm of the canoe.
Andrew Westwood is a frequent contributor to Rapid and is an instructor at the Madawaska Kanu Centre.
Cross-Scoop Stroke
Scoop Stroke
1. Point the paddle tip for- ward on the offside. Place your grip hand close to your shoulder and reach your shaft hand past the gunwhale.
2. Push the grip hand outward and pull the shaft hand toward the canoe to scoop water under the bow.
1. Point the paddle tip for- ward with your grip hand over your far bicep and your shaft hand extended forward and beyond the gunwhale.
2.Scoop water beneath the bow by pushing the grip hand outward and pulling the shaft hand closer to the side of the canoe.
2003 Spring 25
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