Four strokes for beginning canoe paddlers
BY CRAIG MACARTNEY / PHOTOS BY REID MCLACHLAN
From shooting rapids to camping, or just relaxing on the water, canoeing is a top way to go on Canada’s waterways. Ottawa Outdoors’ Craig Macartney interviewed Becky Mason, a local canoeing instructor, to find out where novices should start.
Ottawa Outdoors Magazine (OOM): What four strokes are essential for new canoeists? Becky Mason (BM): The crucial
strokes are the draw, pry, forward stroke and back stroke. These strokes date back thousands of years to the first canoes. OOM: Could you describe them? BM: Place your grip hand on the
“grip” (top of the paddle) and your other hand on the “shaft” just above the blade of the paddle. To “draw,” reach both arms away from your torso on one side of the canoe and pull the water towards you. With two paddlers, a draw turns the boat in a circle. To turn the opposite direction, “pry” by pushing or levering the water away from the canoe. Pull the canoe forward using a “forward stroke” by reaching forward and pulling the water back. Slow down or back up by reaching back and pushing the water forward – a “back stroke.” OOM: What stroke is most important? BM: There isn’t one
stroke more important than the other. For beginners, the key is learning and combining these strokes. For example, a “J stroke” is a forward stroke with a pry afterwards. J strokes keep the canoe heading straight. Depending on where you’re aiming, you need different strokes. OOM: What tricks can beginners use to stay straight?
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BM: The key is “trimming” your canoe. This means levelling the canoe in the water, with the bow (front) rising slightly. If your bow rides low, it plows though the water requiring more effort. If it rides too high, even light wind blows you off course. Keeping lighter paddlers up front and heavier paddlers in the stern (back) helps trim the canoe. If the bow still rides up, weigh it down with a jug of water or small pack. When solo canoeing, trim the canoe by weighing down the bow or kneeling halfway between the bow and stern. OOM: How important are lessons
for first timers? BM: Mastering these four strokes
definitely requires instruction. After that basic guidance, you can still learn to expand your scope of combinations. OOM: What are some common mistakes by beginners?
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