TECHNIQUE | CANOE TREE | CAMPCRAFT | EXPERT TIP | GEAR | FOOD Know How
LEARN FROM THE PROS «»
WWW.CANOEROOTSMAG.COM
TIMING IS EVERYTHING PHOTOS: MARTY TANNAHILL
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here for a video demonstrating dock landings.
[ TECHNIQUE ] A CRASH COURSE IN MAKING A SMOOTH ARRIVAL
Gracefully bringing your canoe to rest adja- cent to a dock or deep rocky shoreline is the aim of a well-executed landing. In this posi- tion, paddlers can more conveniently exit the boat, stabilizing themselves by using the dock or shoreline for support. The ideal landing is completed with the ca- noe under constant motion, stopping it snug- gly against the dock. To make this happen, ap- proach a fixed target on the dock in a straight line, roughly 45 degrees to the landing. As the boat nears the landing point, the stern paddler initiates the turn by using a draw or pry. If the landing is on the stern person’s paddling side, he or she should use a draw. The stern person should use a pry to initiate the turn if the land-
NO-BUMP DOCK LANDINGS
ing is on the opposite side. Immediately after the stern paddler initi-
ates, the bow paddler reciprocates with a complementary stroke.
If the stern paddler
uses a draw, the bow paddler can assist with a draw or bow cut. If the stern paddler uses a pry, the bow paddler should choose from a pry, bow jam, crossbow draw or crossbow cut. Just before reaching the target, both paddlers provide well-timed reverse strokes usually fol- lowed by some subtle draws or pries to stop the canoe at the intended spot. Practice the timing of your strokes. Initiating the maneuver too soon will leave you too far from your target. However, waiting too long could result in a collision with the dock.
As you develop this skill, communication be-
tween paddlers is important, especially when changing partners. Plan the landing out ver- bally before you begin. It’s best to start at slow speeds so you don’t ram the dock or damage the canoe. Increase the speed only after you can competently complete the maneuver. Try slightly different approach angles to see what works better for you and your partner. Know- ing how your boat responds to the strokes is important as all canoes maneuver differently. Marty Tannahill is a Master Canoe Instructor with the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association. When he’s not paddling you’ll find him fly-fishing Ontario’s remote rivers.
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