Canoe paddling - Backcountry College

[Clay Hayes]

Canoeing and trad bows just go hand in hand. Simple, practical, and beautiful. Here's a short video from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers demonstrating some basic paddle strokes that'll come in mighty handy if you spend time in a canoe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Kv5w0hNA9Rs

[Orion]

Good stuff, Clay.  Might incorporate one more tip to keep the canoe in trim.  Can do that by how one positions the cargo, of course, but when paddling a double canoe solo, it usually works best to sit in the front seat and face toward the rear of the canoe.  This positions   the paddler's body closer to the center of the canoe, trimming the boat better and making it more responsive to most paddle strokes. Particularly useful in windy situations.

[Pat B]

Thanks again, Clay. I haven't had this much fun at college since 1969.    :D

When ever I take a newbie along on a Canadian canoe trip, if they think that there is nothing to learn and will not watch Bill Mason's paddling how to videos 'Path of the Paddle', then come out and practice paddling, they cannot come on the canoe trip. We have had too many know it alls that could not paddle ruin our trips.  Whitecaps on Basswood or trying to hit a landing that is on the brink of a rapids is never the time to try to figure out how to paddle.

[cmh]

Good video..... I was fortunate that my Father made me a certified river rat as a kid..... I can still hear him hollering at me when we would hit some good rapids.... Good memories  

[Clay Hayes]

Thanks fellas