1. Forward Stroke
- Purpose: Moves the canoe forward.
- How: Place the paddle in the water ahead of you and pull it straight back alongside the canoe.
2. J-Stroke (for solo or stern paddler)
- Purpose: Keeps the canoe moving straight while paddling on one side.
- How: Start with a forward stroke, then curve the paddle outward at the end (like a “J”) to correct the canoe’s tendency to turn.
3. Draw Stroke
- Purpose: Moves the canoe sideways (toward the paddle).
- How: Reach out from the side of the canoe and pull the paddle straight toward you.
4. Pry Stroke
- Purpose: Moves the canoe sideways (away from the paddle).
- How: Place the paddle near the canoe and push it away from the boat.
5. Sweep Stroke
- Purpose: Turns the canoe.
- How: Make a wide arc with the paddle from the front to the back of the canoe.
- Forward sweep turns the canoe away from the paddle side.
- Reverse sweep turns it toward the paddle side.
👥 Tandem Canoeing Tips
- Bow paddler (front): Sets the pace and helps with minor steering.
- Stern paddler (back): Primarily responsible for steering using J-strokes, sweeps, and pries.
🧭 Tips for Better Control
- Stay centered and balanced in the canoe.
- Communicate with your paddling partner.
- Practice strokes on both sides to stay versatile.
- Adjust your paddle angle and stroke length depending on wind and current.
You can watch two videos from our coach Pip demonstrating these techniques below:
https://youtube.com/shorts/jjm6soIBGYU?si=2YcT6CfH3RFOTniW
https://youtube.com/shorts/p33uMC6f-yo?si=VY8Yu72ndF8hpiA9
