Basic Forward Paddle Stroke
How do you make the canoe go forward? Just put the paddle in the water and pull right? Learn this basic skill quickly and with some helpful tips:
Top tip: Expert canoe instructor Becky Mason quotes her dad: “Keep your stroke short, it’s more efficient and relaxing”.
Grab your paddle
- Place upper hand on the top grip of the paddle
- Place lower hand 2-3 hand-widths above the paddle blade
Plant and pull
- Reach as far forward as you comfortably can. Plant the paddle blade fully in the water and pull the blade back towards you alongside the canoe.
- Don’t let your arms do all the work – use your entire upper body to drive each stroke, twisting at the waist
Pro Tips
- Keep a relaxed and loose grip
- Keep upper hand high, paddle should be vertical as it enters the water
- Push down with top hand, draw backwards with lower hand to pull the canoe forward
- Paddle close to the side of the boat
Video: 3 Golden Rules of Canoeing Technique
Watch the basic forward stroke, and hear tips from pro paddlers on how to paddle comfortably, efficiently, and maximize your power per stroke, from the experts at the ACA. Via YouTube >
5 Basic Strokes
Learn the basics: the fundamental stroke, this maneuver propels the canoe forward. It’s a simple stroke—one repeated more than any other—but it is often done improperly. Via Outdoors.org >
Skill Building
Becky Mason’s detailed description of her ‘traditional forward stroke’ includes the best place to hold a canoe paddle, how to move it through the water for efficiency and power.Via Canoeroots >
