Can someone help me with canoeing?
I used to be a canoeing instructor….it’s a lot easier to demonstrate a physical paddling skill than to explain it in writing! I seriously recommend taking an introductory lesson. They are often available through specialized Kayak/Canoe retail stores, sometimes larger sports stores like REI, and even sometimes through the American Red Cross. Now, having said that, here goes anyway: Hold the paddle correctly. The higher hand goes on the top of the grip, not down on the shaft. The power from the stroke is provided by pushing down and back with the upper hand, while the lower hand grips the paddle shaft lightly and guides it. A common mistake beginning paddlers make is in trying to drag the paddle through the water with their lower hand & arm, very inefficient! The stern (back) paddler has responsibility for most of the steering action. The basic stroke for going in a straight line is a ‘J’ stroke. As you push the paddle alongside the canoe and back, you end the stroke by pushing outward
