 |
|
 |
Intro: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| On a breezy day, two paddlers should sit closer together, toward the middle, for more stability. When you come ashore for a break, make sure that whatever you tie your boat to is stationary and that your knot will hold. To remove a canoe from the water, step out of the canoe and unload it. Standing on opposite sides of the boat, with knees bent and back straight for safe lifting, paddlers should grab the thwarts or gunwale near the ends of the boat and lift in unison. |
|
Avoid tipping your gear and your partner into the water by following these guidelines:
If you tip over midstream or mid-lake, either swim the canoe to the shore to recover or, if it’s too far to swim, turn the canoe right side up in the water while tipping it from side to side to get some of the water out. It will be mostly full of water but should still float. Once you’re back in the canoe, you can use a bailing bucket or sponge to drain out more water, if necessary. Get back into a canoe by putting one hand on the far gunwale and one on the nearest gunwale. Then kick your feet to propel your weight across the boat and onto both gunwales at the same time, keeping your chest low. The trick is to get your weight centered across the boat so it won’t tip in either direction. Your full weight shouldn’t come down on the gunwales until it's spread equally over both. Turn over onto your back so you're sitting in the canoe. Turn to pull your feet into the boat. Paddle to shore to get the rest of the water out of the boat. If you have a chance, take an empty canoe out for a practice session. Let the waves approach it from every angle so you can see how the boat responds. This will help you become familiar with your boat's limits as well as your own. Along the way, you'll discover, as many others have, that mastering the basics can really enhance the tranquil experience of paddling your own canoe. -end-   All steps at once (printable version) |
|
Avoid tipping
