In canoeing it is very important that the paddle is held correctly and that the strokes are performed correctly. If everything is done correctly then it is very easy to use, steer and control a canoe either it be with only one person or two. The proper way to hold a canoe paddle is to put the same hand that is the side that you are paddling on at the bottom near the blade of the paddle. Then you take your other hand and with the palm facing the ground you grab the very top of the paddle, so that the back of your hand faces the sky. Never should the top hand grab the shaft of the paddle, this will cause a decrease in efficiency and control. Some stroke that can be taught are:
-forward stroke
-back stroke
-J-stroke
-D-stroke
-cross bow draw
-figure 8 stroke

Some good animations can be see here:
http://www.gregcons.com/canoe/techniques_strokes.htm

Remember, a good paddler can should never need to switch sides while steering from the back, and the person in the front should only be using the forward stroke to help keep the canoe moving. Steering is a one man job from the back.

Search Tags: Skills, Canoeing