Canoe Portaging Technique and Tips

People have been portaging (carrying a watercraft over land) for millennia. The word itself comes from the French porter - to carry. For many, portaging a canoe or kayak is a necessary evil to complete a paddling route, avoid a hazard, or connect two watersheds. But with the right technique, it can be an enjoyable break from paddling.

Making multiple trips around a hazard can be exhausting and time-consuming. Save mental frustration and physical strain by choosing and practicing the right portage technique for your situation. 

TWO-PERSON SUITCASE CARRY 

The most basic portage technique is the Underhand Carry. This technique is most appropriate for short distances. You and your partner grab the deck plate handles on opposite sides of the canoe, lift with your knees, not your back, and walk forward, both facing the same direction. 

Pros: Easiest portaging technique. You can leave items in your canoe. 

Cons: Difficult for long distances, narrow trails, and rough terrain.

TWO-PERSON OVERHEAD CARRY

Carrying your canoe overhead is more technical but more comfortable. Good communication with your partner is critical, especially while lifting and lowering the canoe. If the paddlers are of different heights, have the taller paddler in the bow so the canoe angles up so they can see. 

There are a few different ways to carry the canoe overhead:

1. Both paddlers place the yoke/thwart on their shoulders
2. Both paddlers with the seats on their shoulders
3. Both paddlers with their heads outside of the canoe
4. Any combination of the above

Watch this video for a demonstration.

Pros: More comfortable for longer distances and narrow trails. 

Cons: More technical. It can be difficult to see, so it is not ideal for rough terrain.

SOLO CANOE CARRY

Surprisingly, portaging a canoe solo is very easy, and even smaller individuals can portage a canoe alone. Most canoes are built to be well-balanced, so when the canoe is on your shoulders it feels almost effortless. If there is another person around, have them help you lift and lower the canoe and carry packs and gear.   

Watch this video for a demonstration.

Pros: Can be done alone, no partner communication necessary. Good for narrow and rough terrain.

Cons: Lifting and lowering the canoe is more difficult than other techniques. 

PORTAGING TIPS

Below are a few general portaging tips. 

• Practice the various portaging techniques at home until you’re comfortable. 
• Consider buying a canoe on the lighter side if you plan on portaging often. The one-person Discovery 119 weighs just 50 lbs while the two-person Discovery 158 weighs 87 lbs.
• Add padding to the carrying yoke or replace the bow or stern thwarts with curved carrying yokes. 
• Scout the portage path without the canoe first. Note terrain, cross trails, and identify a marker for your final destination, so you’re less likely to miss it while carrying a canoe with limited visibility. 
• Organize all your items in one pile, so you’re less likely to forget something. This is also good etiquette to leave room for other paddlers. 
• Don’t hang or clip things to your canoe. This will cause the canoe to be unbalanced. Combine small items into larger bags. 
• Apply bug spray before the portage, to avoid swatting at bugs while carrying a canoe. 
• If conditions allow, consider using a canoe cart. 

PORTAGING SAFETY

Portaging isn’t for everyone and there is a risk of injury. Proper communication is key between you and your partner. Make sure you can both see and take your time. Take frequent breaks and use proper form to avoid injuries. Never walk backward and always wear proper footwear. 

Every serious paddler will portage at some point. Portaging can be less tiresome and more efficient by using proper technique and the tips above.