Learning To Paddle Episode 2: Basic Tandem Canoe Maneuvers

My name is Dave Conley, and I’m the owner of Canoe the Wild guide service. In this series we're showing you some techniques to take the stress out of tandem paddling a canoe. If you haven't already be sure to watch Episode 1 where we went over the basic strokes for the maneuvers in this video.

LEFT & RIGHT TURN

The first and most common move you'll need to know how to perform is a left or right turn. The easiest method for turning is while the bow partner does a cross draw, the stern partner performs a pry.

HIGH & LOW BRACE

A high and low brace is a move used to correct tipping canoe and requires both partners to be working in concert with each other. The high brace is done in the front where the bow come across to the hip on the high side of the boat. At the same time, a low brace is done in the stern with a stern pry, pushing the water down from the canoe on the low side. The stern partner should be vocal at this time shouting out if they need more or less power than the partner to keep an even keel.

SIDE SLIP

One of the most versatile maneuvers in a canoe is called the side slip. It's especially helpful when launching or landing and you need to canoe to be parallel to the shore. While the bow partners drawing water to their hip, the stern partner does a stern pry. By repeating these strokes your canoe will move through the water broadside first, and you'll be surprised how efficiently you can make the canoe move that way.

The side slip is also helpful when approaching rapids without potentially putting a canoe in a broach situation against the rocks.

Safety is the number-one priority when paddling rapids in the next video we'll go over a couple more techniques to help you navigate the whitewater in your canoe.