How to Paddle a CanoeAn Emma Lake Crash Course

Preparation

Choose a brightly coloured pfd. It should be snug, yet allow room for movement.

• Check the label to be sure your pfd has been approved by transport Canada or the Coast Guard.

Preparation

• Choose your weapon

• Paddles come in many different shapes and sizes

Preparation

Be sure your paddle is the right length.

Chin height or use a friend and be sure that your arms form a 90 degree angle.

Paddle Parts

Grip

Shaft

Throat

Blade

Tip

Grip

Hold the ‘grip’ of the paddle firmly with your top hand.

Grip

With your other hand, hold the ‘throat’ down near the blade of the paddle. A lower grip will give you more leverage.

The stroke

Reach forward with both hands, putting your paddle deep into the water. The entire blade of the paddle should be submerged.

The Stroke

Pull back parallel to the canoe. When the paddle is in line with your body, this is the deepest point of the stroke.

The Stroke

Keep pulling the paddle until the blade is behind you and your lower arm is fully extended.

The Stroke

After reaching the end of your stroke, Lift your paddle out of the water Twist both hands until the blade is parallel to

the water Reach forward and Repeat.