A simple set of strokes and communication concepts can provide the basis for quickly learning how to paddle a tandem canoe. When I teach, I like to emphasize simplicity, and an abbreviated set of strokes to get people out on the water and having fun quickly. A first timer learning to paddle a tandem canoe does not need to learn a comprehensive list of strokes.
A simple set of strokes and communication concepts can provide the basis for quickly learning how to paddle a tandem canoe. When I teach, I like to emphasize simplicity, and an abbreviated set of strokes to get people out on the water and having fun quickly. A first timer learning to paddle a tandem canoe does not need to learn a comprehensive list of strokes.
Many instructors theorize that the recent decline in Canoe participation relative to Kayak may come from the perceived difficulty. Canoes are a challenge for sure, with nearly endless possibilities for technique improvement, but there are easy systems for controlling the boat.
The following system of strokes works well for first timers to get a start in controlling a canoe without frantically switching hands and yelling at each other. I have used this progression with Summer camp kids on the lake, Outward Bound students tacking class II whitewater on their second day of boating, and with adults simply looking for a fun experience on basic river moves. The system works well. In presenting it, I try to remember the adage: keep it short and sweet.
The bow paddler has just two turning strokes to learn: The Draw to move their end of the boat to their paddle side, and the cross bow draw to move their end of the boat the other direction. To eliminate mistakes, I like to teach the cross bow that has the T-grip elbow tucked tight against the body throughout the stroke. Even so, this stroke typically requires lots of review before the correct technique becomes instinctive.
The Stern paddler paddles on the opposite side of the boat and also has only two strokes to learn. The Stern Draw, and the Stern Pry. I teach the stern pry as a short 6” jab out from the stern of the boat. This is really nothing more than an active rudder, so people tend to pick it up quickly. I continue to work on technique to keep braking from being part of the stroke by keeping the T-grip vertical and starting with the blade plastered against the boat. The stern draw is a longer stroke, like the last two feet of a full forward sweep. Paddlers need to use their torso for the power. Watching the blade seems to help get the torso involved.
I like to get the paddlers practicing the basic motion of these strokes while in their boat on solid ground. I can stand at the bow, and help nudge the boat the direction the stroke will turn them. Once each paddler has their strokes mastered, we play a quick game where I point, and make them respond correctly as if to dodge an imaginary rock.
When they have those mastered, I teach both paddlers the forward stroke and briefly mention a back stroke.
Once we are on the water I review the same set of strokes with good technique: For each stroke I elaborate and review the technique essentials, since they feel a bit different on the water. I usually wait on technical details of the forward stroke until the paddlers have some directional control and can go relatively straight. Only then do I go into the details of a forward stroke: torso rotation to plant the tip of the blade far forward, relatively straight arms, and a vertical shaft.
Using these five strokes a team can become remarkably good paddlers. The bow paddler makes quick decisions about the route, and provides the power and pacing. The bow paddler is in charge of communicating their desired direction to the stern paddler, either by pointing, leading by strokes, or speaking. But I ask the bow paddler to also be in charge of good communication: in other words, turning around to speak or listen to their stern partner.
In the stern, the boat direction is priority. Frequently this means the beginning stern paddler must do nothing but correct with stern draws & stern prys to keep the boat on line. Power, and following the cadence of the bow paddler are secondary responsibilitys to the stern paddler, who is in charge of the general direction. When these general communication skills are followed, both paddlers work smoothly together and paddling a canoe is not difficult.