Types Of Strokes To Paddle Your Canoe

Types of Strokes to Paddle Your Canoe

So, you want to learn how to paddle a canoe, but you have no idea where to start. Well, you can start by learning the types of paddle strokes for canoeing.

In this article, we will go over the types of strokes to paddle your canoe.

Table of Contents

What is a Basic Canoe Paddling Stroke?

Using a paddle to move a canoe through the water involves a set of movements and techniques. Together, they make up a basic canoe paddling stroke.

Canoeing paddle strokes have evolved to such an extent that there are now dozens of popular types. However, among these three types of paddle strokes are the basic requirements. These types are the forward stroke, backward stroke, and draw stroke.

Besides the basic strokes, there are specialized techniques for a more experienced canoeist.

List of Paddle Strokes

You can use many different types of strokes to paddle your canoe, varying in length, power, and position. We will lay out for you a list of essential and efficient types of paddle strokes.

Our list of paddle stroke types include,

Forward Stroke
Backward Stroke
Draw Stroke
Cross Draw Stroke
J Stroke
Pry Stroke
Sweep Stroke

Paddle Strokes Explained

Forward Stroke

Place one hand at the top T-handle of your paddle shaft, then grip the pole with the other hand at a comfortable angle. Make sure to stack your hands and keep the paddle vertical.

Reach forward with your paddle. Extend the blade as far as you possibly can without breaking your balance.

Rotate the shoulder of the hand, gripping the middle pole towards the front. Plunge the blade and try to catch as much water as you can. As per Newton’s third law, the more force you exert on pulling the water, the better forward momentum your canoe will receive.

Keep a firm grip on the T-handle and push down on your paddle. Your upper body weight will aid in producing a better power delivery. Afterward, pull the paddle back towards your torso by rotating your shoulder around. Try to maintain a straight line when pulling the paddle.

You want your bigger muscle groups to pull the paddle. Only rely on the hand muscles when you are recovering for the next paddle stroke.

The forward stroke is the primary type of paddle stroke that propels your canoe forward.

Backward Stroke

Grip the paddle with both hands. Make a 90-degree angle while holding the paddle above your head to find the best grip.

Reach out backward with your paddle. No need to overextend, as you may lose control over the stroke. Keep the paddle shaft steady and the flat side of the blade near the water surface.

Similar to the forward stroke, focus your shoulders. This method will engage the bigger muscle groups in your upper body. Then, plant the paddle blade in the water.

Bring your paddle side shoulder forward while your hands maintain a secure grip on the paddle. The more vertical your paddle is, the better backward force you will generate.

Try to keep the paddle blade in a straight line while pulling. It will prevent sideways force from affecting your canoe. The most convenient method to do this is to keep the paddle parallel to the canoe’s side.

The backward stroke is a fundamental type of paddle stroke to reduce forward momentum.

Draw Stroke

Use a comfortable grip to secure your paddle with both hands.

Focus on the side that you are paddling. Aim for the furthermost point away from the canoe in a straight line. Take care that you do not lose your grip on the T-handle and use the other hand and shoulder to extend your reach.

Twist the paddle until the flat blade is parallel to the side of the canoe. Once it’s ready, plant the paddle blade into the water.

Keep the paddle shaft steady, and then pull it back towards you. During this stroke, you will have to rely on your arm muscle to provide the most power.

The draw stroke or “pull-to” is the primary yet powerful type of stroke to turn your canoe.

Cross Draw Stroke

This stroke is suitable for the front and the solo canoeist. Keep a firm grip on the T-handle of the paddle but loosen up the grip on the paddle shaft.

Pull up the paddle blade and move it to the opposite side. This method will position your loosened hand to cross your torso. Slightly twist the upper body for better access.

Aim the paddle at an average distance, as you wouldn’t want to overexert your rotator cuff or your shoulders.

Plant the blade into the water and pull it towards the gunwale. This stroke will generate a powerful turning force.

The cross draw stroke is a type of advanced turning stroke to paddle your canoe.

J Stroke

Pathing of this stroke carries a striking resemblance to the letter J. It’s also known as the hook stroke. For this forward stroke, the established two-handed paddle grip is ideal.

Similar to the primary forward stroke, extend your paddle blade as far towards the bow as you comfortably can.

Try to keep the paddle vertical and plant the blade in the water. While a vertical paddle will deliver better tracking, it may have a slight reach inefficiency. In contrast to the forward stroke, where length is the key, it is better to compromise between length and stance for the J stroke.

Once you have managed to balance stance and extent, rotate your shoulder to pull the paddle blade back in a straight line. Near the end of the stroke, feather the paddle and push away from the canoe. This tracing will allow you to counteract the canoe’s tendency to turn to the paddling side.

The J stroke is an efficient type of forwarding stroke you can use when paddling.

Pry Stroke

In reverse to the draw stroke, the pry stroke begins where the draw stroke ends. The standard paddle grip is good enough to initiate this stroke.

For a firm pry stroke, aim the paddle blade in a vertical line near the gunwale. This aiming will also aid you to control your paddling better.

Plunge the paddle blade into the water. Keep the shaft hand parallel to the canoe and level with your waist. Afterward, keep a firm grip on the shaft.

Pull with your hand that’s on the T-handle. Then, quickly pry the paddle blade away from the side of the canoe. This stroke will result in a decisive turning force to move your canoe sideways.

The pry stroke is a type of powerful turning stroke for the experienced canoeist.

Sweep Stroke

Sweep stroke is a standard difficulty turning stroke. Its primary purpose is to steer the canoe away from the paddle. An angled paddle grip is better for the sweep stroke.

Reach out towards the waist region of the canoe when you are paddling solo. Focus the shaft hand shoulder for extended reach.

Facing forward, plant the paddle blade in the water. There is no need to worry about placing your paddle vertically for the sweep stroke. After all, the reach and the pull will generate the majority of the strokes momenta.

Rotate the shaft hand shoulder and pull the paddle in an arc towards the stern. Keep the paddle pathing similar to a crescent moon for better power delivery.

The sweep stroke is a moderate type of turning stroke to steer your canoe.

Tips to Paddle Efficiently

Motion and balance are the core of efficient paddling. To enhance control and stroke count, you will have to come up with a rhythm. In addition, deep breathing will add more power to your paddle strokes.

Chanting a mantra like “Breath” in between each paddle stroke will help you develop muscle memory. Afterward, this muscle memory will be the key to creating and retaining a rhythmic paddle stroke pattern.

In the recovery phase, remember to breathe deeply. A deep breath will supply more oxygen to the body, and the heart will be able to pump faster. Furthermore, a fast-beating heart will rev up your metabolism and provide more power for your paddle strokes.

Besides these, there are many little tidbits of information you will pick up with time and practice. For instance, a bit of paddling will let you know what size paddle is the most suitable for you.

Summing UP

Mastering the many types of strokes to paddle your canoe is no easy feat. However, if you manage to accomplish it, no paddlesport will be beyond your reach!

The key to becoming a better canoeist is persistence. It is the same for learning the types of paddle strokes too. Getting frustrated because of an imperfect pull or stance is expected when you are paddling for the first time.

However, if you keep on paddling your canoe, with time and experience, you may even be able to customize the paddle strokes to be more efficient!

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