Who Steers A Canoe? - Fresh Water Fishin

Have you ever wondered who steers a canoe? Who keeps the canoe going where you want it to go? Well, the simple answer would be the back canoeist.

In this article, we will go over the role of the canoeist and the process of steering a canoe.

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A Little about Canoeing

The term canoeing includes both solo and tandem paddling. When paddling solo, the canoeist performs the role of the steerer and the power paddler.

However, in the case of tandem canoeing, teamwork is paramount. Now, it is wasteful to paddle away without clearly defining the roles. Who knows, you might end up going in a full circle with two power paddlers.

As such, for efficient tandem paddling, the canoeists take up different duties. For instance, one paddle for power while the other controls turn and make the correction.

The Front or the Back, Who Steers a Canoe?

Unlike a motorboat where the driving power comes from the back, the tandem canoe’s power paddling usually comes from the front. This method leaves the back canoeist in control of steering the canoe.

The front paddler or the bow canoeist uses basic strokes like the forward stroke to generate momentum. Meanwhile, the back paddler or the stern canoeist uses more skillful paddle strokes like the J, C, sweep, and pry stroke to correct course and steer the canoe.

How to Steer a Canoe?

Phase One: Allocate Roles

A clear understanding of the roles is what makes tandem canoeing a fun activity.

Nevertheless, it is by no means easy to master rhythmic paddling. When allocating the roles, make sure you are familiar with the necessary skills.

In general, it is a good idea to leave the power aspect to the bow canoeist. Simple forward strokes and a few backstrokes for breaks are the most necessary skills for this role.

In contrast, the back canoeist will take on the role of steering the canoe. An in-depth understanding of a wide variety of canoe paddling strokes for turning and maneuvering is a must for this controller role.

Phase Two: Figure out Ideal Stance

For solo canoeing, the ideal steering location is at the middle of the canoe. On the other hand, if you are going with tandem canoeing, sit towards the canoe’s back for steering.

Grip the paddle with both hands. Place one hand at the very top of the paddle and grip the T-handle. Place the other hand just above the paddle blade if you are using a smaller paddle.

Suppose it’s a longer paddle, then raise it above your head and grip the paddle shaft at a comfortable 90-degree angle for the best control.

While gripping the paddle, if you can manage to stack your hands on top of each other, it will help you paddle more efficiently.

Push down with your upper hand on the T-handle and pull the paddle shaft with the other hand. Doing so will add your upper body weight to the strength of the paddle stroke.

Once you start to paddle, focus your shoulders instead of the arm muscles. This system will help you gain more power from the bigger torso muscle groups.

Phase Three: Check the Basics

Before you paddle into the rough water rapids, make sure to check your basics. A timely revision of muscle memory can save your life and the life of your fellow canoeist.

Practice paddling in synch to avoid accidental turns and twists. Sharpen up your canoe steering techniques by communicating with the front canoeist and initiating correction paddle strokes where necessary.

Once you achieve the essential communications and synch well enough, paddling in tandem will become a breeze.

Phase Four: Practice Break

Besides the basics, practice emergency breaking with your canoeing companion. After all, you wouldn’t want to hit those barely visible rocks or sholes with your canoe.

Learning to break is not only beneficial for avoiding obstacles, but it will also help you while fishing. For instance, you have spotted the perfect lily pad or underwater weed bed, but your canoe has too much momentum. Well, this is the time when those backstrokes will come in handy.

One of the easiest ways to break is to back paddle on both sides. The generated kinetic energy will work together for a better break.

Phase Five: Turning Left & Right

Turning paddle strokes make up the core of canoe steering. The C, pry, and sweep are the powerful turning strokes you can use to steer the canoe. When you are the sternman, draw on the right side and use C or Pry stroke to turn your canoe on the left.

To turn the canoe on the right, draw on the left side and similarly use the C, Pry strokes.

If you want to turn the canoe towards the offside, use a bow to stern forward sweep stroke for a decisive turn.

For corrections and turning, the J stroke Is also a good option.

Phase Six: Recovery

Rember to rest and recover between intense paddling sessions. A tired body will make mistakes quickly, and the rough, cold water can be rather punishing.

Take in deep breaths when you exit the paddle from the water. The extra oxygen will help burn calories better and provide you with a boost of power.

Make sure to rotate your shoulders to avoid tendonitis and rest up if you feel like burning out. Exhaustion can creep up silently and unexpectedly if you are not aware.

You can take short rests by communicating with the bowman and slowing down your canoe without completely stopping. Nevertheless, it is better to take it easy at the same time for the sake of efficiency.

Things to Keep in Mind When Steering a Canoe

Safety comes above all else, so make sure to put on a PFD or personal floatation device. The water is unpredictable, and you want to be safe out there.

Communication can easily keep you from getting bored and losing focus. The better synching you have with your fellow paddler, the easier it will be for you to steer the canoe.

As the sternman, you have a complete vision of the bowman. However, you are in the blind spot of the front canoeist. As such, it is better to follow up with the bow paddler rather than expecting them to follow your lead.

Ensure that the water is deep enough where the canoe hull won’t scrape against the rocky or sandy bottom. You wouldn’t want fiberglass to get damaged or the aluminum to get stuck on a rock surface.

You can use the steering stroke for inefficient straight tracking. It only becomes valuable when you have tremendous forward momentum. You can even modify it to become a kind of pseudo rudder for your canoe.

If you are planning a long canoe trip, pack enough supplies. Drinking water, an energy bar, or sustainable food will help you out in the long run.

Store the lighter cargo on the front and the back of the canoe. Use the middle portion to keep your heaviest load. This storage method will provide better overall stability and balance for you to steer the canoe.

Bottom Line

Steering a canoe is no easy task. So, don’t expect to become a master overnight. However, once you get the hang of the canoeing basics, your learning speed will pick up on its own.

In addition, even when you are steering the canoe, don’t forget to consult your canoeing companion to develop a better teamwork strategy.
Read more about Canoe History

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