Paddlers have a wide variety of choices to employ in their arsenal of paddle strokes. There’s the forward stroke, the draw stroke, and the j-stroke to name just a few. One thing all of these strokes have in common is their anatomy. That’s right. No matter what paddle stroke you use in a canoe or kayak, they all have the same parts. The anatomy of every paddle stroke consists of three phases. First there’s the catch phase which is followed by the power phase and then by the recovery phase. While each type of stroke may require the kayaker or canoeist to vary a…
Browsing: Canoe
Canoeing is a water activity in which people paddle their way through the water using either a single or double-bladed paddle while sitting on a raised seat or kneeling down. It shares several characteristics with the sport of Kayaking, although there are some basic differences between them. History of the Canoe The canoe has been used by the native North Americans for thousands of years. The term we use today comes from the word kenu which means ‘dugout’. Earlier forms of the canoe come from dugout tree trunks which have been an important mode of transportation along rivers and across islands. Canoeing…
Manufactured in a variety of sizes and materials, canoes are generally both cumbersome and heavy. Additionally, once you’ve positioned your canoe on top of your vehicle, mounting it securely to your roof racks becomes a priority. Improperly secured, your canoe may suffer structural damage and at worst can pose a serious safety hazard while you are driving. Foam block roof rack systems offer protection from both of these concerns at an affordable price. Easy to set up and secure, this system ensures your quick return to the river. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Mount the four C-shaped…
A canoe sits low in the water making it easy to access untapped fishing holes and move rapidly across currents, a big advantage when fly fishing. Canoes are also quiet and easy to steer. Outfitting your canoe with the right anchorage system–which can very rudimentary–and gear storage equipment will ensure that your fly fishing experience is safe and well-organized. Instructions Difficulty: Easy Step 1 Outfit the canoe with a seat back, which is affixed to your canoe seat and used for added support. Clip or snap the seat back into place using the attached straps. Fold down when not in use.…
A sturdy canoe seat supports your weight and helps tie the canoe’s gunwales together, which creates a stiffer and stronger canoe. Building your own canoe seat allows you to customize the size, select the type of finish you desire and choose your seat’s covering. Because most of the time in a canoe is spent sitting, building a seat that fits you perfectly results in a more comfortable day on the water. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Cut the seat’s two 10-inch side pieces out of 3/4-by-1 1/2-inch hardwood stock. Step 2 Saw the seat’s front and back pieces…
Roadtrek RVs have raised roofs that can make carrying a canoe seem difficult. However, the vehicles are compatible with several roof racks and canoes can also be mounted to the rear of the RV. Roof racks are the most stable and the safest carrying option. The canoe you choose should be measured first to ensure it fits your vehicle model and to see if your RV can transport the canoe safely at high speeds. Foam Blocks Roadtrek rooftop designs make it difficult to install standard racks. Foam blocks are a simple solution that allow you to safely mount a canoe…
If it is your first time carrying a canoe, it is a good idea to have someone assist you in lifting the canoe so that you can practice the proper technique and avoid injuring yourself. Carrying a canoe by yourself is surprisingly easy. The hard part is lifting the canoe and getting it into position. With practice, the process becomes easy. It is always helpful to have someone assist you in lifting your canoe into position, but it is good to know how to lift your canoe without any assistance. Instructions Step 1 Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots that…
If you have ever tried to paddle a two-person canoe, you know how challenging it is. When done correctly, it can look easy, but it takes practice and excellent teamwork. Do not expect to master the art of paddling your first trip out; this is just one of those activities that takes a bit of time to fully understand. Step 1 Synchronize the forward stroke. If both people on opposite sides of the canoe stroke forward with their paddles at the same time, the craft will move forward in a straight line. If the canoe seems to turn one way…
Planning and preparation can make packing a canoe easier. Packing a canoe is not hard to do as long as you don’t try to overload the canoe with too many items. These steps will show you how to properly pack your canoe for your next trip. Instructions Step 1 Only pack necessary items. Remember, you not only have to paddle the weight of your items, you will also have to carry them to the canoe on the way to and from the water. It is best to do a trial run before your canoe trip. Pack and load all of…
If you want to take your canoe on a trip, you won’t need to purchase a trailer to haul it. Strapping it to your roof rack is relatively simple and inexpensive. You’ll want to have it properly tied to your car’s roof because the last thing you want is your canoe moving down the highway faster than you. There are quite a few ways you can strap your canoe to your roof, but one basic method is sure to hold it in place. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Purchase two canoe straps from your local outdoors store. You…