In this case, I'm happy to be able to say that you're both right. However, it does appear that you are using more advanced strokes than your boyfriend.

	Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson is a paddler and writer whose lifelong appreciation of nature shows up frequently in his work. Meet Jonathan Previous Answers

As every beginning paddler discovers immediately, paddling on one side of the boat (canoe or kayak) causes it to turn in the opposite direction (unless you are using a J-stroke, for which you apply a corrective hook at the end to keep the boat on course). This turning technique works perfectly for normal course corrections, and, as your boyfriend points out, has the advantage of maintaining boat speed throughout the turn. However, often you want or need the canoe to turn much more quickly than is possible with one-side paddling, and this is when a rudder or other type of stroke is significantly more effective.

For a couple, maintaining course in a canoe is usually easy. You simply paddle on opposite sides of the boat and the inherent turning effect is cancelled, unless one paddler is much stronger than the other. For gradual turns, you both paddle on the same side and the boat curves the other way. But for sharper turns, the stern paddler can apply a rudder stroke while the bow paddler uses a sweep, draw, or pry stroke, depending on the circumstances (the stern paddler might also use these at times).

It sounds to me as though you should be the designated stern paddler, Joanne, since you are familiar with more techniques than your boyfriend, and the stern paddler has more control over the boat. However, you both should learn the above strokes to enhance your paired ability.

Don't forget to pay attention to your basic forward stroke, which will make your progress as efficient as possible. Keep the paddle shaft perpendicular to the water, rather than leaning into or away from the canoe, and keep it as close to the hull as possible.

Good luck, and no more bickering, you two.

—Jonathan

Go to GORP Paddling Forum

Previous Expert Answers

Back to GORP Paddling

Return to Top