PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Step 1: Position the canoe so that it is parallel to shore.

Step 2: Load, secure and evenly distribute all of your cargo before boarding the canoe.

Step 3: If on moving water, hold the upstream end of the canoe tightly to the shore to keep it from being pulled into the current.

Step 4: If in shallow water, walk the canoe into ankle deep water before you attempt to enter.

Step 1: Place the paddle across the gunwales with the blade end facing the shore.

Step 2: Facing forward, hold on to both gunwales and lean the canoe towards the shore until the paddle braces itself against the shore, or against the waterway bottom.

Step 3: Slowly transfer your weight to the bottom center of the canoe, placing one foot at a time.

Step 4: Always maintain three points of contact when entering, exiting or moving around in the canoe.

Step 5: Whenever possible, climb directly into your paddling position.

For maximum stability in a one-person canoe:

• Always kneel in the center of the canoe when paddling by yourself.
• Spread your knees as far apart as is comfortable to increase your paddling power.
• Point your toes towards the stern or place them against the bottom of the canoe to elevate your ankles.
• Use kneepads to stay comfortable on longer paddle trips (or just throw a towel down under your knees).

For maximum stability in a two-person canoe:

• The stern paddler should enter the canoe first, while the second paddler steadies the canoe for them.
• Once the stern paddler is seated, the second paddler should enter the canoe at the bow.
• The stern of a tandem canoe is generally wider and will feel more stable.
• The canoe will feel much steadier once the second person enters and the weight distribution balances out.
• If you’re paddling by yourself in a two-person canoe, kneel in the center of the canoe. Placing your weight at either the bow or the stern will throw off your trim considerably.