1. How to Steer
In canoeing, steering is critical to your success. Most instructors simply tell students to paddle harder. But unless the actual stroke changes, you'll just go in the wrong direction faster. To improve your technique and steer your canoe successfully, focus on the front of the boat and look at the place you want to go. To move your canoe to the left, switch your paddle to the right side of the canoe. Place your paddle in the water with the blade at a 45-degree angle to the canoe, slightly ahead of your body position. Make a series of small, short strokes to push the water away from the canoe at a 60-degree angle. Repeat on the other side to steer the canoe to the right.
2. Keep Your Wind Up
Canoeing is a physically intense activity. To develop improved canoeing techniques, build your strength with weight lifting. Canoeing uses your arms, shoulders and upper back muscles, so start a weight lifting program focusing on these areas. Start with relatively easy weights and progress to heavier weights in 10 lb. increments. Do not lift weights on days you go canoeing. Over-stressing the muscles increases your chances of getting hurt. To strengthen your upper arms, try arm curls. Pick up a dumbbell weight that's comfortable for you. Hold your arm straight down by your side, then bend your elbow and lift the weight up. Hold for a count of three. Then continue to move the weight up until it touches your shoulder. Holder for a count of 10. Slowly lower your arm down to your side. Do 10 repetitions, then switch to your other arm.
3. Taking Care of Your Back
Canoeing puts a significant amount of pressure on your upper and lower back, so avoid injury by taking good care of your back. When maneuvering the canoe in the water, never extend your body more than 20 degrees in any direction. This type of movement puts pressure on your back muscles. You can also strengthen your back muscles with daily exercise. Pilates is excellent for improving back muscles and reducing the risk of injury. Join a Pilates class to learn the basics, and practice daily to quickly build your back muscles and improve flexibility. You'll soon improve your technique with proper muscle form and motion.
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