Being able to maintain control while on the water is an essential aspect of canoe safety and requires the use of proper canoe strokes. Ideally, you should be able to control your canoe regardless of the water conditions. You must also be able to respond to sudden changes in circumstances, such as assisting a partner or getting off the water quickly in case of a sudden storm.
Basic Safety
A personal flotation device, or PFD, is the single most important piece of gear to have in your canoe. In some ways, it is equivalent to wearing a safety belt in the car. If you lose control over your canoe and capsize, a PFD can prevent you from drowning. Your canoe should have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket for every paddler. Some states may require that you or your children wear the PFD at all times. Check with your state conservation agency for more information.
Canoe Strokes
A few basic strokes will help guide you during your next canoeing trip. Proper technique will allow you to get the most distance from each stroke to help conserve strength while on the water.
The J-stroke is named after the motion of the paddle in the water. With this stroke, you propel yourself forward with a forward stroke into the water and then hook the paddle under the canoe in a quick snap.
The draw stroke is a similar motion, but you put your paddle in parallel to the water and push off at the end of the stroke behind the canoe. The J-stroke will help you keep the canoe on course, especially you are padding alone. The draw stroke will pull the stern to help you straighten your course.
An important point to keep in mind is that the person in the back of the canoe is in control of the direction when more than one person is paddling. The quickest way for the person in the rear to alter the direction of a canoe is to perform a backward stroke -- pushing the paddle toward the front of the canoe -- on the side that he wants the canoe to turn toward.
Signaling Devices
Water safety experts recommend that you carry along some type of signaling device while canoeing. A whistle or a hand mirror can help others locate you from a distance should you become separated from your party. A waterproof flashlight will help you signal distress in low-light conditions.
Paddling Ability
Keep the physical capabilities of all the participants in mind when you plan your trip. If you do not canoe or work out regularly, you may not have enough upper-body strength to paddle for long periods of time. Whenever you can, let the water work for you to save strength. If you're canoeing with a partner, you can take turns paddling to allow each other to rest. In addition, placing the entire paddle blade in the water with each stroke will increase the efficiency of the stroke.
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