Boarding a Canoe
Different people have different ways of boarding a canoe, some appearing to be ungraceful leaps and clumsy scramblings that court disaster.
My method has not yet let me down. With one hand holding the craft close to the bank, I place a foot in the centre of the cockpit, taking care to stand on the woodwork or its covering. Next I bend forward and firmly grip both sides of the cockpit coaming fairly well forward. Being thus able to maintain balance, I lift the other leg into the cockpit and sit down instantly.
After taking up the paddle and tucking the spraycover into position (if I am using one), I prepare to set off.
I would suggest that your first attempt at canoeing be done in a single-seater, which will obviate that merry clashing of paddles which is inevitable when one begins with a companion in a double-seater.
Within the space of two or three hours you should acquire, by the time-honoured method of trial and error, sufficient practical experience to be able to start, stop, go forwards and backwards and perform simple manoeuvres. Tricks like the telemark turn and the Eskimo roll follow at a later date!
From: "The Canoeing Manual" By: NOEL McNAUGHT
Reprinted by DMC Interprises, Inc.
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