Correct paddling a canoe in a few words

Today it’s not enough just to watch sporting tournaments, more and more people want to participate in such championships. To get to know the basics, it’s better to dig into canoeing and boat rowing techniques, which the ICF offers to study.

Is it difficult to start canoeing?

Canoeing requires training. Here two-bladed oars are driven by symmetrical rotation. The canoes alternate from side to side while the rowers land on a knee or on the can seat. It is not difficult to master this method of rowing, especially since it is quite difficult to turn a canoe in relatively calm water. However, before entering the boat, you should take care of your equipment, because sailing in the water is always risky and it is better to ensure its complete safety. The minimum kit includes a life jacket and a helmet. It is important to choose a racket for height, which should reach in length to the shoulder, otherwise it will be uncomfortable for them to work. Actually, any person can become a good canoeist. It’s necessary just to make an effort. To float on it, you must first learn to balance yourself in shoes, both sitting and standing, on one knee. At first it is better to train for several hours near the shore, shooting boats in bags under the bottom of the cockpit. As soon as your body starts to automatically assume the correct position when you turn or slightly tune the boat, you can get out into the water and perfect your rowing technique.

The simplest technique of canoeing

Before learning to paddle, it’s necessary to take into account that the boat reacts to weak impacts and be prepared for light blows from the oars. Hold the top with one hand, with the other at a point 25-30 centimeters above the blade. The hand in the impact zone with the palm turns in the direction of the shipboard. First the shovel is thrown forward, placed above the water, then left vertically with the blade fully submerged, 3-5 centimeters from the middle part. This training of boat rowing continues until the movements take on an automatic rhythm. Then you can start working on the rowing technique of bends. To make them smoother, you should always row in one direction. If you have to turn left, row to the right, if you turn right – to the left.

Then turn quickly and draw an arc in the opposite direction. Such blows quickly change the direction of the canoe but considerably reduce its speed, so they must be done once or twice at the same time. This method of turning is used very rarely, because then you have to make a lot of effort to gain speed. So that it does not fall so much, the rudder is taken to the side when turning the body to its original position, so as to be perpendicular to the body.

The best advice from the ICF

Knowledge is the key to professionalism, though don’t forget about the practice. Canoeing demands a lot of effort to be made in order to succeed in the field.