THE VERY BASIC PADDLING TECHNIQUE

1. We sit as close to the gunwale [pronounce gunnel] as possible.

2. We look up towards to front whenever we paddle.

3. We paddle using our “body” by rotation [do not “arm paddle” or canoe].

4. We paddle by reaching as far forward as possible but pull water only up to mid thigh. [We paddle “in front of us”]

5.We paddle with our outside arm rigidly straight until we need to pull the paddle out of the water [at mid thigh]. Our top arm should be at a permanent 135 deg. bend.

6. When we take a stroke, the paddle should be totally outside the boat. [the chin should be on top of the gunwale]

7. When we take a stroke, we paddle as close to the boat as possible. [vertical paddle]

8. When we pull water while paddling, the blade of the paddle must be totally submerged. [bury your blade]

9. When we pull water, the blade of the paddle must at a 90 deg. angle of the boat.