Different strokes and it depends on the landing but in general, since the bow seat is closer to the center, the canoe is more stable when the bow paddler is alone in it. It's not such a tipsy weathervane, plus, the stern paddler has a lot more control when approaching shore than the bow paddler. Stern paddler steps out and then moves the canoe into position so the bow paddler can step out. No brace required, the canoe never touches anything but water and doing it is a lot faster then typing it.
Posted by: solotripper Posted on: Mar 7th, 2007 at 10:12pm
- The stern paddler gets out of the canoe first whenever possible.
DB, I have a question regarding the stern paddler out first rule?? WHEN, I paddled with a partner, I usually had the stern position, since I was heavier and had more experience. When we came into a put-in, before we bottomed out, I would have my bowman step out, while I braced canoe with paddle and then he straddled bow, steadying the canoe for me to step out?? WAS, that all wrong or just different strokes for different folks??
So I thought of 3 more maybe. Are any of these already on the list?
- Keep packs as low as possible in the canoe for better stability and less wind resistance. - The stern paddler gets out of the canoe first whenever possible. - Be kind to your canoe. It's your only ride home. When approaching a beaver dam, remember you're not paddling a teeter-totter.