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. ;)