One thing that sets "seasoned" paddlers apart from first/last timers is when we crash and burn WE get back up.

I learned to "turtle" with a pack in my backpacking days. I've learned to dump that canoe quickly as well.

A sharp upward punch with the arm opposite the way you want the canoe to go and then protect your body the best way you can.

Over the years I have had no shortage of thud and cuss events.  Luckily, most have only damaged my pride, while giving my friends a good laugh at the same time.

Part of my problem was that I had come to believe my L.L. Bean rubber boots had magical properties.   Until one day I was cautioning some newer members of the crew about walking on slippery, algae covered logs.  As I stepped out on one myself, it submerged a few inches under my weight and immediately put my magic boots over my head and my ribcage over the log.

As soon as I convinced my buddies I was OK, they moved on to the laughing stage, while I moved on to getting some much needed air into my lungs.

Not being able to take a deep breath was bad enough, but the occasional sneeze in the cramped truck on the way home was memorable.

Regards,

MossBack