So you’ve got a canoe. Nice work: You’ve started a sport that can sustain your interest the rest of your life and that offers you, and your family, some of the most unique access possible to the outdoors. Before you join a long line of early Voyageurs before you, you’ll need to polish up on a few paddling pointers to make your outing as enjoyable as possible. Beyond the initial gear and safety equipment, you need to understand how to deal with the biggest contingency you might encounter—a capsize—before you load up and launch.

Paddling Prepared

While you’re not likely to capsize your canoe—they’re built to be stable—mistakes do happen. If you flip near shore, which sometimes occurs while entering or exiting, simply drag or swim it to shallow water where you can empty it and climb back in. If you capsize away from shore, it gets trickier, with several techniques that depend on the situation. Note that to safely employ any of these options, you’ll need to be dressed for immersion (according to the temperature of the water, not the air) and wearing a properly fitted PFD, as they each involve time and the ability to maneuver in the water—two things that you might not have if you paddle unprepared.

If Capsized With a Partner 

If you flip while paddling with a partner, try the Capistrano Flip. Get underneath the canoe at opposite ends, facing each other while treading water. Using strong scissors-kicks, raise one side of the canoe to break the suction and then heave the raised side up and over so the canoe flips back upright. (This can be tricky with a heavy or loaded canoe; you may need to untie or empty equipment to flip over). From there, move to the canoe’s center and rock it gently back and forth, splashing out additional water. Next, position yourselves at opposite ends of the canoe and have one person stabilize it from the water while the other climbs in, staying low and balanced. Then have the second person enter the canoe by using a scissors-kick to grab the opposite gunwale and climb in, also staying low and balanced. You can also try to both climb in simultaneously to keep the weight balanced. 

Canoe to Canoe Rescue 

If you’re coming to the aid of another canoe that has flipped, position your canoe at a right angle to the overturned canoe, with the swimmer(s) positioned at either end of your canoe to help stabilize it. Twist the overturned canoe to break the surface tension and then hoist the upside-down canoe across the gunwales of your canoe to drain it. Then slide it back into the water upright alongside your canoe, and reach over to help stabilize it as the swimmer(s) climb back in.

If Capsized Solo 

If you capsize a canoe paddling solo, employ what’s called the Deep-water Shake-out. To start, roll the canoe over so it’s right-side up, full of water. To drain it, go to one end and push down, letting as much water out as possible. Next, move to the middle of the canoe, grab the gunwale with both hands and gently rock the boat back and forth, causing additional water to splash out. Re-enter by gripping the far side to pull yourself up on your stomach, rotating your butt at the last second to slip down to the floor. Next, you’ll need to bail out any additional water with a bucket, simple modified milk jug, or bilge pump.

Other Paddling Pointers

Trim

Trim your boat. If you’re carrying gear, distribute the weight evenly both side to side and end to end, keeping the heavier gear toward the center. To check your trim, see which way water flows in the bottom of the canoe.

Stick to Shore

Wherever possible, stick close to shore. It’s safer and there’s more to see. If you have to cross an open bay, do so as quickly as possible, keeping an eye on prevailing winds. If you’re carrying gear, a splash cover can help keep water out if the wind and waves pick up.

Wind and Waves

If you’re having trouble keeping course in the wind, paddle on the same side as your partner (if you have one), with the stern paddler ruddering when needed. And try to stash your gear below the gunwales so it doesn’t catch the breeze. If you encounter waves, take them head on for stability; experienced paddlers can try “quartering” oncoming waves at a 25- to 30-degree angle to lessen splash.

Gear

Your most important piece of gear is a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD. Wear it at all times when on the water. Depending on the extent of your outing, other gear can include a safety whistle, spare paddle, proper layers of quick-drying and insulating apparel (plus change of clothes), sunhat and sunscreen, water, compass and map, cell phone in waterproof container/dry bag, first aid kit, throw rope, painter line (rope tied to the bow or stern), small bail bucket and more.

Rigging

On short trips across calm waters, secure your gear by tying either short lines or straps from your gear to the thwarts, or use one long line. If you flip, this will make it easier to collect your gear. In rapids or other waves, such tie-downs will also protect your gear from falling out and even provide extra flotation.

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.