Why go sideways? Just paddle where you’re going to then draw or feather stroke… Docking with an offshore breeze or something maybe?
I have used it only to get closer to another canoe or for docking and undocking. More often the first one
At a hypothetical canoe-focused trading port? Like for an rpg setting or something. In fact, the Spanish conquistadores mention that much of Mexico City ran on a canal system, not dissimilar from Venice. So I imagine precision and control would be valued skills
I was taught that only Americans switch sides when they paddle and that true Canadian paddlers should always paddle on a consistent side with the person at the back using a jstroke to turn the other direction.
Not joking this is actually how the summer camp where I got paddling certifications taught it.
I’m American, and in my experience anyone with actual training on canoeing technique would stay on one side like you’re supposed to, but plenty of people also go canoeing who don’t know any better and switch sides to attempt to steer. I grew up canoeing and immediately was annoyed by the forward turn section of the diagram.
Must suck to operate a canoe solo up there. Just going in circles. 🤷♂️
That is strange to me. I was never thought, so my understanding was that the person in the back is steering, the person in the front is giving rhythm. Sure if you are stationary, then the person in the front also steers like in the picture.
I’ve seen that some only paddle on one side at competitions, but I don’t think that’s realistic for normal relaxed rides?
I miss canoeing… I miss my childhood
It’s surprising how intuitive this feels after just a short time. I kinda miss it.
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