Canoe-Instruction

07/01/2025

New blog post that discusses why there is no "perfect" stroke and how good paddling and teaching means adapting to the boat, the water, and the paddler.

This year has been a great reminder of something that every paddler—and especially every instructor—should always keep in mind: different boats and different waters require different techniques and strokes. And because o...

01/22/2025

Two pool sessions were just posted to the RMCC site. February 2, Canoe Rolling and Bracing, and February 23, Canoe Self-Rescue. For details and registration:

February 2 @ 2:45 pm – 4:45 pm Pool Session #1 – Centennial Pool, Longmont, CO, February 2, 2025 Canoe Rolling and Bracing Clinic and Open Pool Availability – Registration is Required – See Below. Come join us to keep your boating skills active! Canoe Rolling Clinic, Feb 2nd only: Open canoe...

12/28/2024

I finally watched Kent Ford's movie, Call of the River. This is a must see for all paddlers. Very well done and really puts our sport into context.

Kent makes this available free to stream or download on his website. A great way to start out the New Year!

A Hundred Years of Whitewater Adventure Featuring vintage canoeing and kayaking footage, in-depth interviews with eclectic pioneers and captivating narrative, this documentary takes a behind-the-sc…

12/27/2024

What would be the fewest number of strokes to teach canoeing? I've started a blog and you can see my answer at: https://canoe-instruction.com/f/what-would-be-the-fewest-number-of-strokes-to-teach-canoeing?fbclid=IwY2xjawHb4yBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZGZ9Fkok2_hUm73EwHw0wE1psKOmEFOzsj1CxyX-JwYkaGVrIuZpCx-8Q_aem_WBo06s2JmoH2WYnrofS_Vg

12/17/2024

Finished a new video on the cross stern draw and added it to the stroke library.

This advanced stroke is used to control the angle when your on the offside. Very useful in stopping a turn to the offside and switching the carve from the of...

12/08/2024

Completed the video on an activity that I first saw during a Canadian Recreation Canoe Association Instructor course over 20 years ago. I've since modified it and often use it Day 2 of my instructor classes. Its give students a break from detailed strokes and techniques and allow them time to just explore how a canoe moves. One item that does not capture well in a video is the instruction to do this quietly and identify at least 3 different sounds before starting. In other words settle into the environment and remember why we want to canoe.

I often use this exercise Day 2 in my instructor classes. Taking away the paddle and jargon helps students relax. They can get a direct relationship between ...

12/06/2024

Just developed a video on How to Lift a Canoe for Portaging. The video shows multiple ways to lift a canoe.

Different ways to lift a canoe for portaging from the traditional most difficult approach to easier modifications. I use all the modifications depending on ...

12/06/2024

Perfect day with Hugh, Noelle, and Gumby paddling and filming videos.