Steering
*J stroke: The J stroke is one of the most valuable canoe strokes. When properly used, it keeps you on a straight course and allows you to make corrections in your direction without a pause in your paddling. Begin with a basic forward stroke and then twist the paddle into a rudder position, sweeping it to either side in a "J." This allows you to use the momentum of the stroke to steer the canoe.
*Draw stroke: By drawing your paddle toward the canoe and then applying forward power to the paddle, you can maneuver your canoe while maintaining forward momentum.
*Sweep stroke: This wide, sweeping stroke allows the bow paddler to contribute to the steering of the canoe from the front and can be used to dodge obstacles in your path such as hidden rocks or trees.
Forward
*Pry stroke: Moving forward is the primary goal when paddling a canoe, but the pry stroke is handy for making corrections in your course when moving in a straight line becomes a little difficult. By tilting your paddle at an angle in the water, you can guide your canoe forward and slightly to the left or right, while still applying most of your energy to the forward stroke.
*Forward stroke: This is the classic canoe-paddling technique. Just dip your paddle into the water and swing. Keep your torso straight and pull from your shoulders to make a clean sweep, using all of your energy to move forward.
Turning
*Rudder stroke: By using your paddle as a rudder when the canoe has forward momentum, you can quickly make sharp turns from the stern of the craft. Angle the paddle in the direction you want to turn, and let physics do the rest.
*Back stroke: By paddling backward from the bow and the stern, you can quickly do a U-turn with your canoe. If the canoe has forward momentum, an abrupt backstroke will create a very fast turn. Make sure you are ready for it.
