Canoe Paddling - Canadian Style

[MrAnthony1a]

Wow, I've never seen anyone paddle like this. Glad I watched this video

[kanuhed]

Glad you enjoyed it. For what it's worth... this style of paddling goes back a long way in the history of the area where I learned to paddle. The roots of the paddling style go right back to aboriginal birch bark canoes which never had seats as we know them. Chairs were not part of aboriginal culture and it was natural to kneel in the hull of a canoe in a position that made sense for the load being carried. In addition, many of strokes used to control a canoe involved precision and quiet.

[woro90]

Be fair to the conventional J-stroke, I have never seen any experienced paddler use it like you show it - it can be smooth if you want it smooth ;) But maybe I'm using some kind of hybrid stroke and consider it a J-stroke, my attitude has always been "if it works well, who cares if it has a name and a thick book on how to do it properly". Otherwise I love this video, it's so inspiring and it shows the elegance and manoueverability of properly paddled canoe so well...

[kanuhed]

I hope the message people get from watching these videos is subtle control. Nothing wrong with the J stroke, but you can gain efficiency by changing a few things. The "

Guide" or "Canadian" stroke I reference is a natural evolution of the J stroke that most paddlers naturally fall into over time. My observations would suggest that folks who are in tune with their bodies, and spend long periods of time steering a canoe naturally develop the Guide stroke most of the time.

[SHIBAInuFilms]

Paddling the school canoe? Ohh you better believe that's a paddlin'

[zasvedogovore]

I have learned paddling. Thank you

[v10lav10la]

I learned to paddle by the watch and copy method during long wilderness trips in Ontario years ago. No one I know here in the USA paddles like this. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I am glad to realize how cultural paddling is.

[Ape65]

Interesting technique, especially if you have a small canoe. I find that if the canoe is smaller than a certain critical size, it tends to be very unstable. People often make the mistake of using too small a canoe, because they think it will be easier.

[looloorex]

THIS is AWESOME !!! Thanks for sharing !! =)

[agualotus]

Thank you kanuhed. I can't wait till the ice melts here so I can learn!

[agualotus]

I'll be going into the boundary waters for my fist time, can this control be achieved while all the packs are on board? Also there will be two of us in the boat, will that matter?

[kanuhed]

The control is possible with two people and packs, though you won't heel the canoe on it's side as shown when paddled solo. Keep in mind that a solo paddler has to do both bow and stern portions of the stroke. When you paddle with a partner you only do half of the movements.

[bennys4u]

@agualotus FANTASTIC VIDEO ON HOW TO! These strokes will save you from those branches in fast moving waters. I have been an avid canoe paddler for years and the j stroke is my favorite. I have never seen it displayed in the manner you have in this video. Keep Paddling!

[Algonquin]

I'm just glad that the positive comments far outnumber the few inconsiderate ones posted here... great video's!

[Beth5077]

Pretty much every negative comment on here comes form really inexperienced idiots. Why would you shoot something you obviously know nothing about down? Do you not worry about sounding like an idiot when commenting on something that you obviously have not had experience with?

[bluejacketbugler]

That is control! i've got a Old town camper,Paddle from Bath Down to Saltford on River Avon,love it. Thanks for posting.

[mewdie]

I thought this video was supposed to be funny. Boy was I wrong.

[hafik007]

nice stuff... but kinda useless on boney or fast moving water. Not saying it's not a good exercice but I can't realy see me going down a river like that :)

[kanuhed]

Actually, the skills in this video do help a lot in negotiating fast moving water. If nothing else, it sure helps develop a paddler's sense of balance and knowing where the gunnels are in relation to water. For example, when riding haystacks, there's a move a paddler can do at the last min to keep the boat dry that involves an aggressive lean just as you crest the wave. Bottom line, the more time you spend learning boat control, the better you are in any kind of water.

[Beth5077]

@hafik007 Then you are simply inexperienced.

[chefluke52]

nice exercises there.

[juzu4me]

Looks like somone was smoking some of that wonderful Canadian bud before getting in his canoe

[ptitdaibach]

This is a really beautiful video. I look forward to seeing the full instruction version whenever you get around to it!

[sscaustic]

All I have to say is Bill Mason -path of the paddle, check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!

[2cre8tiv4u]

this looks amazing!

[canadiantimberwolf1]

Kanuhed, I've not worked a canoe in years. Your skill leaves me speechless...Excellent work.

[n1ck3o7]

holy shit!!!!!!!!!! the solo excersises!!! now that is what i call good boat controll

[FranzAntonMesmer]

Wow, I always thought people who paddled like that were goofy or lazy. I guess I was wrong. Too bad I can't try that where I canoe, due to the the monster killer masher 1000 HP PVC where I paddle. :-(

[usemyemail]

Wonderful video.

True, you can't do this in Boundary Waters. But we can do it in Quetico.

[sisterena]

It's a good demo video, thanks. Doesn't sitting with one hip so close to the inside of the boat wear on you?

[Warbeast911]

very prittey boat, and intresting when paddling alone, i have always had some problems when alone in my boat

[TreasuresTresors]

Hi Kanuhed, great video! The Canoe is certainly not exclusive to Canada, but it does seem to have become somewhat symbolic of the Canadian attachment to and harmony with the land. You should consider submitting it to the Canada’s Got Treasures collection by joining our YouTube group (/group/TresorTreasure). It would be made available on our channel and website. Help celebrate Canadian diversity!

Hamish,

Canada's Got Treasures, a VMC initiative

[Stonemagick]

right, now do that when ther water is choppy and full of waves :)

[kanuhed]

The balance you learn from doing this, and the confidence in knowing exactly what your paddle is doing can help greatly in paddling choppy water. Much of the paddling skill learned in this style of paddling transfers directly to paddling in rough water, though you don't heel the canoe unless you need to use the hull shape to help. In some wave situations, it's helpful if you can tip the boat at the crest to keep water out.

[Stonemagick]

@kanuhed Oh I see :) cool, thanks :)

[jeremyhall420]

That's a beautiful Canoe and good work paddling! I want to build my own canoe but not sure how I could go about it. Any tips?

[Lonestar371973]

I sure people made mistakes while doing this trick!

[yurugaboys]

the demo between j stroke and candian was very telling. more pratice for me.

great vid.

[eirikberg]

This is one of the most amazing canoe-videos I`ve ever seen! Thanks!

Best regards, Eirik, Norway

[chaddie60]

this is the most boring video ever

[xplicitPROPHECY]

@chaddie60 then dont watch it again. and dont bother commenting ither

[chaddie60]

@xplicitPROPHECY I can comment on what i like thankyou and you cant stop me no matter how bad your spelling is.

[xplicitPROPHECY]

@chaddie60 everyone here thinks your an idiot. Go away :D

[chaddie60]

What a child like comment, kind of like something you would here when at primary school.

[xplicitPROPHECY]

@chaddie60 LMAO IT TOOK YOU 5 MONTHS TO REPLY. YOUR HILARIOUS WHY DID YOU EVEN BOTHER? no ..if you dont like it then dont comment. HATER.

[chaddie60]

@xplicitPROPHECY Why should i not comment if i felt it was a boring vid. Its posted in a public forum with a comment section. Are you some sort of dictator who advocates censors on public information? Wierd really. Your the type of person who eats a poor meat then tells the waiter it was fantastic. If you cant take someone disliking something you dont then i suggest you stay away from any form of media. You wont be able to take it. xx

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 Probably because you have never seen a canoe up close, let alone paddle one. Go play in the traffic, child.

[chaddie60]

@BeeRich33 Play in traffic? I would be killed! All for saying a vid was boring. Wow i hope you dont get into politics. Death for mild criticism. Your clearly a ill mannered and psycologically unstable person.

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 Um, no. You're clearly a troll, and an idiot.

[chaddie60]

@BeeRich33 Oh. Shame you cant face someone finding this boring. Your child like insults display a lack of maturity. Shame

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 Shame you can't shut your yap in a posted movie in youtube. It's your immaturity that's shining. I'm probably much older and way more educated than you are. If you find it boring, then go away. Nobody cares what you find boring. Second, your silly little comment shows you've never done this. It's actually quite an elegant talent to be able to do this. I know because I've achieved this many years ago.

[chaddie60]

@BeeRich33 Much older and way more educated without doubt. You achieved this many years ago? You must be very proud - well done.

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 Yes. When I was 15. Over 20 years ago. Do the math if you can. I bet you have never even been in a canoe.

[chaddie60]

@BeeRich33 That makes you 35 at least. You old timer.

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 That comment makes you an obvious inexperienced child. Go ask your mommy if you can get in a canoe.

[chaddie60]

@BeeRich33 You obviously have never been allowed a canoe by your comments. Shame. Well now your 35 you should be allowed one. I dont think you have ever been in a canoe let alone owned one.

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 What?  You make no sense. But that is to be expected since your first comment. Most people actually get into a canoe before owning one. And yes, I'm an accomplished tripper and paddler, and am chasing up the courses in kayaks as well. Stop embarrassing yourself with dumb comments.

[chaddie60]

@BeeRich33 the way you keep saying you have mastered the stroke and are a fine paddler makes it clear you probably dont have a canoe and have never been in one. Its classic behaviour. Your offence at someone finding a video boring proves it further. Look if you want a canoe just save up and buy one - even get a second hand one off e-bay but dont pretent to be a fine paddler on the internet because its easy to spot a liar by what they say.

[BeeRich33]

@chaddie60 Why are you in denial that some people actually live in Canada and spend time in boats? The reason you find it boring is because you know nothing about it. It's that simple. So I called you out on it because you ... know nothing about it. My suggestion is you ask your mommy if you can go to the park and sit in one of those foot pedalled swans. Your life won't be so boring then.

[chieffreakydeaky]

You're the man!!!

Nice video, bitchin' paddling skills

[unclejohnthezef]

good stuff! very original (or AB-original!)

[outforadventureBC]

I'm surprised how many negative comments I see on this video. The video showcases some great technical paddling. Enjoy it. Don't be a critic. They are not claiming that leaning the canoe is for all conditions or for all paddlers.

I enjoyed your video and am pleased you took the time to post it. As a lover of all things canoeing I appreciate it.

[willy1930]

No way would you do this in the Boundary Waters! Besides that your knees would be shot if you took that position. I could see this for short trips but on a long paddle...good luck.

[kanuhed]

The video depicts skills passed on from the Aboriginal tribes in this area. Birch bark canoes didn't come with seats, hence the leaned position. Beyond that, the mechanical principles apply universally. There is some content that would be useful in the Boundary Waters. For those who can't bend knees, you can always sit on the bottom of the canoe. It's worthwhile trying some of this to better understand the mechanics of paddling.

[ITorresMusic]

@kanuhed this wouldn't work with more than one person would it ?

[ITorresMusic]

@kanuhed oh and sorry you dont need a specially designed canoe for this do you ?

[BeeRich33]

@ITorresMusic Usually you turn a two-man canoe backwards to do this.

[jatakasawa]

@willy1930

Fact: whitewater canoeists kneel on extended trips.

[sunnypaddler]

Did you already release the final version of your video? Although I´m paddling an inflatable kayak, I learnt a lot from your demo. Thanks for sharing!

[KalandorVizitura]

Greetings from Hungary!

[KalandorVizitura]

This paddling is very "elegant"!

[ZoneIII]

Nice start on an instructional video. This is reminiscent of the still unsurpassed videos by Bill Mason and it's obvious that you have seen them. Great videos to emulate! I paddle using all the basic strokes but I find the Canadian stroke to be the most relaxing most of the time.

[kkloskklos]

A short canoe is also a fat canoe (if you want stability) and may not be as aesthetically pleasing to the eye... besides, this is all about learning to control a canoe of any size.

[thesmartpod]

Nice video.

You and your viewers may be interested in the smart pod, a unique video mount that attaches anywhere, maybe on the end of your shell. Could make for a great video angle. Please check it out.

[poppieslittlejodie]

Call it Canadian all you want, but this style was invented in America. I was doing this before I even knew that it had a name. There is even the American paddle syle assoc.

[orgwarchants]

What sets a canoeing expedition apart is that it purifies you more rapidly and inescapably than any other. Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature.

Pierre Trudeau 1944

Read - Path of the Paddle. Its about Canadian style paddling, you might learn something.

[kevbenkevben]

@poppieslittlejodie This technique predates the formation of either country.

[OzarkOutdoors]

Interesting!

[STICKSnSTRINGS]

I could never do this because it would spill my beer.

[macdragoon]

What you need is one of the neoprene like beer cozie's, take a string or even better is one of those key chain with a lanyard that university kids use, put em together for a hands free beer holder.

[chieffreakydeaky]

@STICKSnSTRINGS -

You need to bring a nalgene bottle next trip...

No more spillage baby

[RN1204]

look likes he tries to recreate the opening scene of "waterwalker" in the beginning. nice video.

[iworkforme]

wow. i am Canadian. I had no idea that we should be tipping the canoe on edge. it does make sense though....at least i thinki you would get less resistance that way. I live in bc interior, right around the large okanagan lake. it can whip up in a hurry when it wants to, but can't wait to try tipping my canoe. thanks

[commando1854]

TO IWORKFORME

I was a bit frightened by your comments. Don't know what type of canoe you have but some designs are more difficult to do this sort of "canoe ballet" in. More importantly you spoke of a large lake that can whip up. Note in this video the small water, the lack of wind, and how calm the water is. When the canoe is tipped like this it is VERY susceptible to any wind. T Research, learn, and practice on placid waters first. Read up on canoeing first.

[giiwed]

true but i doesnt canadian style in the video title reffer to canadian style canoes.......cuz that wood vbe difficult woithoit one(they are broad flat bottoms)

[Actually321A]

I sent a video response about how to *NOT* do it in Florida.

I enjoyed your video.

[joh03732]

Great video, I really enjoyed it. Quick question though, will the more subtle strokes like the side slip still work if you have say 150 pounds of gear in your canoe and can't safely tip it up on it's side like that?

[kanuhed]

Yes, all of the strokes will work regardless of what's in the canoe. In some regards, having a load actually makes it easier to tip on it's side as the weight acts as a counter balance. Tip - if the canoe has a lot of weight in it, there is extra resistance because the canoe sits deeper in the water. To overcome the initial resistance, it can be helpful to tip the canoe the opposite direction to reduce drag if you want to do a side slip.

Hope that's helpful.

[QuicoReed]

I learned to paddle at a camp and thought I knew what i was doing...ran a lot of slow blackwater rivers but the first time I ran whitewater I was humbled. Went & bought Bill Mason vids, and learned a lot of the techniques you demonstrate so well here. It revolutionized my paddling. I taught my wife to bow paddle, and friends of mine said it looked like "whipping chocolate" it was so graceful. You canadians really know your canoes. I loved Bill Mason's videos.

[privatefield]

im new to canoeing so this is an amazing video for me! i cant wait to go try some of these out, im going on a camping and canoeing trip next month, thanks for sharing,!

[Happy2BNRoundRock]

Beautiful wood canoe! What a work of art. Very gracefull in the water. Really excellent timing with the two paddlers. Thanks for posting!

[kanuhed]

Thanks. I designed the canoe myself from lines that I lofted off an old wood and canvas canoe that I'd restored. I took a fair bit of time sorting through the wood when I did the layup during construction to ensure it had appealing lines.

[Happy2BNRoundRock]

I am sure that you are very proud of it. I would be! I have a 'Old Town 164' and Mad river 'Freedom' solo. I love canoeing as an activity more than any other.

[akalord78]

Nice video, very helpful. Thanks!

Isn't that box stroke like the indian stroke?

[kanuhed]

Yes, that's correct. There was a desire many years ago to remove the word "indian" when describing things related to things of Canadian aboriginal origin so the name box stroke was substituted.

[klaatubn]

The last time I awarded myself with a paddling trip, I stopped the first night at about dusk, quickly set up my tarp and got a fire going. Soon, the bannock was done and my trout was sizzling in the pan. As I looked out over the lake, stars shared the sky with the last dying radiance of the sun. I sipped my tea. A loon called. It was heaven. Later, as I lay down in my bag, I thought: "Damnation! If only my paddle had been more vertical today, I'd have had a much better trip!" Great video, Rolf!

[Limicola1]

Thanks for the great video. Much appreciated. Canoeing is a great outdoor experience. I have been canoeing for 50 years and have loved it all. Because it has always been such a wonderful experience for me, it always surprises me how many arrogant assholes there are out there in the canoe world. I wish these people would stick with bicycling or hang gliding or something else that would take them far away from wilderness canoe path.

[JeffLeChefski]

Haha. I thought you'd like that comment.

[kanuhed]

No Jeff, I don't plan to roll a canoe for this video, though I've done it for fun in the past.

[JeffLeChefski]

My comments were made in the spirit of "Workshopping" where you make critical but constructive commentary with the point of improving the finished product, which I look forward to seeing.

There are differences in opinion too which I respect.

Hey Rolf; you gonna roll that boat for us? We used to use it as the closing move in canoe dances we put on at Harbourfront Canoe School. If you pause underwater and take a breath or two from the air pocket it really gets the crowd going.

[dehager]

Thank you for sharing, that is a very inspiring video. I appreciate the time and effort you have taken to produce it and share with us. I want to take more time to better my skills.

As for the few pompous asses who replied, where are your videos? Your comments/ opinions are not constructive, they are just ignorant...

[JeffLeChefski]

While the point I made may have been a tad pointed, they do not come out of ignorance. I think Rolf is doing something good here, he just needs to refine the paddling demonstrations. Some of the other illustrations are very clear in how they show the advantages of this style of paddling.

[kanuhed]

JeffLeChefski's comment's aren't all that misplaced. The video as shown was a "proof of concept" and I wasn't paddling as tight as I would have for the finished product. That said, the basic principles still apply.

Some of what Jeff describe is part of what I'd considered addressing in the video, but I'm not sure it'll find it's way into the first edition. As mentioned, the goal I'd set out for the first release was maximum control with minimum effort. There'll be a 2nd if #1 goes well.

[JeffLeChefski]

Rolf: The guy who said you aren't using any shoulder rotation is right. While I think a video of this type is needed your paddling and demonstration skills are sloppy and slow. My constructive feedback to you is work on your paddling before you goto film! BTW I'm a current ORCA Instructor in all three disciplines and a Lakewater 2 Instructor since 1981.

[kanuhed]

The object of this film was to illustrate maximum canoe control using minimum body effort. I've done a fair bit of work gathering data about effectiveness - actually measuring what's happening, not just relying on opinion. As far as working on my paddling, I've been doing that for about 50 years now, and still working on it. I've been certified in all three disciplines and have taught at instructor level courses. I might be needing paddlers for the film. Get in touch if interested.

[19gregorx51]

Some excellent lakewater moves here. Good job on the video too.

Gregory West

ORCKA Flatwater Instructor

[TopGunMan]

is this one of the intro videos for the canadian navy?

[alittleleafy]

good on you man love the video and enjoy a good paddle myself solo i love the best! Happy paddling eh!

[alistairjoel69]

Great video,thanks for sharing.I'm been thinking about getting one for some adventures with my family,but the one thing that bothers me is how do you right them if they capsize?

[trinitymike]

Well, any local Rec Centre or Canoe club will offere lessons, including solo and double rescue...

[godlesskillingmachin]

Not a huge worry - I've been canoeing since I was a kid and I've never had a canoe capsize unless we did it on purpose - this includes some times when our dog seemed to be trying to get our loaded canoe to tip too.

Most modern canoes have ballasts that prevent them from sinking - its more common to take on a lot of water and so make sure you have a bailer or bucket in that event.

[owwckc]

Nice canoe work!

[crcpaddler1]

I can see the glutes being used to pull the body (and paddle) rearward, but this motion has to be stopped by the body (quads) and the boat subsequently slows (only drawn forward my momentum) and the body returned forward (paradoxically) to it's starting position. I'd stick to canoe ballet...you are very good at it.

Craig

[kanuhed]

I do a lot of tripping and white water. Much of the info contained here comes from a time when I used to guide and would often need to paddle a loaded canoe solo while my charges were tandem. Believe me when I say I've worked long and hard at milking every bit of potential out of a paddle while minimizing the effort it takes to extract it. As an instructor, students used to ask why do you still have energy while I'm whipped. The video is an attempt to help people understand the mechanics

[crcpaddler1]

The almost absent rotation of the body forces the paddler to pull with the small muscles of the arm (bicepts) limiting the power to the water by almost eliminating the usage of the oblique muscles.

[kanuhed]

A well rounded paddler will experiment with all the muscle groups to find every once of power available. That said, just because it may not look like some of the large muscles aren't being used doesn't mean that's the case.

[crcpaddler1]

I was right with you up until you demonstrated your power stroke and the usage of the "large muscles". You are a very pretty paddler, but I would challenge the endurance of this type of movement over any kind of distance. First off, the entry of the paddle scoops just as much air as it does water and the lunging of the body forward produces a contraindicated motion forward slowing the boat.

[kanuhed]

That stoke isn't one you'd use for extended periods of time, but can be maintained for longer than might be expected with practice. One key aspect is the recovery, it's important to relax muscles completely. FYI - what's demonstrated is a combination of much experimentation and analysis.

[RIVERRAT4U]

Great video showing that style of paddling, but you look like a pussy with that stupid life jacket on! You've got a canoe! Do you wear one when you swim? That's just stupid ass "let's be worried about everything". Hey, try wearing a helmit when walking on the sidewalk...never know you might slip...he he

[kanuhed]

PFDs and their use is a complex topic with no right or wrong answers. Bottom line for this video is that it won't air in some of the markets I want it to unless the PFD is evident. There is one scene however with the buckskin jacket where no PFD was used.

[canuthedog]

Cool video. They also call this style of paddling "Omering" after Omer Stringer. Look him up, quite a guy. Keep paddlin.

[jlastre]

This is pretty damned impressive. One of the most useful yet out of the ordinary videos posted to Youtube.

[bYkpLam]

Oh, nice vid.

[conejotraveler]

Hi Ralph

What a joy to view your WTTW video. I recall fond memories from over 55 years ago when you, as one of our Boy Scout leaders, suggested we retrieve an old kayak frame from one of our weekend outings. With your guidance and the help of fellow scouts we rebuilt the kayak frame and built one of the first fiber glass kayaks that was ever built. I spent many enjoyable times paddling that kayak and going on wonderful river trips with you and the troop. Thanks so much.

Ron Underwood

[jlastre]

Ummmm...Okay I am confused. This is Rolf Kraiker a Canadien canoeist/photographer. I believe you have him mixed up with Ralph Frese (Mr. Canoe) from Chicagoland Canoe Base. But then what do I know. I only met Ralph once and I never met Rolf.

[conejotraveler]

HI

I am referring to Ralph Frese..not you, whoever you might be

[ostosix]

Awesome video. It's great to see people showing others the possibilities and levels that can be reached using youtube. Really good video. Thanks.

[riverjustin]

amazing job on describing, what you are trying to explain, I make videos of one of the largest canoe races in the world and we lean our canoes to turn, but the canoes are designed to run level and the canoe sides are cut so you can have the paddle vertical following the keel line. again great vid very informative

[crinoidcounter]

You aren't controlling the boat if your paddle is in the air. A good So although freestyle isn't a practical style of canoing in most real world situations, there is much to be learned from its techniques.

[crinoidcounter]

Some of the strokes demonstrated, like sculling, are very useful in all paddling. The idea of lifting the paddle from the water as little as possible is a very valuable lesson for all paddlers, especially in whitewater.  In freestyle it is mostly about making as little sound and splash as possible, but in whitewater your best stroke is the low brace combined with sculling.

[crinoidcounter]

Freestyle is certainly beautiful to watch and fun to perform, but is impractical for most real world paddling. In the heeled position, the wetted hull is a very rounded U shape in X-section and substantially reduces the length of the waterline, thus it is quite unstable, relatively speaking. Heeling standard lake canoes does raise the bow from the water (in very flat water) yielding essentially a rockered, but very unstable hull.

[2007CODY]

POETRY IN MOTION, great to watch, loved the lap around the dock and the tandem routine, should be an olympic sport. been canoeing 36 years and still love the feeling of guiding a canoe as it glides thru the water with a single blade paddle. How do you secure your gear in on a trip, flat or titled? Is this method used in whitewater also?

Marietta, Ga USA

[canoejack]

Great job on the video and thanks for posting! Are you planning to offer the "how to" video for sale soon?

[electricdrjoe]

Great job on this video. I would love to learn more freestyle canoe moves. I have only seen one book by Lou Glaros and Charlie Wilson "Freestyle Canoeing." Do you have more advice?

[Randomredwoods]

Wow! I sure have a lotto learn! Do you have any videos about rescues or recommend resources?

[handcraftedcanoe]

Well I guess I have something to work on this weekend.... I can only hope that oneday I can look as beautiful and graceful as you on the water.... do you do lessons?

[JNINNZ]

I really helpful video and a joy to watch. Poetry in motion. Thanks

[pnjasv]

I'm not sure, but it looks like you are inducing a asymetrical hull like the type found on a small catamaran to balance the paddle stroke. Does it track straight while coasting long distances?? Are there different results with a canoe that has a small keel like a coleman? I cant wait to try it! It looks like fun!

[alan4sure]

regarding hsing123 comments, now matter how excellent a video is posted on youtube, there is always some critic who can find fault. It's really annoying to meet these jerks in everyday life...typically they can't do it half as well which is why we see their comments but never a video of themselves doing it better.

[rmq11]

I found this video very helpful and I am grateful kanuhed posted it. I have shared it with several others. Having said that I am also in favor of the criticism given. hsing123 provided additional information which I also found helpful.

Without critics we do stupid things like invade iraq.

[jsheintz]

opinions from the clueless are always entertaining. Do you really think you know more about the situation in Iraq than anyone else? All you know is what someone, whose motives are unknown to you, told you. Even if you are a soldier, you only know part of the story. Fortunately, those making the decisions know more than you or I.

[trinitymike]

"Fortunately, those making the decisions know more than you or I. "

Do they really?

[asekendur]

iv been wondering about this stuff, thanks.

[hsing123]

i'm sorry to say so but your techniques truly has to be improved. Paddle has to be vertical during the propulsion and your arms need to stay as straight as possible. Also, your chest should stay vertical during the whole stroke, and only do a rotation during the stroke. Your techniques is efficient during short distances but you will get tired much sooner than a better paddler.

[kanuhed]

You're entitled to your opinion, but I've done enough really long trips covering long distances every day to know that I've got a pretty good understanding of what is efficient and what is tiring. Done enough trips a month long covering 40-60 Km every day to know that at the end of a day I'll still have energy left - I'm not wasting much.

[Algonquin]

We eagerly await you to post a video here to show us how it's done.

[Algonquin]

FYI... this comment was kindly directed at hsing123 and his feedback. Peace...

[trinitymike]

Funny, I know that Kraiker's done more paddling than 100 others put together, but oddly, no-one's heard of you....wonder why that is......

[kanuhed]

I've worked at a lot skills development, but self promotion has never been one of them. Over the years I've taught thousands how to paddle, written numerous articles, etc. etc. There will be some who've heard of me.

[trinitymike]

was replying to hsing...ahh, the joys of non-nested threads....lol...

[ihateyotube11]

Incredible skill- I can only hope to be half as efficient paddler! Beautiful canoe too. Thanks for the video.

[brownkri]

wow... as a complete canoe noob, I didn't understand much of what was going on, but it was visually amazing. I cannot believe the control you guys have during those tandem exercises. Gonna have to watch this a few more times

[stinkfart]

Fantastic! This really helps a newcomer to truly visualize what to do, and why to do it that way.

[panhandlephillips]

Great video.  Are we watching the next Bill Mason?

[Darlh123]

Excellent single blade padding!