How to Paddle a Canoe: "J" Stroke vs. Canadian Stroke

[@toddheil42]

Excellent. The Indian Stroke in particular is rarely covered in other videos is proves to be vital as ones moves into whitewater. Keeping the blade more consistently in the water enables more control and ability to quickly move to bracing as required by unexpected side currents or bouncing into unseen rocks or ledges.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Absolutely Todd.

[@toddheil42]

@@KevinOutdoors I saw a clip of a guy paddling a heavily laden tandem, choppy open lake, gear spread out throughout the canoe, had a trolling motor, and paddling. Inexplicable what he was thinking or any kind of significant experience he mighta had. He lost it, and all his gear and canoe sunk. He was lucky to make it alive. Had he been moderately experienced with a brace, he probably woulda been able to a counter the small shift that turned him open. My mentor, 20 years my senior & I am 59, highly stressed getting ahold of a solid brace asap. I owe him tremendously. It's made all the difference in the world.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yeah I saw that video too. No life jacket, too small a boat for that kind of water, not a strong paddler, didn't move to a lower centre of gravity when things got rough. And, way too much clutter in the boat for my liking.

[@ReasonableRadio]

When i hear that something was used by indigenous peoples, I basically assume its the best way to do it. Think front-crawl swimming though citation needed on that origin

[@ianbruce6515]

The first time I rented a canoe and took off on a solo four day trip--I didn't know you didn't have to paddle on both sides of the canoe! On the first day, I figured out the J-stroke. (Only learned the name three years later--after paddling the Allagash Waterway solo, starting from Telos Lake). By the end of the second day of that first trip I'd figured out that the J-stroke works better if you enter the water as close to the edge of the canoe as possible and make the stroke as close to parallel to the canoe's centerline as possible--finishing the stroke too far from the gunwhale of the canoe to use the pry. Twisting the blade towards the end of the stroke corrects the course without 'ruddering'. This is harder on the shoulders than prying, but I was young then. I'd figured out the Canadian stroke by the end of the trip, and did a little sneaking with the blade never leaving the water. It was all trial and error, but when you are soloing, there are fewer distractions. I learned to trim the canoe with my gear all the way forward, plus some rocks, on the first day, when I encountered substantial wind. I cannot understand why people persist in using that 'ruddering' stroke for years!

[@pcthiker5320]

Great instructional filming! Thanks for the added underwater footage. Never seen someone use that in instructing, it really helps!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it! The underwater angle was a challenge.

[@3chawkins]

Excellent instruction. I happily learned these strokes in the 1950s at Deerfoot Lodge, a Christian camp for boys in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. The Camp Director was Canadian. He insisted on good canoeing technique.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing. Great memories!

[@jayleeper1512]

I am Canadian and have been paddling my whole life yet I had no idea what I was doing was called the Canadian stroke. Next video, you can add the C stroke and pry stroke to white water travel but this was a very good video for anyone embarking on a canoe trip. The canoe is often referred to as the “ divorce boat” because of inadequate learning of basics and front and back fighting each other. Remember, the guy in back is steering the canoe and if you are not going in the right direction, don’t blame the person in front. The person in front provides power, helps to steer and scouts the path forward. I have owned three power boats but got rid of them because I would rather be in my canoe. My biggest joy is paddling point to point on rivers, large and small. In a River, remember, the water doesn’t care who you are so wear a life jacket. Enjoy!!!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the comments Jay. I may do more of these paddling instruction videos in the future. We'll see.

[@richarddsouza7761]

Great video. Awesome advice and camera angle. The underwater camera made it easy to see the difference between the Canadian and the Indian stroke. I also like how you showed the impact of the goon stroke braking the canoe. Can't wait to practice these!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Cool, thanks!

[@andrewdonaghy2060]

I know what the Canadian stroke is without this video. You just say "aye" after every stroke. BOOM, you'se a professional.

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, close, it's "eh".

[@johnbehling1142]

Kevin, new subscriber here. Great video! I've been J-stroking for over 45 years. SO GLAD I came across your video so I now know where I can improve!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Welcome, and thank you very much!

[@n-da-bunka2650]

Learned the J stroke some 45 years ago in Boy Scouts. Never heard of the "Canadian" stroke until now as I have always referred to that one as the "Indian" stroke that we learned in Indian guides some 5o years ago

[@MuskratOutdoors]

I was part of the "Indian Guides" too. Not many folks know what that was, or have ever even heard of it. I'm 58, guessing you are about the same?

[@richardjcote9854]

Wow, I am a Canadian from Quebec, in my youth I was taught the same two stokes you talk about the first was for speed correct from wind or current, the latter was all about coasting and relaxing

[@KevinOutdoors]

Exactly. Also from La Belle Province.

[@AM-oq6nj]

Nice tip. I have always used the J stroke. Hadn't heard of the Canadian stroke before. I'll try it out next time.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Adam! Give it a try!

[@Mike-Holiday]

Great vid. I just retuned from my first paddle in my new canoe and was naturally doing the Indian and Canadian stroke not even knowing it was an official stroke! Cool.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Sometimes I wonder if we need names for these things. Some people get hung up on it. Thanks for watching!

[@Mike-Holiday]

Kevin Outdoors true that! All the best and thanks for the videos, they’re all awesome.

[@flynorthproductions]

Very well crafted. Straight to the point. Loved it. 👍👍

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@jacka55six60]

Went in half on a canoe with my buddy in high school. He joined the navy and returned seven years later to have his turn with the canoe. He's had it now for 34 years. Hey Scott, I think it's my turn now!

[@kmasonschecter]

Excellent video with very clear directions. Well done, and thank you.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Mason! Glad you found it useful.

[@GetOutsidewithSteve]

Just picked up a 16' Clearwater Prospector. It is made in Alberta, where I am from, and can be seen in my videos on my channel. I'm loving this canoe, but I have much to learn, which is what brought me to your page. Thank you for all the great info. I will practice more. Any advice from you or your followers would be greatly appreciated.

[@Johnschaffter]

Great explanation. Adjusting j to Canadian to Indian based on the situation is very useful. On solo trips when I am heading into the wind or in gusty conditions I shift from Canadian. With the blade in the water the whole stroke I control the canoe the whole cycle - in wind gusts you are not knocked off course. Thanks for posting.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LittleRiverBottom]

been using a canoe to explore some of the ponds & rivers around me, naturally drifted to that last stroke you showed & i do find myself surprising wildlife constantly, super quiet

[@mauimarcus]

Fascinating. My Great-grandfather was Canadian... but I never knew that stroke was called that. My Dad taught me that one, probably when we were sneakin' around duck hunting. Nice and quiet!

[@3coins.]

Last time I canoed I got a huge blister on the inside of my thumb. It hurt the whole summer. Thanks for your advice.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Blisters on a canoe trip can really suck. On a long trip I try and hold the paddle in different ways and of course chance sides from time to time.

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

Bring some bicycle gloves to cover the insides of your hands if needed. Just in case. ;⁠-⁠) I normally only need those when kayaking with a double paddle though. Also you dont need to grab your paddle with your thumb wrapped around it all the time. When you don't need that extra grip just put your thumb next to your index finger.

[@wizardsuth]

Moleskin is an essential piece of equipment on any long camping trip.

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

@@wizardsuth what does moleskin mean in this context? I know of moleskin as a certain kind of extremely durable textile fabric. But I guess that's not what it means here...

[@jayleeper1512]

@@dereinzigwahreRichi moleskin is an elastic soft fabric with a strong adhesive to cover blister. Used mostly in hiking or ski boots but would work on you hands. Down under, they use a bit of sheep’s wool in their boots. I found cheap fabric gloves with a heavy weave so they drip dry help and also will help if canoeing in cold weather😁

[@themightykabool]

i use a Q stroke because when i was little my arm wasn't strong enough and my knuckles would smash into the side. by hooking out my lower hand is palm-pushing (vs fingers-pulling)

[@limogesfarmer6326]

Thanks! I'm going to try out the Canadian and Indian strokes!

[@neilgendzwill3260]

Never paddled solo for long distances but for tandem paddling switching sides is more efficient than any of those. Learned that plus the benefits of bent shaft paddles from a marathon racers.

[@KevinOutdoors]

For tandem paddling you are referring to the 'Hut Stroke' much faster for sure but I am not convinced it is more efficient.

[@neilgendzwill3260]

@@KevinOutdoors nope. Bow person can paddle whatever they feel unless I need the extra power on one side or another due to waves or wind or whatever. They set the pace, I paddle the opposite side and switch from time to time to keep it straight. We paddle 8 hours a day or more like that. Hard to do the control strokes with a bent shaft anyway. In that style the power is mostly from your back.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I presumed you were referring to the 'hut stroke' it is very common by paddlers in the U.S. Boundary Waters and has been adopted by Quetico Park Wardens as it is fast and you can catch up to other boats if necessary. The 'hut stroke' uses frequent switching of sides. Bow and stern paddlers match their strokes usually three in a row "1, 2, 3" then they say "hut" and switch sides. It is efficient in that it requires little steering and it is fast but it is challenging to keep up all day long. The style usually involves a narrow canoe, tractor seats and bent shafts.@@neilgendzwill3260

[@neilgendzwill3260]

@@KevinOutdoors as I said we don’t switch that much and we don’t say hut. If the bow person gets tired or bored on one side they switch and I follow. Guilty on the gear. We like Clipper Trippers in our crew, we have tractor seats and use bent shaft paddles. Mostly paddling on the Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan.

[@Woodswalker1965]

Good tips eh! Perfect for going out for a rip in the ol canoe bud👍

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Wade! Nothing better than being the Captain of your own boat :)

[@PiefacePete46]

Am I EVER going to paddle a canoe?... Nooo. Was your video interesting, and worth taking my time to view?... YES, it definitely was! Kiwis (New Zealanders) are renowned for their fierce loyalty; this is a trait shared passionately with Canadians; well done with your plug for the homeland. 😊

[@sailorgirl2017]

It is good to be Canadian, Kevin! Thanks for an informative video - we always use the J stroke but will be giving this a go!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks

[@davalleyguy5020]

Fellow Canadian here, this is the reason I got s kayak. It Carrie's all my camping gear as well .

[@KevinOutdoors]

Well there you go.

[@stevenmacinnis6364]

Great video, going to try the Canadian and Indian stroke on my next trip!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Have fun!

[@mgraber1]

What about the pitch stroke?

[@JulianOutdoors]

Great video Kevin! I didn’t know about the Goon stroke, only the J stroke. Thank you for the info. I just subscribed to you! 😊

[@tumbleweed6658]

Thanks Kevin really good video with the under the water shots.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@JosephStealin]

Just bought myself my first Canadian Canoe can’t wait to try these out soon

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Kinetic.44]

This information is really going to help me

[@KevinOutdoors]

Good, I am glad.

[@simbajohn1882]

Live north of Manitoulin in northern Ontario. Canoe tripping all my life.66 now. The Canadian stroke usually happens naturally as it is less tiring than the j stroke. Correction is on the recovery when you pull up and out.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment!

[@simbajohn1882]

@@KevinOutdoors your welcome

[@reinhard8053]

Basically the same techniques as with a "Plette" in Austria. A long flat wooden boat which is paddled while standing with only one large paddle similar to gondolas in Venice.

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

I definitely need more practice on the J. Not sure how the Canadian is less work recovering against the water, but I'm not Canadian so it is clearly lost on me. Hehe. Thanks as always.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Barleytone, I would say it is just as much effort but there is less stress on the wrist - especially of the upper hand as the motion is played out over a longer period but not as aggressively as the short pry at the end of the J. In practice I switch between the two without really thinking about it.

[@HondoTrailside]

It isn't, nobody does it when efficiency is the key, but it provides superb control, is quiet, and with a responsive boat, you can creep along an edge in total control.

[@dkirchner4773]

I use both, depending on how quiet I need to be. I never pry the paddle against the gunnel as it causes a lot damage to both the paddle and my wooden canoe. I brace my forearm against either the gunnel or my thigh to pry the paddle and steer the canoe. May not work for everyone but I’ve suffered no injuries after forty years.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kristaps2010]

I thought if it’s good to pry in my inflatable canoe, grabner adventure. I realised overtime I would have to add protective fabric (EPDM- rubber equivalent) patch to protect rubbing. Learning to avoid prying now. It’s exciting to learn all these techniques.

[@terristobert1367]

great .... thank you i really learned something to improve my fishing trips.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisaburto95]

awesome vid. will come in handy as I head to Algonquin next month

[@KevinOutdoors]

Have fun!

[@herzogsbuick]

Heck ya it's good to be Canadian! -- your brother from your north, Alaska Jay

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks man!

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Love to hear more about the Canadian Stroke? Looks like the thumb isn't down at the end. Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

The thumb doesn't stay all the way down on the Canadian stroke. After you push back the paddle comes forward in the water and you lift up on it rather than prying out as with the J. The correction of the boat is made while the paddle comes forward in the water. I hope that makes sense?

[@minhazshahriar1046]

Best video on paddling. Trust me.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Well thanks!

[@andrewhanson5942]

Kevin, after decades of using a canoe paddle I finally ditched it and am using a kayak paddle now. MUCH better! The canoe is wider than a kayak, so I had to extend the shaft of the paddle by adding a section of aluminum tubing in the middle. Never going back man!

[@johnbehling1142]

They each have their advantages. I nearly always paddle solo. I use a double paddle in open water, especially when heading into a stiff wind- no contest there. But the canoe paddle is better in tight places like small creeks, and much better for hard steering- like running a large choppy lake with a strong tail wind. The curved blades of the kayak paddle can get "stuck" when ruddering in those conditions, and it's imperative not to let the wind breach the boat. The canoe paddle is also better while fishing; I can correct my drift with one hand while holding my fishing rod in the other- plus it's much easier to stow when not needed. I always bring both, and choose the better option for the task at hand. Happy paddling!

[@lqw3844]

Can you use these on kayak? Every time I switch side, water always drip down everywhere, even with those guards on. Wonder if I can just paddle one side?

[@retireddac]

Great video. I appreciate the info. Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Patriotic327]

Thanks for the video. Been a couple years but I have a better understanding of the “J”. I wondering if my Bending Branch Viper help fix that loss in the first stroke?

[@KevinOutdoors]

I went through a bent shaft phase, the J stroke is a little less natural with a bent shaft but it still works.

[@mikelundrigan2285]

I was using the Indian stroke on a lake in northern Ontario and my canoe was gliding along so quietly as I was paddling not too far from shore. I came around a point and startled a man sitting in a chair by the water so much he dropped his coffee mug! Sorry bout that!

[@BushCraftBums]

Nice video! Great tips thanks for sharing! Stay blessed

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@guyb7005]

I take it you don't lean the paddle shaft on the gunnel for the Canadian and Indian strokes?

[@am8115]

really like the underwater camera, thanks!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you like it!

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@KevinOutdoors it was good to see that as I had always been confused by the book diagram of the j-stroke, which was all the training i had had in it. I thought i'd been doing it wrong, 'turns' out i was doing it just fine!

[@petermclaughlin7659]

As a single paddler, shouldn’t he be seated in the center of the canoe?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Closer to the centre is best. That is why I am actually sitting in the bow seat and paddling the boat backward. Another foot forward would be even better but there is no seat there, and I have never been able to kneel in a boat for very long.

[@jeffreyerwin3665]

You have better control from the back. Your gear should be placed in the bow for weight distribution.

[@mcakey1648]

Agree with Kevin here. Closer to the centre provides better control especially for pivoting the canoe for tight turns. Also, you can better distribute the gear for balance or sit/kneel in that same spot when you have no gear. The only time I position myself in front of the centre thwart is when paddling into a strong wind. This brings the bow down lower than the stern and the weathervane effect keeps the canoe going straight. Good video, Kevin.

[@jeffreyerwin3665]

@@mcakey1648 I paddled my Mad River Slipper all day against a strong wind in the Boundary waters by sitting in back with the gear in front. I have tried both ways and found that the J-type strokes do not work very well when in paddling from the middle. To each his own I guess, but I'll stick with the back paddle position when I have 60 lbs. of gear to counter-balance the boat.

[@kristaps2010]

Good video, liked inwater footage, but have to look up more videos to see the details of controlling/holding/moving paddle in hands.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yeah, I did this while on a backcountry trip, it was a sur of the moment idea. I was happy about the underwater footage and not so happy about the above water shots, but that's KZbin and my learning curve.

[@eligabeivan]

I use the indian stroke all the time especially with a canadian grip because it's so nature feeling to let the paddle rotate all the way around and you can sneak up on moose and ducks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yeah it is a nice and quite stroke!

[@joerodriguez1797]

Right on Candada, Tnanks for the tips!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks J!

[@walter6574]

I am not an individual who enjoys boats that require muscle to move them. Having said that, I was informed by my boss who was taught by a native Indian that it is better to sit in the front of the canoe and paddle than the back. Is there any validity to that?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes, I am actually sitting in this boat backward. The bow seat is closer to the centre than the stern seat and the boat balances better in this direction when there is only one paddler. But, not all boats are symmetrical and have the same shape going in either direction.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Also, the front paddler in a two person canoe is the motor and the rear does the steering. So a lot more muscle work for the front and more brain/decision work for the rear.

[@tomstevelt9641]

Would have been nice to include close-up demo of Goon Stroke, from a distance doesn't look much different than the J.

[@HondoTrailside]

He did mention one aspect, the finish is with the thumb up, not down.

[@robertpurdon7161]

Great video!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@robertkelleher1850]

I've re-watched the first couple minutes several times now. I have no idea what you're showing as the difference between the "Goon" stroke and the J stroke. They look identical to me in the video.

[@KevinOutdoors]

The difference is that the correction is made with the power face of the paddle rather than the opposite side.

[@interspace1529]

Thank you very much for this video

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BaroudeurAventure]

Nobody mentions that we can make a J stoke that looks like a goon stroke. To turn the wrist in or out only determines which side of the paddle we use, on one side the paddle tends to dive in the water and on the other it tends to get out, in both cases we can aplly pressure in or out to make the j stroke.

[@KevinOutdoors]

The 'J' stroke is actually defined by most experts by the position of the thumb. If you watch the old Bill Mason videos that's how he defines it and so does Ray Goodwin. See his video on the subject. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p56oqZSbrdh2d7M

[@alfredeneuman6966]

I have a tandem 15ft Esquif (great canoe). For that boat I'm with a partner and use canoe paddles. I also have a 12ft. solo Old Town canoe. It's the same length as my kayak. For that canoe I simply use a kayak paddle. Much easier!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment.

[@HondoTrailside]

There were traditionally all kinds of kayaks and canoes, just as we have many different cars and trucks. But in the modern world, most high efficiency, touring type canoes have o immersed beam to waterline to length of .14375 ish. Or in other words, moderately fat. The ratio at which a boat does not try to mount it's bow wave is closer to .125 or better. What this means is the faster you push a standard canoe, the more it is basically going uphill. But unlike speedboats we can't normally plane the canoe. I gather some strong paddlers can, for fun, it is insanely energetic. But there is a category of canoe, the double paddle canoe, that was typically very short, slightly fat, and was propelled by a double blade paddle. It was basically an inefficient kayak, but easy to portage in the Adirondack mountains. That was the key, portaging in mountainous areas with small lakes. These are popular in the east, because even when people don't get why they exist, they are cheap (because they are small), they are light, and don't seem to require much skill, until you run into their limitations. The problem with short fat kayaks, as most these days are, is repetitive stress injuries, as kayak paddling is a high stroke activity that depends on the boat gliding. This can be a problem particularly with large bladed paddles. But they are great boats for some activities, like fishing. I have one myself.

[@mikeofmanymikes2630]

I never knew about the names of the strokes, but the J stroke is what I always used when I kayaked.

[@KevinOutdoors]

There you go.

[@bcubed72]

Well, a kayak uses a double blade, so you shouldn't have to use a j stroke? It's more intended for canoes.

[@MichaelGoldner]

"It's just good to be Canadian" 😊 ❤🇨🇦 Greetings from Germany!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Greetings.

[@paddlingdutchmen]

Great tips, thanks for sharing Kevin! 🇨🇦 🇳🇱

[@KevinOutdoors]

My pleasure!

[@MrTwostring]

I guess I'm a goon-stroker. I didn't know. Live and learn.

[@KevinOutdoors]

We should only judge ourselves against our former selves. All the best. :)

[@yanskshetuski3074]

Thanks Kevin, I trust you.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I appreciate that

[@morefiction3264]

Would that be the 'J' stroke vs the 'Eh' stroke?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Pretty much! :)

[@gyrogearloose1345]

I like it! Yay Canucks !! Thank for posting!

[@rollingthunder277]

Have used the "J" stroke (for us old-timers it's called a feather or feathering stroke) for over 55 years. But I differ in my technique in that I don't use the gunnel as a pivot point to lever the "feather." It damages and can weaken the oar, scratches the canoe finish and is not very useful in any situation except on a flat, waveless surface. To do this right you use your triceps and shoulder muscles to extend the feather stroke. Greater control and this is necessary in faster moving water and rapids. Once your upper arms are in shape, you will never go back to leveraging the oar with your boat. If you absolutely must, sit in such a way that your upper thigh is the leverage surface instead of the gunnel. Then, again, I don't sit in the seat but on the stern. I love my 50-year-old Grumman.

[@Rupe51]

Absolutely correct. I wanted to comment but you said it perfectly. From a Canadian paddler of more than 60 years experience. Apart from these small quibbles, what a pleasure it was to see this video that celebrates good paddling technique.

[@andrewhill3969]

you just blew my mind.

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, thanks.

[@Gfthce3426]

Yes ! It is .

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes, it is!

[@TxCwby]

Always with that "Canadian" thing, eh!! Good tips, thanks!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Always!

[@CanadaGunTube]

Is that an earth ring i see?

[@KevinOutdoors]

I have no idea what an earth ring is.

[@lesa8145]

Very informative!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@twostroke350]

I just like to mix it up. Some people get very het-up about not stern ruddering but there are times I'll use it or even turn it into a power-pry off the gunwale if conditions dictate (generally an obnoxious wind or if I've set off with the trim all kinds of wrong) because it's a very powerful correction. I also like to mess with J-stroke evangalists if I see them silently judging my technique by switching into a goon-stroke with a fully knifed recovery then watch confusion reign as they try to work out what I'm doing. Of course, if we were honest with ourselves, the most efficient stroke is a high cadence hit and switch with a much smaller cranked paddle -all power all the time- which is why marathon racers use it. But it's inelegant.

[@lpmoron6258]

Knew a man who used a stroke kinda shaped like an 8 at the back of a flat bottom boat. Choked up on the paddle and never lifted it out out the water. It was quite and as fast as a battery powered little motor. He called it skulking I think. Never did see him in a canoe though.

[@bsd220]

just realized you can imagine trying to unswirl the whirpool for j stroke

[@bobwinsor6960]

I grew up with the Canadian Stroke being referred to as the "Indian Stroke". It's a great stroke to use.

[@Wintertrekker]

Yep! Well done KO!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, you are the master paddler, so I take that as a great compliment!

[@Harakan21]

"Its just good to be Canadian" Good line.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks.

[@mitchgingras3899]

I've got a Shakespear electric stroke!

[@Habsolutely]

I finally learned to consistently use the J stroke this weekend. Now I like the single paddle. Was more of a double paddle guy before. Next time I’ll try the Indigenous People’s Of the Stolen Land of Turtle Island stroke

[@bigmac3006]

Great vid. I use kayak paddles for 100% efficiency.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Good stuff!

[@AJKPenguin]

Canadian Stroke = Eh Stroke or "Perfect Stroke, eh?" J Stroke is get for ruddering/steering, especially if someone uses a Power Stroke in front. Excellent camera angles here Kevin!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Adam! Eh? 🙂🍁

[@mattlast4093]

nice !

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@202vaughn]

I’ve heard of a two stroke and a four stroke, but I’ve never heard of these strokes!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Ha, yep. I could go much faster with either a two or four stroke! :)

[@AdamRomanoExplores]

Lol

[@YellowRambler]

It what you do when you’re out of go juice for your 2 or 4 stroke

[@infernocanuck]

Why did I watch this? I have never paddled in a canoe in my life. Really well done though

[@KevinOutdoors]

Much appreciated!

[@vx0tic-959]

What province are you from?

[@KevinOutdoors]

I live in Ontario.

[@Comrade_Akimov]

or add motor

[@bernieroy3092]

Hey Kevin you forgot the most popular stroke THE 2 STROKE 👍😄

[@collinmc90]

lot of people get this mixed up and it PISSES ME THE HELL OFF. makes me so ANGRY i can't even keep gooning.

[@adamb89]

I've found the best method is to stare at the canoe menacingly until it takes me where I want to go.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Mind over matter.

[@RedSquirrelHunter]

Just paddle on both sides to give your muscles a break and to stay straight

[@KevinOutdoors]

Switching sides takes time and reduces the frequency of your strokes. it matters on a long trip, but not so much for a short recreational paddle. I normally switch sides every half hour or hour.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Very useful video. All I need now is a canoe.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Canoes are awesome!

[@alee3146]

back in 2018 it was not often if ever questioned calling a stroke ‘Indian’.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I am hearing this mostly called the 'C' stroke now but have also heard the hunting stroke and the stealth stroke.

[@edweirdmassey]

I have definitely used the Indian stroke moose hunting but I would prefer to simply call it the stalking stroke

[@KevinOutdoors]

Agreed, it needs a name upgrade to be more with the times.

[@normanacree1635]

I always thought it was 2 on the left and then 2 on the right, then repeat. LOL

[@arvidlystnur4827]

There's something spiritual about the Indian stroke I sometimes do it for an hour. Gives me a feeling that the canoe, I and the water are one.

[@KevinOutdoors]

It is super relaxing.

[@LucidDreamer54321]

As Billy Squier would say, “Stroke me, stroke me. Could be a winner boy you move mighty well.”

[@TJ-hd5ym]

I like the long and fast stroke 😅

[@KevinOutdoors]

For sure.