Path of the Paddle: Doubles Whitewater

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason shows how to read the rapids and plan a course and follow it, with complete control of the boat, using the basic paddling strokes. Running rapids will always be a calculated risk, but risk diminishes with skill and knowledge. The strokes can be used in endless combination to reduce the risks of whitewater canoeing and increase the sheer joy and exuberance.
Directed by Bill Mason - 1977 | 27 min
Watch more free films on NFB.ca → bit.ly/YThpNFB
Subscribe to our newsletter → bit.ly/NFBnewsletter
Follow us on Facebook → bit.ly/ytfbNFB
Follow us on Instagram → bit.ly/2FdmRol
Follow us on Twitter → bit.ly/yttwNFB
Download our free iOS Apps → apple.co/2dbva4h
Download our free Android Apps → bit.ly/2dbvHmO

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Paul is so good and so young here still.

[@Rideperfect]

Great feature. So inspirational. There was a time when people didn't have to have a 'white water canoe'. They just knew how to handle themselves out there.

[@itomba]

Only one word describes this:Wholesome. Except for the scene of that beautiful boat floating downstream. I will have nightmares after seeing that.

[@saruzen]

Great to see this video online in such good quality. Thank you, NFB !

[@zachsurp]

BILL MASON THE KING - MY SHORTFILM 'CANOE TO PARIS' HUGELY INSPIRED BY HIM

[@ryanwilson8629]

How does this not have significantly more likes and comments?

[@paulfrank8738]

Reminds me of my first trip down the Alagash with my father when I was 13. Because we took a short course on reading rapids and paddling techniques we were able run the whole river without going over. My cousin and uncle, who didn't take the course, went over 4 or 5 times.

[@jamesvarga312]

"Looks pretty tricky" in this kid's voice is like a canadian "This is heavy, doc"

[@rlutzmec4290]

Awesome compilation

[@gwynethedgcumbe-md2ny]

Impressive!

[@actionpaddling]

What paddling is about...classic

[@NOMOFilms]

Does anyone know what river this is?

[@kingmichaelthelastwarrior]

A wonderful video, an awesome father and a fortunate son

[@gwynethedgcumbe-md2ny]

Impressive!

[@gwynethedgcumbe-md2ny]

Impressive!