Why Learn to Pole Your Canoe: The Big East

Canoe Poling Shallows and Upstream
This offering is dedicated to the hearty souls who choose to challenge that most brutal canoe route known as "The Meanest Link." This route was created to honour the memory of Bill Swift Sr., who was one of the founders of "Algonquin Outfitters." There are four sections, linking the four store locations which serve Algonquin Park.
The Big East River part of the challenge goes upstream from Huntsville Ontario, heading towards the park. The rules allow for going either upstream or downstream, but, for some reason... most appear to choose up. And further, as far as I know... no one has chosen to pole it.
I offer this as a suggestion.
Trust me... I'm just trying to help.

[@toddheil42]

I deeply appreciate your ambition and humility to back up and keep the plan evolving as conditions changed. That in and of itself is a great lesson. Thank you.

[@canoepoler]

Very kind of you to say. I have been humbled many times. Finally a positive outcome!

[@robbullis5025]

Read any old trip logs from the early explorers and they are always using a Native guide and poling the canoes up stream.

[@canoepoler]

Rob Bullis Really begs the question, doesn't it. It isn't as if a paddle is more modern....

[@jbaccanalia]

You convinced me with one sentence. 6 inches is plenty for a canoe, but not for a paddle.

[@canoepoler]

Ok, so now get a pole and stand up! (oh, and thanks for the comment!)

[@Lenair1]

Cool choice of rivers to pole :) Thumbs Up!

[@canoepoler]

Jean Lefebvre Oh, we are going!

[@derrickdubeau]

Thanks to hearing you on that canoe radio show last year, I have built some 12ft spruce poles and have been poling ever since! There is a nice shallow river north of Montreal called the Rouge that is perfect to learn on. You start at the town of la Conception and head north. This is not a quiet river. There must be over 500 people floating down stream during the day in the summer, but come October, I have the river practically to myself! The canoe pole also works great when used to set up my tarp that I lie across my canoe. Thanks again for the inspiration!

[@canoepoler]

Derrick Dubeau Glad you commented! Seven months ago you told me that you had 12' lengths of 2x2 spruce in your living room. I wanted to know how you made out but, no joy. I am thrilled that you are poling and loving it. Whenever you pole, you are spreading the poling story. I am glad that I was able to do that for you. Now it is your challenge to pass it on! Cheers!

[@derrickdubeau]

I learned one lesson really quick... Make sure your pole is firmly planted on solid ground before you press off, or else you will flip out of your canoe and end up swimming in the river.lol

[@canoepoler]

@@derrickdubeau Well the other biggie is to always watch where you are going in shallows. If you rub up a rock or shallow spot when seated, barely notice. You do that when you are standing and you pitch forward into the boat... or half in/out... or out.

[@ChrisProuse]

Thanks for sharing Stephen - well done! I had a hoot learning how to canoe pole on the Big East last year! It didn't take long to pick it up, though our gear arrangement in the centre of the boat while tandem was what ultimately led us to just pull the boat up the river. Highly recommend Salomon Speedcross trail-running shoes with the huge rubber lugs underneath for great grip on the rocks 👍

[@canoepoler]

@Chris Prouse I thought of your previous comment on the Meanest Link Facebook group. If I can get the interest for a Big East canoe poling clinic, I should get you to talk it up. Skills courses and clinics never seem to get the draw that I think they should. I don't understand it, but there it is. I guess that is why Paddle Canada only has a couple of poling instructors in the whole province. But hey... you gotta have a dream! Thanks for the kind words... and the footwear suggestion. :)

[@PineMartyn]

Instructive as always, sir. Watching you in action on one of my local rivers (where I did once try very clumsily and unsuccessfully to pole upstream late in the season) makes me wish I still had my old prospector in Royalite so as to give this another try. Cheers, - Martin

[@canoepoler]

PineMartyn The moment you are up for it you must let me know!!! Thanks for your generous support, as always!

[@PineMartyn]

@@canoepoler I shall. I'll have to see what I can come up with as a boat though, as mine is ill-suited, being light, fragile, and narrowly built.

[@canoepoler]

@@PineMartyn You are in Huntsville... just peer into your neighbours' yards!

[@naps3386]

Wow that pole bends! This is second time I've watched this.

[@canoepoler]

When you get to where you really have to push, the pole has to flex or it will break... like everything else. The most valuable aspect of pole flex is when you have to stop yourself while descending at speed. It acts a bit of a shock absorber. 300 lbs going 5 kph is quite a jolt, if you try to come to a dead stop.

[@naps3386]

That was damned impressive.

[@canoepoler]

So be impressive yourself! It isn't that hard... it is going to be the next big thing!!!! ;)

[@FrankdeJonglol]

Hi, thanks for the video. I've been paddling for 40 years, never considered it. Do you live in Huntsville? I do.

[@canoepoler]

Guelph. I hope to set up a Paddle Canada Intro to poling course this summer in Huntsville. Keep it in mind, but regardless... make a pole and get out there. :)

[@FrankdeJonglol]

@@canoepoler I just watched the Adam Shoalts video "Alone Across the North", in it he polls upstream a lot. Have you seen it? I can send it to you if you like. I've paddled the Speed to Hespeler twice, downstream.

[@canoepoler]

@@FrankdeJonglol I go both ways on the Speed! Yes, Adam Shoalts has done more for poling awareness than I will ever be able to. Yes, he went something like 1400 km up the Mackenzie river. Longer than the Speed....

[@blackspruceroutes]

Ive been hooked! Mafe myself a spruce and ash poles recently.. Been out playing in local(Harrington Qc)streams since. Been using my old esquif 16 prospector. I get the impression all that rocker isn't helping me...any canoe suggestions? Thanks for the inspiration!

[@canoepoler]

I don't know what problems you are having, but an Equif prospecteur should be fine. Just practice going straight. Make sure you keep your pole parallel to the centre line of the canoe and then do a little rudder to maintain your line. Watch and listen to this guy, since he is the American champion. kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3Wi3R6hpeJbMk

[@blackspruceroutes]

@@canoepoler OK! Thank you! it just turns on a dime...but yes that maybe just me needing more practice! thanks for the tips!!

[@canoepoler]

@@blackspruceroutes I teach canoe poling for Paddle Canada. I spend the majority of my time getting folks to be able to go straight. After that, the rest just comes. Think of it like this. If you can already solo a canoe, then you are just changing the motor... paddle for pole. It is still a canoe in the water. Remember to just pick a point and stay on that target to go straight. Don't look at your pole. The other thing that might help is to put some weight in the boat to engage more of the length and allow you to stand farther back in your boat. The hull will be more narrow and allow you to keep the pole parallel more easily. How about a food barrel pack right up in the bow and fill it with water or fill a bunch of dry bags or big water containers. It makes a big difference.

[@blackspruceroutes]

@@canoepoler OMG Those are all fantastic ideas!!! Can't wait to try them out!!

[@blackspruceroutes]

@@canoepoler This I totally get!!!

[@BaroudeurAventure]

Did anyone succeed to pole an ally canoe?

[@canoepoler]

@BaroudeurAventure I am sure it could be done. If you have a hard place to stand. They have a nice shape!