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

In this short video I highlight the subtle difference between the "J" stroke and the Canadian stroke.

The "J" is very efficient but it can be hard on your wrist and forearms on a long trip. The Canadian stroke is more relaxing. Eh!

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Any opinions expressed in this video are mine and mine alone and are not related to my employer or any other organization or individual. I have not been paid to make this video or to endorse a product. If I am ever paid for an endorsement or provided other compensation I will state it clearly in the video. Any advice or demonstration I provide is just advice. The viewer should take responsibility for their own actions, follow any manufacturers warnings and directions and act safely and responsibly when travelling in the backcountry.

[toddheil]

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.

[ianbruce]

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!

[pcthiker]

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

[chawkins]

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.

[jayleeper]

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!!!

[richarddsouza]

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!

[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!

[amosmoses]

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.

[andrewdonaghy]

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

[AM-oqnj]

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

[Woodswalker]

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

[richardjcote]

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

[johnbehling]

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!

[n-da-bunka]

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

[jackasix]

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!

[PiefacePete]

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. 😊

[flynorthproductions]

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

[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.

[JosephStealin]

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

[herzogsbuick]

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