1999 - 2001, OutdoorPlaces. Some canoes can be outfitted with oars to be rowed like a boat, and some people may elect to use a kayak paddle for solo canoeing. In some rare cases, some people use small electric or even gas powered engines to move their canoe. You can use a board to paddle, but you will be exhausted and blistered in a very short period of time.
Paddles come in two basic styles, straight shaft and bent shaft.
They both serve different purposes and should be used in specific situations. Bent shaft paddles are very popular with those who go touring with their canoe or travel long distances on flat water. Bent shaft paddles allow for easier paddling over long distances and on smooth flat water can help you attain very good speed. Four miles an hour in a 17 foot canoe is easily achieved in flat water if you and your partner are paddling efficiently and are in average health. Straight shaft paddles are more of the traditional canoe paddle.