Evening star., 1911-06-04
Noq STAND I'M CANOE
WITH FEET APART

arise where such might not be the case,
but under ordinary circumstances and
conditions that one usually meets with
in everyday padding the above method
is superior to all others. Many authors.
ties disagree. preferring the three-quarter
method to the one above mentioned. But
compare the two and then determine for
yourself.
In the latter the bow is swung to catch
the wave on the forward quarter, or
about the forward seat AS the canoe
feeling the wave begins to rise there is
a listing to the opposite side. Then as
the wave runs beneath and reaches the
keel the canoe comes up to an evenly
balanced position again. When the wave
course, and right here the trouble be-
gins. The bow may plunge into the next
wave before the canoe has time to prop
erly right itself. With the canoe of an
variably run along the side until about
mfdship. or the lowest point, when tt
will slop over the gunwales inboard. IL
the wave does not come over there 10
usually q great quantity Of spray that
finds its way aboard.
With the broadside method. the canoe
lists the minute II feels the wave. When
this takes place the paddler bends his
body to the side from which the wave
is coming. to counteract the list, COM
ing back into an upright position again
as the wave reaches the keel. AS the
wave runs beneath the canoe begins to
slide down the other side. when the pad
dler sways to that same side. and again
offsets the effect OF the listing. 1t 10
only by keeping the canoe evenly bal
anced that the seas are prevented from
washing over the sides. Through the
entire process the canoe rests an
even keel and is much easier 10 control
and balance than in the preceding
method, for there the canoe rests-when
on top OF a wave-at only one point Of
the keel, against the entire length in the
other. In one the canoe rolls from side
to side and is controlled by bending the
body. while in the other the movement
is irregular, the bow plunging down.
ward and listing simultaneously. making
it extremely difficult to keep an evenly
balanced position.
A mistake so many people make regard
ing canoe is in thinking II will upset
easily Nothing is more erroneous. In
truth ii requires quite an effort to upset
a canoe. When q canoe capsizes 1t usual
ly settles but does not turn upside down.
Thfs gives the occupants ample time in
which to grasp the sides and keep afioat
until help arrives. There are exceptions
to the above. however. for often two
people upset while changing positions.
But they did so while standing up, for
as above stated the secret Of successful
the body low In the canoe. Until this is
thoroughly understood a man cannot be
an expert canoeist.
II you should upset try to grasp the
will enable you to prevent the canoe from
striking your body or head. At the same
time. II helps to prevent the canoe from
turning turtle.
AA
is submerged the water rushes inboard,
causing the canoe to gradually settle and
in that position it would float even when
entirely below the water. II the canoe
does turn upside down, right II by catch
ing hold in the middle OF the near side
and raising until the side is above water,
then reach underneath and pull up the
other side. II righted from the end pull
down on one side while raising the other
In case you upset, make sure to keep
the paddle. After nghting the canoe. toss
the paddle inside and crawl aboard. To
do this pull down on the side and as
The canoe begins settling. slide over the
side, and submerge the entire body with
the exception OF the head, In the water
that may be in the canoe. This can be
done only when lying down. In this po-
sition you can float until assistance comes
or, if not too far from shore, work your
way toward that goal.
While il Is possible to crawl aboard from
the water, do not attempt II IL unable
to swim. on account Of the liability OF
sinking the craft: rather try to keep all
OF the body. except the head, under
water. grasping the sides.
Another method can be employed while
getting into a canoe from the water,
using the end. II the end is used, grasp
the side near the seat. pulling yourself
up until almost free OF the water, when q
Vicious kick. combined with a pull, will
land you astride the seat. and the trick
Is done. The idea 10 the same as in
Jumping into wagon over the tail board
The process employed In the side position
Is practically the same. except that you
have to pull harder as you crawl over
the side. Greater care In necessary, too,
so as not to sink the side under water.
Of the two methods, the former 10 the
best