ThePADDLER 6
Outside face on the rope ON THE WAVE Here the water is hitting the outside face of the blade and the stern of the canoe is being pushed to the left, which turns the bow to the right. In some situations, I will rest my wrist or the shaft of the paddle on the gunwale to get generate more power. On a wave, it may be necessary to lean towards or away from the stroke according to the move, so it is worth practising on the rope.
Outside face on the wave
The water is hitting the inside face (the face nearest the canoe) and so drawing the stern of the canoe towards the paddle and turning the bow away to the left. This is a lot less powerful than using the outside face but can be used quickly unlike a, often, forlorn attempt to switch sides. To achieve any power in this, it needs a lot of rotation in the chest, to the paddling
Inside face on the wave
side, as well as protecting the shoulder joints from hyperextension. This is such an important stroke, it is often referred to as a stern hanging draw. Safety note: If there is excess rope up at the person standing in the water, it should not be wrapped around the hand. Instead it is lapped across the palm and not around it. Easily ditched if it all goes wrong.
Inside face on the rope
