How To Get Into A Canoe Safely?

Canoes are stable once settled into, but getting in and out can be challenging due to their higher center of gravity. This video focuses on the best ways to get into and out of a canoe to avoid capsizing and demonstrate launching and landing at a dock or on shore.

General safety is crucial for canoeing, especially in flat water, as situations can become serious quickly. To ensure safety, it is essential to check the weather forecast and water conditions, use a personal flotation device, and follow these steps:

1. Position the canoe perpendicular to the shore, pointing out into the water.

2. Pack the canoe close to the water to avoid carrying heavy equipment.

3. Get into the canoe carefully by bending your knees and grabbing onto the side closest to you.

4. Set one leg into the center of the canoe and grab onto the far side of the boat with your hand. Carefully bring the other leg into the canoe.

5. If you are the bowman, sit on the bench at the front of the boat.

6. To get out of a canoe on a similar shoreline, approach the shore straight on and follow the same steps in reverse.

7. If you have two people, use a paddle float to help you enter the canoe by yourself.

8. For soloists entering a canoe by themselves, use a paddle float to help.

9. There’s no better way to get on the water and get away from it all than in a canoe. Canoeing is simple, efficient, and has a relatively low barrier to entry.

10. Have a partner hold the canoe steady or secure it to a dock or riverbank at both ends. Bend your knees and crouch low, facing the front.

11. To steer, place the paddle in the water vertically in line with the boat and try to get as much of the blade in the water as possible.