Photo 10
Photo 11
An important aspect of this style of poling is the ability to swap sides at speed ( Photo 10 and 11 ). At the end of the push , you reach back with the rear hand and turn it , so your hand points down the pole . The left-hand lifts
the pole beginning to swing the forward end of the pole to the opposite side of the canoe . The right hand will swap directions as the pole swings across . Both thumbs are now up and in the power grip position .
There are times when it is easy ; I will keep the pole on one side of the canoe ( Photo 12 ). Travelling at speed , I alternate the end of the pole in use : windmilling . As I finish one push , I use the same lift as before with reversing the rear hand to start the process , but now I will drop the other end of the pole into the water ahead of me . Speed will carry me past the pole , and I won ’ t push until the pole is behind me . Remember , we want forward impetus , not lift .
Photo 12
ThePADDLER 31