The PaddlerUK magazine December 2015 issue 5 | Page 80

PADDLERUK 80

By Paul Bull – UKCC Level 3 Coach at P
Foundation Open Canoe Skills

In the last article I described some methods for turning a canoe whilst on
the move.This time I’d like to concentrate on what to do when it all goes a
bit pear shaped and we have to prevent a capsize.
Notice I’ve specifically called this article ‘Preventing a capsize’ rather than support strokes? I am a
firm believer that there is more to preventing a capsize than just the default low recovery or low
brace stroke!

So, we are paddling along, down our river and hit a rock or another obstacle that starts to capsize
the boat or maybe we catch ourselves out on an eddy turn or a wave and the boat starts to
capsize. Whatever the cause, follow a few simple principles and we can pretty much avoid a capsize
and swim…

PREVENTING
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