01:08
Faizan
If you spend enough time paddling, the river will eventually get the best of you, flip your canoeing boat and toss you into the water. The best method for righting your vessel depends on a variety of factors, such as the depth and turbulence of the water, but the general principles are similar. Take advantage of any nearby vessels that can help you flip your boat more easily.
Prepare to Swim
Most canoeists can tell when a spill is coming. Give yourself the best chances of escaping unscathed by grabbing a paddle with one hand and a gunwale with the other when the ship starts flipping. Holding the paddle is important for paddling to safety once you are back in the boat, while gripping the gunwale helps avoid injuries caused by the flipping boat and gives you a better chance of clinging to your vessel. Many rivers are quite cold, so give yourself a moment to adjust to the chilly water before trying to right the ship.
In Shallow Water
If the water is shallow enough and the current gentle, you can right the canoeing boat where you are standing. If the water is too deep to flip the boat in place, swim toward the shore, dragging your boat behind or alongside you. Tuck the oars under the seats or some other secure location to avoid losing them in the current. Once you reach the shore, haul the boat from the water, allow it to drain, flip it over and place it back in the water.
Deep Water Challenges
It often is difficult to right a canoeing boat in deep water, but a partner makes the job much easier. Position yourself at the starboard side of the bow, and have your partner position himself on the port side of the stern. Swim underneath the boat, grab the gunwales and lift the boat over your head. This requires considerable effort, so kick your feet as hard as you can and make use of any available floatation devices to make the job easier. Try to dump out as much water as possible and then set it on the surface of the water, right side up. Enter the canoe from opposing sides of the boat, so each of you acts as a counterbalance to keep the boat steady.
Another Vessel to the Rescue
If another canoeing boat is close enough to assist you, make every effort to enlist their help. Maneuver the canoes so that the flipped craft’s bow touches the side of the assisting vessel, making a “T” shape. Push down on the stern while lifting the bow of the upside-down vessel and rest it on the gunwale of the assisting canoe. Slowly pull the canoe onto the assisting ship until it is balanced across the middle. After allowing all of the water to drain, flip the canoe over and slide it back into the water.
Prepare to Swim
Most canoeists can tell when a spill is coming. Give yourself the best chances of escaping unscathed by grabbing a paddle with one hand and a gunwale with the other when the ship starts flipping. Holding the paddle is important for paddling to safety once you are back in the boat, while gripping the gunwale helps avoid injuries caused by the flipping boat and gives you a better chance of clinging to your vessel. Many rivers are quite cold, so give yourself a moment to adjust to the chilly water before trying to right the ship.
In Shallow Water
If the water is shallow enough and the current gentle, you can right the canoeing boat where you are standing. If the water is too deep to flip the boat in place, swim toward the shore, dragging your boat behind or alongside you. Tuck the oars under the seats or some other secure location to avoid losing them in the current. Once you reach the shore, haul the boat from the water, allow it to drain, flip it over and place it back in the water.
Deep Water Challenges
It often is difficult to right a canoeing boat in deep water, but a partner makes the job much easier. Position yourself at the starboard side of the bow, and have your partner position himself on the port side of the stern. Swim underneath the boat, grab the gunwales and lift the boat over your head. This requires considerable effort, so kick your feet as hard as you can and make use of any available floatation devices to make the job easier. Try to dump out as much water as possible and then set it on the surface of the water, right side up. Enter the canoe from opposing sides of the boat, so each of you acts as a counterbalance to keep the boat steady.
Another Vessel to the Rescue
If another canoeing boat is close enough to assist you, make every effort to enlist their help. Maneuver the canoes so that the flipped craft’s bow touches the side of the assisting vessel, making a “T” shape. Push down on the stern while lifting the bow of the upside-down vessel and rest it on the gunwale of the assisting canoe. Slowly pull the canoe onto the assisting ship until it is balanced across the middle. After allowing all of the water to drain, flip the canoe over and slide it back into the water.
Posted in: canoeing
