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If you don't have the ability to parallel park to shore on a
nice beach (like you see here), use the following steps
below to get in and out of a loaded canoe.
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Step 1: The bow paddler holds the bow of
the canoe down by sitting on it and bracing canoe with knees
and firm grip on gunwales with each hand. Note: Canoe is
floating entirely with the exception of the bow which is
just barely touching the shore.
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Step 2: The stern paddler enters with one
foot starting to bend forward to grab the gunwales (sides).
Use paddle for a brace only temporarily. Set it in canoe out
of way before proceeding. Ideally, you should set your
paddle on your canoe seat before getting in.
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Step 3: As stern paddler continues to the
back of the canoe, he slides his hands along the gunwales
maintaining 3 points of contact at all time. (i.e., both
hands on gunwales and one foot down or both feet down and
one hand up, etc.) You can walk off center when using this
technique for walking around the canoe.
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Step 4: Stern guy sort of pronates himself
kind of like doing a push up as he begins crawling over or
stepping along side of gear. All the while, he's sliding
hands along gunwales.
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Step 5: Taking another step wherever
there's a hole to put a foot down. DO NOT stand on seats or
thwarts (crossbars). Ok to kneel on seats, but NOT on
thwarts. You will bend the thwart on any make canoe
including aluminums.
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Step 6: Continue to crawl over top of gear
maintaining lowered center of gravity. Notice that bow
paddler is still strongly bracing in the same position. As
long as there are 3 points of contact, stern paddler
can step off-center and around packs. The time elapsed has
only been a few seconds at the most.
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Step 7: Stern paddler keeps heading to the
back while always maintaining contact with gunwales. Bow
paddler is still holding strong, canoe is floating entirely.
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Step 8: Almost to the back seat, nothing
changes still. Hands on gunwales, lowered position, bow
paddler holding strong.
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Step 9: This is the trickiest part -
turning around. Stern paddler now must remain crouched and
stand in center of canoe with both feet because he has to
let go of one gunwale to turn around.
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Step 10: Move smoothly and with purpose.
Stay low. Move your hands to the gunwales immediately.
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Step 11: Seated at last! Time elapsed: 10
seconds. Bow paddler STILL holds canoe in SAME floating
position.
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Step 12: Stern paddler now braces canoe
with paddle so bow paddler can get in canoe.
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Step 13: Bow paddler steps in holding both
gunwales maintaining 3 points of contact.
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Step 14: Bow paddler repeats
Step 9.
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Step 15: Bow paddler repeats
Step 10 just
like the stern paddler did. Moving smoothly, with purpose,
crouched and on center.
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Step 16: Seated and completely dry.
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Step 17: Pick up paddle and gently push
canoe away from shore. Total time elapsed: about 20 seconds
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