If you have to have a favourite - this would be mine. Not only does it feel at one with nature through the stroke but it forces you to limit your speed to allow you to enjoy the wildlife and critters around you.
Your videos are excellent educational material. I admire your ability to teach. Thanks. In the states, in the boy scouts, more years ago than I care to name, we learned this as the algonquin stroke. At the time calling it an indian stroke was not a problem, but the majority of what we’d call indigeonous peoples today did not use canoes, navajos, cherokee, dakota, lakota, crow, sioux, etc, were still referred to as indians, but most would not have used canoes, however, the algonquin were famous for their canoe skills, and hence, we referred to it by that name. It was a stroke we were expected to master before being allowed on the annual colorado river trip. I haven’t quite figured out if the leaders wanted us to be quiet enough to see the wildlife, or to give them some level of peace on the journey.
Thank you for you kind comments. Trouble is that the term 'Indian Stroke' is still the common and understood name for the stroke. I have heard it called the Hunting Stroke, Stealth and Quiet stroke so now can add Algonquin to that. Yep I to use the terms First Nation and indigenous people in every other context. I love the fact that you had to learn it before being allowed out. Keep well. Ray
what we have are thousands of variations of the pry stroke; each varies as the conditions vary; and you can't even name them all as once you have the basics of the pry you learn to adapt it to conditions- sometimes without even knowing it- .
I'm very surprised you haven't got more subscribers this channel is fantastic for learning new strokes and techniques, Your the reason I bought my venture prospector a couple of years ago. I've just recently bought a afon I'm looking forward to having a play with when all this has blown
Thank you very much! Yep is much harder to grow a channel nowadays unless you are really unique. But it is growing fairly quickly at present so we will see how it goes. Have fun with the Afon. I am looking forward to getting out myself.
Brand new to canoeing . It’s amazing how it teaches us how to canoe. At some point instincts just take over. I’ve much to learn but already this rewarding beyond what I first imagined.
Finally, a proper video of the Indian stroke, I had scoured youtube looking for one to explain what it was about. every one I found seemed to be dragging the paddle shaft through the water inducing a gurgling sound. Also the use of it in the wind :) fabulous. Thank you Ray another great vid of this; for me the most relaxing of paddle strokes.
Thanks Tim. I got lucky with the wind arriving on our little lake, a real bonus. But I can take opportunities as they arrive. Anyway more editing to do.
It's very interesting to watch this gentleman paddle. A long paddle narrow blade , prying off the gunwale and slicing the water with the blade so as not to scare the moose. My grandfather used to plane the paddles with a piece of window glass so they were very thin and good for slicing the water. I think he is a Canadian and someone dubbed in the British accent!
Thanks for that Clifford. That made me smile. I have learnt so much from watching Bill Mason and other Canadians I hope I do them some justice. As a note I was made a member of the Nation Council of the Canadian Canoe Museum back in 2020, so trying to be a little Canadian if I can.
Ray Goodwin - I like all the strokes, on rivers or rough water it’s just all sorts of strokes. Paddle in the water - “doing stuff”. On long flatwater stretches where I am being all delicious then the subtle and quiet delights of this efficient “stealth” stroke can’t be beat. Also for me much less tiring in the long run because I am not lifting the paddle out. It comes more of a “squirm”
Ray Goodwin - On second thought, my favourite stroke is the sweet one that gets the boat just where I want it, in the perfect moment. 😎🤙 (Generally I like to keep the paddle in the water. I love the feels.)
Great video Ray. The demo of it silently knifing back up to the beginning of the stroke is wonderful. I love this stroke, great for solo paddles to enjoy the wildlife. feels like we’re back with nature with these quiet and naturally elegant strokes blending in to the surroundings. Can’t wait to get back on the water. Thank you Ray, there is never any need to see other channels or demos when you do such good instructional videos. Happy right here! Plus with the book...! All the resources to be good paddlers. 🛶
Nice. I use this stroke a lot. Another variance is the box stroke inside and outside, used to turn the boat on a pivot. You touched on it when you used it as a correction or control stroke to turn the boat.
Nice tutorials. I subscribed to you. I am a new canoeist, and learning all the strokes. It seems easy here watching on youtube, but on the water, I forget most of it. What are the minimum strokes I should master first?
I would say rudders and Js along with draws. I have plans for a beginners video along with more structured ordering of videos via my website. It is a lot of work so can only be done gradually.
Hi Ray, only a quick one today 😀, with most of the strokes, is it the lowest hand turns the paddle and the top hand keeps knuckles forward, I don't know fancy names, but it looks like it on the video. Many thanks. Nige.
Have a look at the J stroke video. In that part of the turn is done by the lower hand but a lot of the twist is done by the top hand swivelling on the top. So no easy answer. Thanks Ray
Hi Martin, most folk use the name 'box stroke' for something quite different (as explained in Bill Mason's films and books. So a push out at the stern, a slice parallel to the gunwale, a draw to the front followed by a slice to the stern and then repeat. Also the box stroke can be done as the exact reverse with draw at the stern and push at the front. There is no palm roll in this. But at the end of the day names are not the important thing but the ability to manoeuvre a boat. Kind regards, Ray
@@RayGoodwinCanoe Now that you say it, and i think about it more, i have to agree with you. The box stroke is for pivoting, as you describe. I got the wrong idea from paddling.com/learn/canoe-strokes-and-control/#:~:text=Indian%20or%20Box%20Stroke
Thanks for the link Martin. Yep it easy for some to confuse the names in writing. If in doubt I use Bill Mason as my primary source and only change names from his if I think it really important.
Wonderful and clear explanations and demos Ray. “ your da man”. Cheers from a Canadian canoeist of 56 years.
If you have to have a favourite - this would be mine. Not only does it feel at one with nature through the stroke but it forces you to limit your speed to allow you to enjoy the wildlife and critters around you.
But don't forget the powerful version for control: I am sure you use it. But yes it does allow that 'at one with nature' feel. Love it. Keep well Tony
Your videos are excellent educational material. I admire your ability to teach. Thanks. In the states, in the boy scouts, more years ago than I care to name, we learned this as the algonquin stroke. At the time calling it an indian stroke was not a problem, but the majority of what we’d call indigeonous peoples today did not use canoes, navajos, cherokee, dakota, lakota, crow, sioux, etc, were still referred to as indians, but most would not have used canoes, however, the algonquin were famous for their canoe skills, and hence, we referred to it by that name. It was a stroke we were expected to master before being allowed on the annual colorado river trip. I haven’t quite figured out if the leaders wanted us to be quiet enough to see the wildlife, or to give them some level of peace on the journey.
Thank you for you kind comments. Trouble is that the term 'Indian Stroke' is still the common and understood name for the stroke. I have heard it called the Hunting Stroke, Stealth and Quiet stroke so now can add Algonquin to that. Yep I to use the terms First Nation and indigenous people in every other context. I love the fact that you had to learn it before being allowed out. Keep well. Ray
what we have are thousands of variations of the pry stroke; each varies as the conditions vary; and you can't even name them all as once you have the basics of the pry you learn to adapt it to conditions- sometimes without even knowing it- .
I'm very surprised you haven't got more subscribers this channel is fantastic for learning new strokes and techniques, Your the reason I bought my venture prospector a couple of years ago. I've just recently bought a afon I'm looking forward to having a play with when all this has blown
Thank you very much! Yep is much harder to grow a channel nowadays unless you are really unique. But it is growing fairly quickly at present so we will see how it goes. Have fun with the Afon. I am looking forward to getting out myself.
So well explained, thank you 👍🏼
Glad it was helpful!
Cheers Ray. Very informative. Can’t wait to get back out in the water to perfect this👍🏻
You and me both! It's a great stroke and besides being useful in its own right, it teaches you a lot you can apply into other strokes. Thank you. Ray
Brand new to canoeing . It’s amazing how it teaches us how to canoe. At some point instincts just take over. I’ve much to learn but already this rewarding beyond what I first imagined.
Welcome aboard! So glad you are enjoying your new found pastime. Have fun and keep safe.
Finally, a proper video of the Indian stroke, I had scoured youtube looking for one to explain what it was about. every one I found seemed to be dragging the paddle shaft through the water inducing a gurgling sound.
Also the use of it in the wind :) fabulous. Thank you Ray another great vid of this; for me the most relaxing of paddle strokes.
Thanks Tim. I got lucky with the wind arriving on our little lake, a real bonus. But I can take opportunities as they arrive. Anyway more editing to do.
Cool - always enjoy this stroke, especially with a longer otter tail on a deep river, looking forward to using it more for control too, thanks!
Hi. Thanks for your comment. Yep it works well as a control stoke in all sorts of context. Keep well.
Very helpful for beginners like me! Thx a million
Glad to help
Great video Ray. I'll try this tomorrow. See you for breakfast at 0830 👍🏻
See you then
It's very interesting to watch this gentleman paddle. A long paddle narrow blade , prying off the gunwale and slicing the water with the blade so as not to scare the moose. My grandfather used to plane the paddles with a piece of window glass so they were very thin and good for slicing the water. I think he is a Canadian and someone dubbed in the British accent!
Thanks for that Clifford. That made me smile. I have learnt so much from watching Bill Mason and other Canadians I hope I do them some justice. As a note I was made a member of the Nation Council of the Canadian Canoe Museum back in 2020, so trying to be a little Canadian if I can.
Thanks again Ray. One more thing to practice this summer.
You are most welcome. More to come. See if I can pick up the pace
Excellent instructive video 🙏
Much appreciated
Came here for the canoe strokes, stayed for Rays dogs antics in background
That has make me chuckle. Will have Billie Bonkers in more videos.
Thank you Ray! Very well explained as allways
Very welcome
My favourite stroke! Thanks for the inspiration!
My pleasure! I do like it but with a lot of folk commenting that it is their favourite stroke I am now trying to ponder what mine is. Will think on.
Ray Goodwin - I like all the strokes, on rivers or rough water it’s just all sorts of strokes. Paddle in the water - “doing stuff”. On long flatwater stretches where I am being all delicious then the subtle and quiet delights of this efficient “stealth” stroke can’t be beat. Also for me much less tiring in the long run because I am not lifting the paddle out. It comes more of a “squirm”
Ray Goodwin - On second thought, my favourite stroke is the sweet one that gets the boat just where I want it, in the perfect moment. 😎🤙
(Generally I like to keep the paddle in the water. I love the feels.)
Great video, thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Appreciated
Great video Ray. The demo of it silently knifing back up to the beginning of the stroke is wonderful. I love this stroke, great for solo paddles to enjoy the wildlife. feels like we’re back with nature with these quiet and naturally elegant strokes blending in to the surroundings. Can’t wait to get back on the water. Thank you Ray, there is never any need to see other channels or demos when you do such good instructional videos. Happy right here! Plus with the book...! All the resources to be good paddlers. 🛶
Thank you so much for you kind comments. I have a lot of plans for future videos so it becomes more useful still.
Nice. I use this stroke a lot. Another variance is the box stroke inside and outside, used to turn the boat on a pivot. You touched on it when you used it as a correction or control stroke to turn the boat.
Yep I will get onto that somewhere down the line. Lot on the list to do. cheers
Nice one Ray. Loving this new series format. Really useful.
Trying hard on this editing lark and learning all the time. Thank you.
Interesting video and technique Ray.
Thank you.
Can’t wait to try this out on the water.
It's a goody. Have fun learning.
Nice tutorials. I subscribed to you. I am a new canoeist, and learning all the strokes. It seems easy here watching on youtube, but on the water, I forget most of it. What are the minimum strokes I should master first?
I would say rudders and Js along with draws. I have plans for a beginners video along with more structured ordering of videos via my website. It is a lot of work so can only be done gradually.
2:15 " Yeah ? I can do that with my stick."
It is a great stroke. One of my favourites.
Hi Ray, only a quick one today 😀, with most of the strokes, is it the lowest hand turns the paddle and the top hand keeps knuckles forward, I don't know fancy names, but it looks like it on the video.
Many thanks.
Nige.
Have a look at the J stroke video. In that part of the turn is done by the lower hand but a lot of the twist is done by the top hand swivelling on the top. So no easy answer. Thanks Ray
Thanks Ray, thaught I was mad practicing bushcraft in the house , now it looks like I'll be paddling around it, thanks once again,
Nige.
false statement: Yet another name is "box stroke" for the oblong shape of the path of the paddle.
Hi Martin, most folk use the name 'box stroke' for something quite different (as explained in Bill Mason's films and books. So a push out at the stern, a slice parallel to the gunwale, a draw to the front followed by a slice to the stern and then repeat. Also the box stroke can be done as the exact reverse with draw at the stern and push at the front. There is no palm roll in this. But at the end of the day names are not the important thing but the ability to manoeuvre a boat. Kind regards, Ray
@@RayGoodwinCanoe Now that you say it, and i think about it more, i have to agree with you. The box stroke is for pivoting, as you describe.
I got the wrong idea from paddling.com/learn/canoe-strokes-and-control/#:~:text=Indian%20or%20Box%20Stroke
Thanks for the link Martin. Yep it easy for some to confuse the names in writing. If in doubt I use Bill Mason as my primary source and only change names from his if I think it really important.