Song of the Paddle

Running rapids will always be a calculated risk. But risk diminishes with skill and knowledge. In this film, two canoeists paddling double demonstrate how to read the rapids, plan a course and follow it in complete control of the boat, using the basic paddling strokes. The strokes can be used in endless combination to reduce the risk of whitewater canoeing and increase the sheer joy and exuberance of a whitewater run.

The joy and poetry of paddling solo are illustrated in this film, as are all the basic strokes used in maintaining complete control of the canoe. With the aid of animated lines, the path of the paddle is clearly defined so there can be no mistaking what the paddle is doing. The use of the various strokes in rapids is demonstrated sufficiently to whet the appetite to move on.

Paddling double, the canoeists demonstrate the basic paddling strokes and how to apply them in a variety of combinations to move the canoe at will. Throughout the film the application of each stroke in rapids is shown briefly, with emphasis on the necessity of working as a well-coordinated team.