: A less efficient version of the J-stroke where the paddler keeps their thumb pointing up and prys against the gunwale (the edge of the boat).
The is a foundational canoeing technique used to keep a boat traveling in a straight line without frequently switching sides. Because a standard forward stroke naturally pushes the bow away from the paddling side, the J-stroke adds a corrective "hook" at the end to pull the boat back on course. How to Perform a J-Stroke j strokes
: New paddlers often "pry" too hard, causing the boat to swerve in the opposite direction. Apply just enough resistance to maintain a straight line. : A less efficient version of the J-stroke