How to Right a Capsized Canoe
One of the biggest conundrums that anyone can face on the water is trying to flip over a capsized canoe. Fortunately, there are a number of methods that can be used to get the job done, and they are fairly simple and straightforward. However, it’s also important to attend to some important details in order to make these tricks work effectively.
Common Sense Preparedness
For each of the methods that will be described, it’s important to remember to be prepared for the likelihood that your canoe will capsize. Make sure that your paddle or oars are tethered to the side of the boat with some cordage. Make sure that you are wearing an appropriate personal flotation device that is big enough to support your weight. Finally, make sure that you keep all of your valuables in a bag or buoyant container that is tethered to the canoe or kayak as well. The last thing that you want is to lose your gear, paddles or life jackets and end up wasting time and energy trying to collect items as they scatter or sink.
Two-Person Deep Water
Flipping a canoe upright is easy if you have someone with you and BOTH of you are wearing your life jackets. They are necessary to give you the necessary buoyancy to be able to right the canoe. The first step is to position yourselves on either end of the canoe. Next, lift the canoe out of the water by extending your arms upright. Lift high enough so that the hull of the canoe can be cleared as you turn it over. Work together as a choreographed team. Lift together, lift equally-high, rotate and set the canoe back on the water at the same time. The water will drain out as the canoe is righted, you can put your gear back inside and the paddles should be nearby if they are still tethered to the canoe.
One Person Deep Water
This technique requires a bit of strength, dexterity and patience. It is also considerably easier to perform it if you are wearing a sturdy and buoyant life jacket. The first thing to do is to ensure that your paddle is secured to the canoe. Next, you may want to consider cutting away all of your gear from the canoe. This is especially true if you are in a heavy or large canoe. Any added weight will make maneuvering the canoe back into position all the more difficult. However, if you can keep a small survival kit and communication devices separate, they shouldn’t add a lot of weight.
The first thing to do is get directly underneath the canoe and position yourself in the center. Place both hands on either side of the canoe and lift out of the water as high as you possibly can. Try to keep the canoe level. If you notice the canoe leaning forward when you lift, move back. If you see the canoe leaning back, move forward. Once the canoe is high enough to turn, rotate it and it should right itself.
If you can’t lift the canoe, slowly turn and lift it as much as you can to minimize the amount of water that gets trapped inside. Be prepared to quickly bail out water before the canoe sinks, and keep feverishly bailing until it stabilizes. Once the canoe is resting high enough on the water to support your weight, you can climb back in and continue to bail.
Both of these methods require a lot of strength and focus, and it’s better to practice beforehand in order to know exactly what to do if you find yourself in a capsize situation. Remember, no matter what, don’t let go of the canoe. If it can’t be righted, you can still hold on to it as a lifeboat until you can get rescued. You can also work your way toward the shore or into shallower water whenever it is practical to do so. Once you get to the point where you can stand up, it will be easier to right the canoe.
These are just a couple of examples of many ways to right a canoe after it has capsized. Take time to learn more about your options as well as how you can prepare. Remember to always be in a position to sacrifice your gear, and keep essential items separate and secure. The more methods that you learn and practice now can help you to avoid being in a life or death emergency later.
