: As the blade reaches your hip, start the "J" motion. Rotate your top hand so that your thumb points downward or toward the bow.
Are you planning to use this for or as the stern paddler in a tandem canoe? How to Do a J-Stroke - Canoe Technique j strokes
For more advanced maneuvers, you might want to look into paddling guides for the C-stroke or expert advice on solo paddling . : As the blade reaches your hip, start the "J" motion
: New paddlers often "pry" too hard, causing the boat to swerve in the opposite direction. Apply just enough resistance to maintain a straight line. How to Do a J-Stroke - Canoe Technique
: Turn the power face of the paddle away from the canoe. This puts the blade in a vertical position where the water provides resistance, acting as a rudder to nudge the stern away and straighten the bow.
: Begin with a standard forward stroke by rotating your torso and planting the paddle blade ahead of your knees. Pull the paddle straight back toward your hip to gain momentum.
: 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).