The Daring Book for Girls - Andrea J. Buchanan [85]
Two-person canoeing is a delicate dance whereby the person at stern steers and gives directions while the person at bow paddles, changing sides at will to keep the boat in its line.
When you paddle alone it is essential to know the J-stroke, which, by means of a small flip at the end, keeps the boat in a straight line. The J-stroke is just that. As you paddle on the left side, draw the letter J (see the canoe illustration). On the right side, it will look like a mirror-image J, or a fishhook. In other words, put the paddle in the water close to the canoe, and before your forward stroke ends, turn the paddle out and away from the boat; that’s the J. Then lift the paddle out of the water, and ready it to start again.
Some beginning canoers constantly move the paddle from right to left sides, but that’s a quick way to tire your arms. Using a C-stroke to steer will allow you to paddle to one side more of the time. Start as with a forward stroke, but trace a C (on the left, or its mirror image on the right) in the water. When you do this, turn the blade so it’s nearly parallel to the water.
This next stroke has many names, crossback being one of them. It’s a stop. Drag the blade into the water and hold it still. Really, really hold the paddle tight against the water’s rush. This stops the boat. It also turns it to that side, but this is not a suggested way to turn, since it slows the boat down too much.
One final stroke is perfect for when you find yourself in a cove with no company other than a family of sea otters and two seals nestling on the nearby rock. The quietest possible stroke will break no water and make no sound. Put the paddle in the water and keep it there, making a figure eight, over and again.
Now, in the big scheme of life, all you need is a boat and a paddle. In real life, some additional gear is essential, the first being a lifejacket. It’s itchy and annoying and you’ll be tempted to leave it on shore. Don’t. Please. It will save your life in a storm. In a less dire circumstance, if you tip, it will give you a leg up as you grab your paddle and pull yourself into your boat.
Drinking water is necessary, and, last but not least, bring a rope. Ropes are key to canoe adventures. You might find a stray canoe that needs to be towed to shore, or need to tie the canoe to a tree while you explore a riverbank. Perhaps the tide has gone out in a creek and you need to hop out of the boat and pull your canoe back to deeper waters. Lifejacket, water, rope, and you’re set.
Last tips: In general, the closer to the boat you paddle, the straighter it will go. To turn, paddle farther from the boat. Crouch low in the boat when getting in and out. Read the tide charts so you know where the water is.
Breathe deep, paddle smart, and enjoy your voyage.
The Ultimate Scooter
Handlebar Scooter
THIS SCOOTER is not only about racing down the street and zooming around corners, it’s a chance to build an impressive wood-and-bolts project. (But once you do get to the racing and zooming around, don’t forget to use a helmet!)
Here is a detailed game plan for making a handlebar scooter with three wheels. It’s just like the metal scooters, except it doesn’t fold, and the platform angles up a bit. So that you won’t have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, know that we found these wood sizes and bolts more easily at smaller lumberyards and hardware stores.
Rest assured that even with perfectly sized materials, problems will arise. Directions will be misread, a hole mismeasured, an incorrect bolt purchased. The secret to woodwork is to experience the problem and unearth the solution. Measure again. Redrill the hole two inches down. Cut a new piece of wood. Professional carpenters solve problems like these and worse all day long. If something goes wrong, don’t fret, you’re in good company. Take the problem and solve it.
WHAT YOU NEED
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♦ Three scooter wheels, 4 inches, or 100 mm,