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Here is a list, with vivid descriptions, of 35 canoe strokes. All your favourites are here, including the J-stroke, C-stroke, draw, pry and sweep. But included are a whole bunch of specialized strokes like the slice, the thumb-up rudder, sculling draw, the high and low brace and the Cross Stationary Bow Draw (also known as a Duffek). Each stroke comes with what amounts to a little three part poem about its execution, such as this one for the cross stationary bow draw:

Dervala mentioned in her comments that she has perfected her solo J-stroke. I can tell you that once you have mastered that, it’s a skill you never forget, like riding a bike.

Stepping into a sleek cedar strip canoe on a misty morning with glassy black water beneath me is the best heart medicine there is.