How To Lift a Canoe By Yourself
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| Little Man, Big Canoe |
How-to Title: Lift a Canoe By Yourself
Explanation: When done correctly, and this does take some practice, the one person canoe lift can be easier and less cumbersome than with two people. First – squat down next to the canoe with knees almost touching the canoe and with the canoe yoke pointing to the left. That will be the direction you are going to walk (I think this is true for most canoes). Use a good squat with your back straight and chin up. Second – grab the canoe gunnels with an overhand grip and lift the canoe up onto your thighs. Third – holding tight with your left hand, grab the yoke where it meets the canoe closest to you with your right hand – palm pointing to the left. Then grab the yoke where it meets the canoe on the far side with your left hand – palm pointing right. Fourth – take a little bounce and pull the canoe over your head with your left arm AND (this is where most people go wrong) remember to push up with your right arm at the same time. This will get the canoe over your head where you can gently bring it down on to your shoulders. As you do this, slide your hands out in front of you to a comfortable position to help balance the canoe. My canoe is a 17′ Old Town Penobscot – about 65 pounds.
