Corridors - Index

Here is a great way to illustrate why a canoe is hard to get started paddling in a straight line and what can be done to make it easier to make that happen.

I prepare for this lesson by suspending a canoe in a tree from a large overhanging limb (see illustration below) with enough room in the area to accommodate the class. Avoid damaging the tree by dropping a rope with a caribiner to create a pulley. I use a Z-drag (a block and tackle mechanism) to make it easier to hoist the canoe.

I tie on a T shaped bar in the center of the canoe so that I can apply force in the places where a paddler could if they were in the canoe (see this illustration). 

This arrangement can also be used to illustrate the concept of paddle leverage by standing at the end of the canoe and measuring the distance the end of canoe swings if you grab the canoe and gently push it as far away as your arms extend - then move closer to the center of the canoe and repeat the push. The end of the canoe will move a greater distance when you apply the force closer to the center. This illustrates the difference between gaining mechanical advantage by applying paddle force near the bow or stern and moving a greater distance at the expense of more energy by keeping the paddle closer to the paddler. Paddlers can see that if they apply paddle force near the end of the canoe, they can overcome strong current or wind, but if they apply force closer to the center of the canoe, it can be moved a greater distance.