How to do a J-Stroke

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A J-stroke is a corrective stroke used in single-blade paddling (i.e. canoe) to keep the boat going in a straight line without having to switch sides every few strokes. It’s very commonly used by solo canoers, but equally by the stern (rear) paddler in a two-person boat, since the stern paddler exerts a greater force on the direction of the boat than the bow (front) paddler.

In essence, the J-stroke is really a normal forward stroke with a small addition at the end of the stroke. The forward-stroke element provides the forward momentum; the J part at the end provides some directional correction. Seen from above, the path of the paddle would seem to trace a J shape (when paddling on the left side; a reverse J shape when paddling on the right side).

Before going any farther, remember one useful tip: thumb down. In order to do the J-stroke properly, your top hand will end with your wrist bent forward and your thumb pointing down at the water.

How to do a J-Stroke

do a normal forward stroke (can someone post techniques and tips in another Outdoorsica entry?). Notice the power face of the paddle – that’s the side of the paddle that’s pushing against the water as you stroke.
when the forward stroke is nearly complete and the paddle is just past your body, but with the blade still submerged, rotate the paddle so that the blade is parallel to the boat, with the power face away from the boat. This is essential for a smooth, efficient stroke. In order to rotate properly, you will have had had to bend your top had so that the wrist is bent forward, and the thumb is pointing toward the water. (Rotating the paddle so that the non-power-face of the blade is facing outward is instinctively easier since it requires less bending at the wrist, but it robs your power and efficiency.)
with the paddle blade parallel to the boat, pry the blade away from the boat. Your top hand will exert pressure in toward the boat and the bottom hand will exert pressure away from the boat, though neither hand will move appreciably -- the J-stroke can be very subtle while being very effective. For a very vigorous correction, you may pry the paddle shaft against the gunwale of the boat, but doing this too frequently may damage your boat, your paddle and any fingers you happen to get them caught in between.
perform this blade-outward motion just long enough to correct the turning of the boat. Lift the paddle out of the water as in a normal forward stroke, and do it again.
reminder: when two people are paddling, only the stern paddler uses the J-stroke.