Northwoods Stroke (an alternative) - canoeing

After some time searching and talking to other paddlers I have found many references to a ‘Northwoods’ stroke without a consistent explanation. My interpretation is a short correction stroke, generally following the pattern of a Canadian stroke. This makes the stroke primarily for a solo paddling, or sterning when tandem. The grip hand has more movement, following a circular pattern, than the shaft hand. The shaft hand provides a fulcrum point. The stroke has similarities to the ‘traditional’ or ‘punch’ stroke as taught by Paddle Canada and described by Becky Mason. The grip hand is typically palmed across the grip, with fingers and thumb on one side, rather than on top - a ‘Northwoods’ paddle grip is long and flat providing a platform for the palm. A typical Northwoods paddle is longer than a more traditional paddle making the cross grip both more comfortable and easier to use. I don’t see that a ‘Northwoods’ grip is required, but it does make it easier and more comfortable.
In this video the paddle is relatively upright, with heavier longer paddles the shaft may be rested on the gunwale or leg during the recovery portion. I have used a shorter otter tail because that is what I have, eventually I will add a paddle with a Northwoods grip to my collection.
Different authors and instructors have the blade more upright or more horizontal (further from the canoe). Some expound the stroke kneeling in a heeled canoe, others use a more upright and seated position. Several people have talked about this being a stroke that people gravitate to after years of long tripping experience. A few indicate it is only for calm (windless) lake travel, others claim to use the stroke in many conditions. Although the short length of the stroke is consistent the support for the shaft (and shaft hand) during recovery is quite variable from resting on the leg, or gunwale, to not touching the gunwale or leg at all. The difference, although not exclusively, is between the upright seated paddlers and the solo/heeled paddlers.
In short, the ‘Northwoods’ stroke seems to be open for a lot of interpretation - this is mine. An alternative that I use sometimes with a lower angle and probably closer to the envisioned 'Northwoods' by most is: • Northwoods Stroke - ca... .

[@ScottOethatBullMoosePatrol]

Charles, I'm a fan of your paddling videos. Really love seeing the fancy paddling in the Grumman! You really show it's about the skills, not the gear. I'm a Minnesota based paddler, but am also a Maine Guide, and have done quite a few trips there with veteran Maine Guides who seem to be regarded as the bearers of the fabled "Northwoods Stroke." I think you're correct, there is plenty of room for interpretative and style differences from person to person. That said, I see a few differences between the stroke as you're demonstrating it, and the way those with deep roots in the Maine guiding tradition perform it. Primarily, the Mainers seem to have more of a forward rocking lean into the stroke with their upper body, and their lower hand has almost no movement, pure fulcrum. You appear to maintain a vertical torso, and your lower hand is drawing back through the stroke. Jane Baron (who guided with the Conovers, who in turn credit old time Guide Mick Fahey with much of their style) teaches it this way, and it's also how Chip Cochrane, a third generation Allagash Guide, paddles. I got to watch Chip paddle 90 miles on the Allagash last year, his rocking rhythm is almost hypnotic.
I hope to get up to Manitoba to improve my Canadian Style before too long! For what it's worth, I like playing around with my version of the Northwoods stroke, but the "Canadian J" is a much more natural long distance cruising stroke for me. -Scott

[@CharlesBurchill]

Thanks for the comments - I agree that more rocking in body would be closer to what I envision as well. I have another short clip that should be closer (this is why the 'alternative' is in parentheses see: ua-cam.com/video/Gk9YKE4hHnU/v-deo.html) - still too much motion in lower grip hand.