User:Benjaminmeader

Poling is a method for moving a canoe along a river or shallow lake with a long setting pole. These poles are traditionally made out of ash or spruce, but have been made more modernly out of aluminum and other materials. The setting poles are generally about 12 feet long, and often have shoes on them that differ depending on what kind of riverbed (or lake-bed) the craft is moving over.

Uses
Poling was developed principally as a method for getting upriver more efficiently. Because of the efficiency and hull speed of canoes (even when loaded), poling allows canoeists to work upriver against the current with relative ease when compared to dragging or aggressive paddling. Class I and II rapids can be navigated (up or down or across) reliably by canoeists with moderate experience with a setting pole.

Classic Poling
This style is used by many guides in the north woods of North America as it is relatively easy to fashion a pole out of existing timber nearby whatever stream feature renders a pole necessary. Well crafted poles often include a conical or cylindrical shoe to prevent fraying and splitting of whatever wood was chosen. These poles are usually made out of ash (durable, flexes) or spruce (lighter, stiffer). [Picture?] Classic poling uses one end of the pole, and typically one side of the canoe is favored. This style most often uses a diagonal stance and is good for longer, stable, tripping boats.

Modern Poling
This style has been developed as a competitive sport and as a form of more physical recreation in North America. (Reference?) The lighter poles used in this style are double-ended and require a wider variety of techniques to fine-tune the mechanics of moving up or down river features. Modern poling makes use of the versatility of using both sides of the canoe and multiple stances to move more aggressively upriver.