# Stern Strokes for Tandem Canoes

Part of the Whitewater Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/index.md)

*4. Calm-Water Skill Building*

> **4a2.** Demonstrate the following strokes in the stern: stern draw, stern pry, sculling draw, and forward with stern pry.

The stern paddler is often the closer on a tandem team. These strokes help the back paddler steer, trim angle, and keep the canoe from wandering after the bow initiates the move.

### Stern draw

A stern draw pulls the stern sideways toward the paddle. That changes the canoe's angle and can help line the hull up for the next move.

### Stern pry

A stern pry pushes the stern away from the paddle side. It is a key correction stroke when the canoe starts turning too much or drifting off the intended line.

### Sculling draw

At the stern, a sculling draw gives sustained sideways correction without needing a series of abrupt strokes. It is useful when you want steady control and a smooth-feeling boat.

### Forward with stern pry

This combines forward power with built-in correction. It is one of the most useful tandem habits because it helps the canoe keep moving while staying straight.

> **Tip**
>
> A great stern paddler does not wait for the canoe to be obviously crooked. Small, early corrections keep the whole boat feeling calm and efficient.

**Good stern mechanics** — What makes these strokes look controlled

- [ ] **Quiet corrections**: Small changes work better than dramatic oversteering.
- [ ] **Forward momentum**: The canoe should not stall every time you correct.
- [ ] **Partnership**: Stern corrections should complement what the bow paddler is doing.
- [ ] **Boat response**: The stern should guide the hull, not wobble it.

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- Previous: [Bow Strokes for Tandem Canoes](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req4a1/index.md)
- Next: [Bracing a Tandem Canoe](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req4a3/index.md)