First, carefully step into the center of the canoe, keeping your center of gravity low. If you’re in the bow position, at the fr
ont of the canoe, you’ll be setting the pace for the other paddlers. The person in the stern, at the back of the boat, is the one who steers. To begin paddling, put your right palm over the top of the paddle handle. Use your left hand to grasp the bottom of the paddle’s neck (which is also the top of the blade). Holding on tightly with the top hand, slide the paddle straight down into the water at the left side of the canoe, perpendicular to the boat. Use the blade to pull the water straight back for your first stroke. Then lift the paddle, and as you do, turn it so it’s parallel to the water. This creates less wind resistance. Move the paddle back to the starting position, slip it into the water, and take another stroke. What would be the best introductory sentence to add to this paragraph?
A. Learning to paddle a canoe is not difficult if you follow these easy steps.
B. If you are sitting at the stern, you will need to learn how to use your paddle to steer.
C. Rowboats are harder to operate than canoes because you have to handle two oars.
D. Paddle slowly and steadily because otherwise you will get tired very quickly.
