The Ten Maxims of Steering

1. Every act of steering slows a canoe down
2. If a canoe is slowed, it must be accelerated again
3. Only the crew can accelerate the canoe
4. A crew has a limited amount of power and endurance
5. Therefore slowing the canoe (by steering) should be minimized or avoided
6. There is usually more than one way to steer a canoe
7. One way will slow the canoe less than the others
8. If a course can be taken which will reduce the work the crew must do, it should be taken
9. If a turn can be negotiated in a way that reduces the work the crew must do, it should be
10. If the steersperson can add something to the progress of the canoe (i.e. paddle), he or she should

“The primary goal of a steersperson is to provide the best possible conditions for the crew to paddle in” ~Max Steer