Sit centered and keep your weight balanced
Use a J-stroke on the side opposite your steering side
Paddle more on one side to turn the canoe
Use a draw stroke to pull the canoe sideways
Use a pry stroke to push the canoe away from the paddle side
Use a sweep stroke to turn the canoe
Shift your body weight slightly to help with turning
Have the stern paddler control most of the steering
Keep the bow paddler paddling steadily
Use reverse strokes to slow down or change direction
Adjust paddle angle to maintain a straight course
Correct small drifts early with short steering strokes