Path of the Paddle: Solo Basic

Directed by Bill Mason · Starring Bill Mason · 1977

Canoeist Bill Mason demonstrates the fundamental strokes of solo paddling, using animated lines to show exactly how a lone paddler steers and controls a canoe on Canadian waters.

A beloved NFB classic that turns a canoe lesson into a serene, lyrical celebration of water and wilderness.

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason illustrates the joy and poetry of paddling solo. All the basic strokes used to control the canoe are rendered with perfect clarity through animated lines.

Plays in YouTube's player · Watch on YouTube