Portages for Carrying the Canoe
When the weight of the canoe does not exceed 65 lb., it is easily carried by placing the paddle blades over the center thwart, the ends under the next after thwart and lashing them securely in place; then placing a sweater or coat over the shoulder to form a pad on which to rest the paddles to carry the canoe in an inverted position. However, when long portages must be undertaken the “neck yoke,” or the pneumatic canoe yoke, may be used. The neck yoke is fashioned from a block of pine, or other soft wood, to fit the curve of the shoulders, and the ends fit in the grooves made in the gunwales; or small pieces of wood may be screwed to the under side of the gunwale to serve the same purpose. The pneumatic cushion, which fits around the neck and is provided with straps to secure the paddles in position, is well-liked by some canoeists, but the wood neck yoke fits so well that it is hard to find a good substitute. A large and heavy craft can be easily carried by two men by turning the craft bottom side up and resting the weight on the back and shoulders. If the man at the stern lets the gunwale rest on his shoulders and his companion lower the front thwart to rest against his neck and shoulders, both may carry a light pack of duffle and will have a clear view of the trail ahead.