If you paddle on one side of a boat will the boat go in circle?

Question

Myself and some ladies I work with are debating this. Please help. It would be great if you could give me maybe a website or something to support your answer so I can prove them wrong. :) Thanks

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

Yes.

Answer 3

Yes and no! A straight left side forward stroke with the blade perpendicular to the boat axis will turn the boat to the right. It is possible to angle the blade while stroking to effect a straight course. A J-stroke uses a flip at its finish to correct direction.  Whitewater boaters do a few strokes on the right side and then a few on the left to maintain a straight course with no loss of efficiency.

Answer 4

Depending on a few variables- will the area of water that your in allow for that - are there currents/ wind gusts too shallow of water...etc.

Answer 5

Eventually down the line you'd be making a circle, paddling on one side of the boat would give it the momentum on say, the right side and slowly turning into a gradual circle.