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Canoe Tilting was a sport in which participants standing on canoes attempt to knock each other off and into the water. It has similarities to Log Rolling and Jousting.

Old Rules

A set of rules for canoe tilting was published in 1922 by Ernest Thompson Seton in the book "The Book of Woodcraft and Indian Lore". It is a guide and collection of activities for young scouts.

In this activity, a participant stands in the bow of his boat, holding his wooden spear. The spear is actually a bamboo stick with padded end. His crew bring him within 6 or 8 feet of his rival, and now he endeavors to put him overboard. Points are awarded thus: 

• Forcing your enemy to put one foot down off the seat . . . . . 5
• Forcing your enemy to put two feet down off the seat . . . . . 10
• Forcing your enemy on one knee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Forcing your enemy down on two knees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• Forcing your enemy to lose his spear . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  ... . 10
• Forcing your enemy overboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 25

It is a foul to use the spear as a club or take hold of the enemy's spear with your hand. 

The umpire may dock up to twenty-five points for fouls, or give the round to the other. 

Similar Sports

• Jousting — a medieval sport in which two competitors on horsebacks, wielding long lances with blunted tips try to take down each other.
• Log Rolling — two challengers attempt to stay on a floating log the longest.
• Canoeing — a paddle sport in which the rider kneels or sits facing forward in a canoe.
• Canoe Hurdling — an old sport in which participants in canoes attempt to paddle over logs placed in the water.
• SUP Jousting — a modern twist on medieval jousting, fought with paddleboards and inflatable noodles. [Unusual Sport]

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Related Pages

• About Extinct and Ancient Sports
• List of Extinct Sports
• Complete list of sports