It is worth noting that the artist, Frances Anne Hopkins, was either taking "artistic license" or simply did not know how to paddle. None of the paddles depicted are effectively in the water, and in the middle of rapids no less, where essential control is provided only if the paddle blades are buried in the water, especially by the bow and stern paddlers. The body positions of the other paddlers indicates they are in mid-stroke when paddle blades would normally be completely immersed in the water.
