For a different take on poling see the wall st journal article on punting/poling in Cambridge England causing a furor/ripple.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-cambridge-punting-rules-push-forward-raising-a-ripple-1448571585
Disclaimer I have poled a flats skiff in search of redfish but never poled a canoe
http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-cambridge-punting-rules-push-forward-raising-a-ripple-1448571585
Disclaimer I have poled a flats skiff in search of redfish but never poled a canoe