PADDLING -- A video of a man's canoe ballet is a peaceful end of the week and a reminder of what a little practice with a paddle can accomplish.

The video is from the 2007 Mid-West Freestyle Canoe competition.

American Freestyle canoeing is the art of paddling a canoe on flat water with perfect control of its movements. The canoe is usually leaned over to the side to help the boat turn sharply and efficiently and paddle strokes are taken on either side of the canoe depending on the individual move. Balance, paddle placement and turn initiation are a few keys to this control. Since the movements seem dance-like, some practice this art timed to music, which is the ultimate in control.