You could do that, but first climb into the canoe and try to paddle from
that position. The canoe is pretty wide there and will impede your strokes
some on most canoes. Instead try paddling the canoe backwards from the front
paddlers position. Now the paddling stroke is not impeded by the canoes
width. Put all your gear in front of you and it will balance fairly well.
I have a solo canoe and even on them you're not in the center while
paddling.