Canoeing off the bow? Bewildering! (7)

I believe the answer is:

addling

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'bewildering' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for addling that I've seen before include "Taking order from" , "Becoming rotten" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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