Canoe Instruction: Stroke Tips in a Northstar Phoenix and Northwind Solo

[@lizdg3892]

I have so much to learn. Having a Slipstream 13’ composite pack boat made. So excited. I live not to far from the Adirondacks. A veritable playground. This is a great tutorial. Many thanks

[@ianbruce6515]

I recently bought a Northstar Northwind solo. I'm having difficulty getting the results that I'm used to when paddling a loaded tandem canoe solo. I was accustomed to using a c-stroke or the Canadian stroke (I don't like the inefficiency of the J or the Gooney stroke). I was used to tracking straight without having to waste power 'ruddering' at the end of each stroke. I was used to being able to turn in both directions while paddling on one side--without having to use draw strokes and pry strokes. I'm having difficulty getting used to the twitchiness of paddling in the center of the canoe. I find myself using a double paddle because it seems a natural for this boat. I will persevere with the single paddle and hope to adjust to the different experience.

[@HappyPaddlin]

100 more hours of good practice. Are you sitting or kneeling? Slightly heeling? Paddle vertical? Early catch, power from shins to upper thigh?(vs behind hip?). Send me a vid of you paddling!

[@anaverissimo237]

I love this! I want to learn how to row like this

[@theoutdoordad7395]

nice explanation of the strokes, thanks!

[@scottmcdonald1819]

Any insight on how the northwind compares to a swift keewaydin?

[@HappyPaddlin]

I haven’t paddled that model from Swift but for me, I am not thrilled with Epoxy boats like Swift and others. Two reasons...Don’t think it is a safe building situation over the long haul for workers and I don’t want to use or be exposed to epoxy to do my own repairs once damage happens. You can’t repair epoxy boats with vinyl ester resins. Swift boats do look like fun!

[@Reddingadventurehub]

Thx for doing this.

[@EricVandenAkker]

I keep ending up on your videos. Good content, thanks!

[@HappyPaddlin]

Hahaha well, we can't complain about THAT! Thanks a lot for watching

[@vicselixir]

Are those boatbungies you have inside the boat?

[@tombeckett4340]

It sure makes a difference without a keel .🇨🇦👍

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Is this stable enough for fly fishing or would it be a little tippy for that application? Is the Northwind Solo more stable? thanks!

[@HappyPaddlin]

Know plenty of folks that fly cast in both models. Phoenix probably offers a bit more “stability” (dislike that term when applied to a craft vs a person) but I know what ya mean. Both very similar.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

@@HappyPaddlin thanks so much!

[@anaverissimo237]

What type of Paddle are you using:

[@HappyPaddlin]

Bending Branches Sunburst ST in 58”: www.outdoorplay.com/Bending-Branches-Sunburst-ST-Canoe-Paddle

[@theoutdoordad7395]

between these two models, if you were going to do a lot of flatwater paddling with some class Is and IIs mixed in, which would you choose?

[@HappyPaddlin]

For Western IIs (if indeed they are every 4-5th time out) I would prefer a Phoenix IXP. If 10 times the flat water and occasionally do moving water/waves/eddies w good flow, I’d use a Northwind Solo. If I’m bouncing, IXP is my lay-up.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

happy paddlin thanks!

[@theoutdoordad7395]

@@HappyPaddlin what’s the difference between western and eastern classes of whitewater? Western more intense?

[@HappyPaddlin]

Lava Rock!

[@joeladams4779]

Great info. Thank you