Canoe Instruction: Water-walking at Sparks Lake in my new Northstar Northwind Solo

I’ve been asked to get into more #solocanoe Instruction lately so receiving my new Northwind Solo from Northstar Canoes was a good reason to get out. I was looking for a quiet spot so I figured being the last dummy to try to paddle a too shallow lake in Central Oregon’s Cascade Mtns would be the ticket to find a quiet spot to film.
This lake is usually just mobbed with paddlers but I found a really sweet location at the end of the lake to film and have a bit of fun, including some music at the end. Didn’t see another person all day!
I hope you enjoyed the view.
This day I was using:
Northwind Solo BlackLite E6 Trim
Bending Branches Sunburst ST 58”
CCS Padded Seat w Saddlebags
Trapezoid Pad from Northstar
Stohlquist 2022 Rocker PFD
CG Habitats Soledo Sunshirt
My favorite yellow rubber boots that make me smile when I put them on.
See all this gear and more here:
www.HappyPaddlin.com
#canoe #paddle #happypaddlin #bendingbranches #paddling

[@daughterdad007]

Impressive. I appreciate the instructions and can hardly wait for spring thaw to try these on a trip. :)

[@SawsetTools]

Bought a Northwind Solo. Looking forward to try it out.

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

Ethan, you did an amazing job with this video....thoroughly enjoyed every minute, all the instruction, scenery and the singing playing at the end....made my day!!!

[@HappyPaddlin]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed. Yours coming Monday!

[@bullcave42]

Haha…this video just reminded my scattered brain of your past message about going paddling!

[@HappyPaddlin]

Headed to waldo tomorrow for the weekend. 🦟🦟🦟🦟

[@jimburns6528]

This is a very good instruction video, it impressed me, nice work. I am book marking this to send to paddlers that ask me how to do more advanced turns.

[@HappyPaddlin]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ToolEnvy]

Thank you SO much. Been looking for a good intro tutorial on using/combining some of these strokes. Super helpful.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Beautiful boat great stuff!

[@bradburden8915]

Great tips! Beautiful boat too! ;)

[@GnarSpot]

Duuuuuuude that rock you hit 💀 Great video!!! 👏

[@andfletcher55]

Beautiful canoe. I have a Bell Magic that I absolutely love. I can't decide if I should get a Northwind solo or a Phoenix for my next canoe. 🤔

[@HappyPaddlin]

That’s always a tough decision between those two when I go into my shed! Probably go with the one you can get in this market!

[@mlinder2000]

Another great video bud. Thanks for the solo instructional tips👍

[@jimeagling7508]

Very beneficial, thanks

[@tonywrobleski5185]

Great video bro thanks

[@mountainpaddler2242]

yeah man, this must've been the video you were telling me about while we were talking about the used Magic. Thanks for the content. BTW, you were right, I'm already in the market for some add-ons.

[@HappyPaddlin]

Now you are at the table so it’s easy to keep playing! Hope you are having fun with the new (to you) canoe! Send some pics or tag us!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice to meet you you the other day.

[@VK-vm4xe]

Excellent video instruction! 👍 Where can I book you to sing and play in my canoe party? 😁

[@donbushek733]

I am a novice to solo boats and just got a Northwind Solo last year. It’s difficult to say how valuable this video was to me. THANKS. Would a bent shaft paddle make any of these maneuvers more difficult? How about an Ottertail or Fishell Ray’s Special?

[@HappyPaddlin]

Thanks. Bent shaft can’t do the in-water return to palm roll bc you switch load faces each time and so 1/2 of the time the bent shaft will be going the wrong way. I’m not a big beaver tail user out here bc the volcanic rocks eat them up and deep water paddling is more rare here. I’m less concerned about the shape of the blade as I am about how knife like the sides are for smooth in-water return strokes. I’m smaller so big blades aren’t for me and my worn out shoulders.

[@NikonF5user]

Guessing it wouldn't be quite as nimble, but do you find you can maneuver the Magic similarly to what you're doing with the NW Solo here???

[@HappyPaddlin]

The Magic is shallower and harder to kneel in for most to begin with intended more for sitting by design. Some folks will set up I. The higher position and kneel but it is still harder on the knees/ankles for most even w seats mounted high. It doesn’t lean to the gunnel quite the same and has 1/2 the rocker. However, all the same strokes apply and for touring in the Magic, there isn’t the need to spin anyhow! I do a comparison vid of the two on this channel.

[@johndeguise8494]

What brand and length is your paddle?

[@HappyPaddlin]

Bending Branches Sunburst 58” Straight (I’m 6 ft).