How I set up my new Northstar Phoenix Solo Canoe

The Northstar Phoenix in IXP is about one of the most versatile solo canoes ever made! However, without flotation, you aren’t safe or taking advantage of everything the Phoenix wants you to do.
I show you how I like to do a simple set up for my Phoenix with floatation from Northstar Canoes. I prefer to use Northstar’s trapezoid kneeling pad for myself because I like to move in the boat and sometimes I will have a dog ride in the cockpit area and glued-in knee pads get in the way and don’t let me move side to side.
I carry all of this gear in the Happy Paddlin’ “Canoe Cathedral” so that you can make your new Solo deep water and moving water safe.
I would love to hear comments from people that have their own way of doing things. There is definitely no one way to do this, and I love seeing some of the heavy attention to detail that some folks employ!
Reach me, Ethan, at www.happypaddlin.com

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

I love my Phoenix. I don't trip with it, instead only day outings, and no class 2 to speak of... but I love that setup.

[@amicusmedicus]

Note....I didn't realize there was outdoor vs. regular weldwood. What seemed like it worked fine,......I'm in Arkansas and it's hot here....came unglued and will be redoing with G-flex. I'm not sure if the outdoor wildwood would hold up to the high temps any better, but when riding on the roof of my truck and 95+ degrees....just didn't keep the "stick".

[@dmaran2073]

Ethan, perfect timing on this vid as I need to do this to my Phoenix. Please do a follow-up so we can see your progress and results. Thanks man!

[@tkeefe0601]

Is there a significant advantage to using the nylon airbags they offer vs the vinyl coated you have? I've been considering the eyelets as well but it seems like I'd have to special order the canoe to get them. Do you think it's worth special ordering and paying extra or just getting the $40 kit from Northstar and installing them yourself? I live near Lake Superior and have been considering setting one of these up pretty much the same way (albeit with smaller airbags to leave room for gear and a spray skirt) for the big water and some of the whitewater rivers around home.