Northstar Solo Canoe Demo Sessions: Which Northstar Solo Canoe wins?

During the closures caused from the pandemic, I spent more time in the water 1 on 1 with paddler friends trying to make their best purchase decision. Seems like we will start getting back to “demo days” soon but for many, the internet has become the place to do initial research.
The goal of this video is to show you entry and intermediate solo paddlers trying out the Northstar Solos. I’ve come to find that even my best hunches one which canoe is going to be the winner isn’t always the case. That’s why these are fun! I always learn!
The Northstar Magic, NW Solo, Trillium, Phoenix, Firebird and ADK Solo are all shown in this video.

[@plmn93]

I am a bit surprised to see the magic preferred in a river. Honestly when watching videos the differences seem pretty subtle and I am probably overthinking it. I've viewed many of your videos this week and they have been very helpful, thanks for putting them out here.

[@HappyPaddlin]

I was too with this gent but he had his “Eureka” moment for sure with the magic that day. These little private demos are fun to witness. I like to go into it with a hunch and then see if I was right. This day I was also surprised but I get it bc the glide of the magic is fun. Was out today with a fellow who owns a phoenix but just bought a NW Solo and was paddling it today. Asked him if it felt different. He said “100%””…a lot of which just had to do with the slightly lower seat position in the NW solo compared to his Phoenix. Spring knees can be fast to tell you things!

[@T3PinR]

I love my Firebird ..... & I love your videos

[@HappyPaddlin]

Firebird in July is my plan!

[@Kodiakbait]

Just a suggestion- your on-screen text is too short and that important info disappears before it can all be read. Leave it on long enough that it can be read three times.

[@HappyPaddlin]

Good suggestion. Thanks. I'm definitely strong on info and light on video editing skills! But, this one is older so I think I'm getting a little bit better! Thanks for watching and taking time to give feedback! Will 100% make those changes going forward.

[@erik683]

I'm looking at getting a pack boat this year and I am drawn to the 10' and 12' boats for their weight and compactness. But it seems everyone I talk to is pushing me away from them because I will be on moving waters a good amount. I'm a very light guy and don't need room for gear. Are 10' boats (wee lassie or Adirondack style) really that bad at handling moving waters?

[@HappyPaddlin]

As most questions like this it is all about the Captain. But, sitting down low does lower your visibility vs a standard canoe position. You also don’t have as much reach. They are lower in height so in waves you may get more water and lastly, you only have your rear and back as contact points so unlike a kayak you can’t use your thighs/hips for control or knees like you would kneeling in a canoe. As far as weight, anything sub 30 lbs really doesn’t get your attention when lifting I have found.

[@MissChanandler_Bong]

Where we’re you on Father’s Day?

[@HappyPaddlin]

Oregon Coast!

[@awdriven]

Awesome that you’re giving customers this kind of sales support in choosing their boat. 👍🏻

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

The magic was magic for him, lol! Great customer support!

[@Pk-kp7sn]

Those hard rudder corrections at the end of a would be J are not what I would call subtle.

[@HappyPaddlin]

Folks learning the joy of solo paddling! Can be a life’s work to get down right? I find that like music, the really good players don’t expound or preach on it but meet their jam mates where they may be in the given moment. 😃🛶

[@tericavanaugh1931]

I'm picking up my Magic from the Adirondacks next week. Stoked!

[@T3PinR]

Raquette River Outfitters?

[@HappyPaddlin]

Getting mine ready for the Green River this fall!

[@HappyPaddlin]

Can’t wait to hear how you like it!

[@michaeltina3869]

where is this? beautiful! Oregon right? i would be very interested in atrip that takes me to remote sections of a river like that! Currently looking at used northstar boats and Bell as well. Trying to find the best fit for my price range!

[@HappyPaddlin]

Central Oregon mostly upon the Deschutes River. My local watering hole!

[@harrishbucklin401]

More Phoenix !

[@HappyPaddlin]

You are right. Have something coming though!

[@k______________________]

How would you do lacing for a Northwind Solo Blacklite with the E6 cf gunwales? Drilling below the gunwales is an option but def scary! NSC sells daisy chains but that’d be some nasty gluework. Should I just man up and get drilling ? 😀

[@CampfireKodiak]

It's time to man up! Measure twice drill once.

[@NikonF5user]

In what layup was that red NW solo built?!? I didn't think they used any pigments in their boats!

[@HappyPaddlin]

That was a red Whitegold. I have received a StarLite in the same red recently for a customer.

[@NikonF5user]

@@HappyPaddlin I did not know that they would do layups in any colors! Did they tint the clear coat on the starlite, or is it a gel coat? I'd be curious to know whether that adds weight...

[@HappyPaddlin]

It adds a bit of weight. Red or green only. Clear coat still, tinted. So, you are looking through a a bit of extra polyester fabric that is tinted. Adds a bit of weight. No gel coat. Still a skin coat. Not really something they do a lot of and may be offline w production pending their production demand. It was normal w Whitegold and didn’t add weight but w StarLite, it would add weight which is a bit counter right why folks buy StarLite. But, looks cool for sure.

[@Thestripper1]

The Phoenix doesn't want to end up in videos for some reason.

[@HappyPaddlin]

It’s in several others. Probably should give it some more air time! Coming soon!

[@Thestripper1]

@@HappyPaddlin Is it? do you have a link

[@HappyPaddlin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJWypZiHj7eDkK8

[@marathonkev]

Looking for a solo canoe that I'd like do a lot of fishing out of. I'll be in lakes almost entirely. I'm 5'10" 170 pounds. Thoughts?

[@HappyPaddlin]

Sit/kneel preference? Gear? Pets? You are close to the same size as me.

[@marathonkev]

@@HappyPaddlin Hello. Just basic fishing tackle! A few rods/tackle box etc. No pets! Sitting would be my preference!

[@HappyPaddlin]

If Northstar, check out the NW Solo and get a footbrace. But, if you just want a utilitarian fishing machine, you might like that Wenonah Basswood solo. The latter is not that inspiring of a paddle but it’s stable and rigged to fish. If weight isn’t a concern then you can look used for old Royalex wilderness from Wenonah. Clipper solitude if you can find one. I have plenty of friends that fish o out of a nw solo but they also paddle for enjoyment too.

[@marathonkev]

@@HappyPaddlin Thanks! Yes….weight is a factor so I can get it in and off my car easily. I’ll do checking on both models you mentioned! Thanks much 😊

[@marathonkev]

What makes the Wenonah more rigged for fishing? Different gunwales or ? Thx

[@woofna1948]

Hard to say which canoe wins when the paddlers are entry-level, but it sure showcases the value of taking some lessons in paddling technique.

[@HappyPaddlin]

So proud of all these new paddlers! Solo canoes offer a lifetime of learning. I’ve been able to hear from or personally observe the improvements of several of these paddlers. Several came to “Canoe Paddler’s Rendezvous” this summer in Bend where we paddled together for a few days. Neatest for me was the sharing of new friendship, info and skills between the newer paddlers and the seasoned paddlers! Maybe as thrilling as learning is sharing what you’ve learned right?!