Solo Canoe Paddling Tips

[@OutriggerRugger]

Going on my first canoe trip in many years this weekend and will be soloing. Thank you for the needed refresher.

[@tombeckett4340]

I’ve seen a lot of people use a kayak paddle in a canoe. It really helps you especially in the wind. Thanks 👍🇨🇦

[@Paddling_Adventures]

Great explanation of the strokes, I have been teaching the J stroke to scouts for years and your demonstration of the J and Goony make it so clear. I will be sharing this video with our scout troop and venture company.

[@lisasheehanshaw7360]

Thanks! You are an excellent relaxed instructor. I've learned so much from you. Heading out after the lockdown for my first back country paddle trip. 👍👍

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Kevin: Good to see your new canoe. I've been using a Bob's Special (blue Steel) for about 10 years. Last year I had Nova Craft replace the ash gunnels with plastic( lot less maintenance) .for the last 17 years I have gone on a 2 week solo in September. This year thanks to your last video I will try the Noganosh area. Thanks for the tips. Brian 76

[@brianadventures9622]

Thanks for the tips, Kevin! I'm picking up my new to me Wenonah tonight, pretty excited.

[@twoweelr]

I solo with my prospector 16. It's the canoe I've had since childhood. Glad to see someone else making proper use of the paddle. Makes for a relaxing trip.

[@timhill1879]

You make some very good points Kevin. Your video, like your books, is simple and well presented, thank you for sharing your thoughts. For me, a solo trip is a spiritual experience. It is such a thrill to be out on your own and feel at home in nature and comfortable in your own skin. And it must be said that it is very important to get proper training and gain the experience and skills required before going out on a solo canoe trip but I think it may be even more important to be aware of your limitations and not exceed them when you are out there alone. I like the way Bill Mason put it in his film "Water Walker"... "I've been told by plenty of people that solo tripping is dangerous but I've never been told that by anyone who has ever done it."

[@1ReneDumont]

Hey Kevin, I hope you’re having a great time paddling so far this year. Just a quick note to thank you again for answering my questions, I truly appreciate your help. I ended up ordering a bob special and I’m hoping I will get it soon. Happy trails! René

[@allans7281]

Good video I like the hands- on instruction I have the old town 146 with the flat bottom come out navigate over lite swells if you use proper technique?

[@cjentertainmentcanada8623]

Great video. I love learning from your canoe and camping tips. (Both in print and film.)

[@ShayneBrazeau]

Learnt a lot through your videos. Finally got my own canoe this week! Thanks for all the help

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. What canoe did you get?

[@ShayneBrazeau]

@@TheHappyCamper I ended up getting a 15’ esquif prospector.

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@ShayneBrazeau Nice!

[@Super64heavy]

I'm a new subscriber to your Channel and thoroughly enjoy your videos. This was a good review a basic paddle Strokes that my son and I can use this weekend. Happy paddling from your Southern brethren

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

I've done several solo trips of several days and it is the best. I have also done many trips with other people and that is also good. Any paddling is good. However, in regards to paddles and strokes.... over the past 15 plus years now of more intensive paddling (I have done many more years of less paddling) I use a double ended paddle and I find that is the most versatile. I actually have two long canoe paddles that are connected at their handles - overlapped by about 40 cms or so - as I find that this gets me the length that I want and I can also adjust them if necessary. Also they are much cheaper than a purpose made kayak paddle. Happy paddling!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Double blade is a good choice. I've tried it as well. I change up depending on the trip.

[@seannscott7206]

I usually do the J stroke but will be trying the Canadian tomorrow morning while solo paddling my 20 year old Scott 16' prospector. I've spent lots of time on the water but am self taught for strokes. Thanks so much for showing me this, and I love your videos. so keep the coming. Cheers from Kingston.

[@UguysRnuts]

I enjoyed this little instructional more than any other video you've done for one simple reason. You weren't being goofy.

[@TheNeedledriver]

Thanks for this video! The timing of this is perfect as I'm currently planning out my first ever solo trip!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Have a great adventure

[@lukeswain1752]

How'd it go??

[@runmarkrunheinrich]

We're of similar vintage - I appreciate your thoughts on a solo trip.

[@alexs3447]

Welcome to the bob club ! Have been paddling the bob special ( ultralight hull and ash trim ) since 1990 .Saw it at a sportsman show and thought that canoe is for me. Use it for solo and tandem trips. Anyone who has paddled it ,whether experienced or not has liked it.All your pts about solo tripping are well taken but i would add i tend to do better on the fishing ( speckles in Algonquin) than with a partner. Probably related to the fish when you want and as long as you want idea. THough i am forced off the lake with little chop compared to a tandem team . Another observation is that you see more wildlife alone , probably due to noise made from talking to a canoe partner. Its the ultimate goal for any canoer really , to acquire the skills and confidence to solo trip.

[@RasOntario]

Great tips! There is something very special about canoeing/paddling, it's a timeless thing. Catching fish out of the canoe is a lot of fun also, going into back lakes and exploring places not seen by traditional travel.

[@adkkev]

We have solo canoes (Wenonah Wee Lassies) & use the double blade (kayak) paddles. We love them because they're light yet very stable. No overnights yet, just day trips but we hope to get in an overnight sometime soon. And thanks for all the great videos!

[@OntarioWoodlandAdventures]

Great video Kevin, very informative.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks.

[@JoeOutdoors]

So there are names for the strokes I use! Cool!! Thank You for sharing!

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Hey Kevin, do you store your canoes year round outside? Even in winter? Do you do anything special to winterized them ?

[@TheHappyCamper]

I have to store them outdoors since I don't have the room for indoor storage. It's not perfect, but it's what I have. I have learned to not put tarps over any boat since that causes more moisture build up. And I have to oil all the wooden gunwales every spring and sometimes apply marine polish to the hauls.

[@josephallen19]

Great video, thanks!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks Joe

[@Vincent-bu6bj]

!!!

[@MariskaHargitay-19]

Is this so old you weren’t even the great Joe Robinet yet? :p

[@rafalgwozdz3564]

Hi Kevin, I really appreciate your advice you give in your videos. I have a quick question regarding solo canoing. I am planning my first solo trip in Algonquin. I am not the greatest swimmer and was wondering if I should tie down my backpack in the canoe in case I flip the canoe. I don't want my backpack to sink and I also want to be able to recover the canoe. I really don't know who to ask and I value your opinion.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I'd suggest to tie it loose from a short rope with a clip on one end - to easily detach it if needed.

[@rafalgwozdz3564]

@@TheHappyCamper thank you so much. Thanks a great idea!

[@carnellac7439]

Why go on a solo Trip! You named all of my reasons. I love it! I take my dog though for company. Thanks for a great video.

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

Great Tips Kevin.... I started getting dizzy with the Canoe doing all those circles.

[@mikeodonovan7325]

great video great advice really enjoyed this thanks for putting it up

[@johnathonayles1114]

Nice instructional video, sitting in the front seat like that is how I solo my old Scott Canoe. Although I have not managed to do a solo trip yet. It is something I want to do soon. Cheers, John

[@timgordon3716]

Kevin, great video. I would love to see a video on "solo" tripping with smallish children. Starting this spring I will be taking the kids on some 3 or 4 night flat water trips. My kids are great campers, but limited as paddlers :) trying to figure out the right length/design of canoe for this purpose keeps me glued to the internet, but not much advice out there.

[@runmarkrunheinrich]

My folks took me on my first trip when I was 8...back in 1976. Don't be too ambitious - take a trip to spend time together, not to have an expedition. Let them participate, give them tasks at portages - their own small pack and paddles. Leave plenty of day for fishing, throwing rocks, picking berries etc.

[@ProdigiousReturn]

I have the exact same situation. Except I am a single parent of 3 children under 8. I ended up with a Swift dumoine in Royalex (heavy bugger, definitely not lightweight but tough), added a third seat and take a double blade paddle for times I’m struggling due to the lack of any real help lol

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

great tips. Never thought of sitting in the front and going backwards!!

[@TheHappyCamper]

It makes a HUGE difference

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Man, solo paddling is usually epic. Except in the craziest winds. It's so soothing. That Bob Special fascinates me. Better than currently soloing our 17" Grumman SK 17. Ugh. My poor knees. I feel like you're almost the modern day version of Bill Mason somedays. Not so much in mannerism, mind you, but in your genuine love of canoeing and your willingness to share it. Keep on bringing it to us. I know you get me stoked to go back out, and keep improving and enjoying it. Take care.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I taught myself to paddle by watching Bill Mason videos over and over. Waterwalker is still my all time favorite movie. Thanks for the compliment.

[@alainpatoine3618]

Going on my first solo trip next week to the chiniguchi waterway 4-5 days. Not as long as originally planned but still supper excited... And a little nervous. Thanks for the pointers and inspiration Kevin.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Beautiful area. After day three the nerves will go away.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great stuff. Some tips that I have not heard anywhere else. Thanks

[@TheMineBooster]

just bought an old town discovery 169, do you think it is also a good boat for solo canoeing? love your vids. greetings from belgium

[@TheHappyCamper]

Yes. What is the length though. It's a good boat overall. Don't sell it.

[@TheMineBooster]

Length is 16' 9"/ 5.1 m

[@TheMineBooster]

Thanks to you i got more in to canoeing even though i kayak wild water and flat water a lot, and i love it. Like u said it is like yoga

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

A heavy boat for solo carrying.

[@kevinelliott5823]

Great video! Just scored 18’ cedar strip canoe, very light...just may have to go out solo for a few days!

[@alexs3447]

Have been paddling a bob special ( ultralight) for 25 odd yrs. Great solo boat and nice light tandem tripper. Also use the cdn stroke while solo. And paddle the canoe backwards as explained.

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

Thanks for the tips. I'm a kayaker who wants to get into a canoe. I have a question, if the canoe I have is symmetrical how do I tell the bow from the stern?

[@jonfisher9214]

Have a look at a few manufacturers websites and look at seat positions. The hull shape is symmetrical but the seating layout is not.

[@filmic1]

Thanks for the instruction video... I see more and more canoeists sitting in the bow the more videos I watch.

[@OtherEndofLine]

Thanks for sharing these great tips ! :) Subscribed.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bobdraws]

Great video, Kevin. Thanks for the demos, these are really helpful. Cheers!

[@bryansromalski8171]

great advice. how much gear do you think you could get in the bob special? think it's big enough for a 10 or 15 day solo? thanks again for sharing this video.

[@TheHappyCamper]

10 at least. I just got back a couple weeks ago from a 10 day solo. Worked perfectly.

[@bryansromalski8171]

That's awesome to hear. Cheers!

[@ChrisProuse]

Great tips, and lots of useful info! Thanks for sharing Kevin :)

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks Chris.

[@r_acorn3856]

I regularly use the gunwales too, however, I find my paddle gets serious wear from it. Any tips? Will try sanding and coating with polyurethane.

[@1ReneDumont]

Hi Kevin, the canoe you have doesn't seem to have a shoe keel, is that correct? I'm looking for a canoe I would enjoy going solo with. The Bob Special from Nova Craft Canoe seem to be really good, but I'm hesitant to invest the money to get the version without a shoe keel. What do you prefer to go solo with keel or no keel? Thank you for the videos and great instructions. I had never heard of the Canadian stoke before watching your videos. René

[@TheHappyCamper]

The way canoes are manufacture now there is no need for a keel. The boat design itself acts as a keel, especially the Bob. It tracks extremely well.

[@1ReneDumont]

Thank you Kevin.

[@1ReneDumont]

Hi Kevin, two more questions. Do you own a canoe made of Tuffstuff, and does it seem to get negatively affected by the cold being outside in the winter? From your video it looks like you keep your canoes outside. Thank you. René

[@1ReneDumont]

Hi Kevin, sorry for yet another question. Unfortunately I don’t have the chance to try either the bob special or the pal, but I’m about to order one of the two. I’m leaning towards the bob special. Assuming you have paddled a Pal, which one of those two do you prefer to solo paddle? From the description on Nova Craft website, the Bob Special is more what I’m looking for. Do you find the website description pretty accurate? Thanks

[@TheHappyCamper]

I've paddled both and bought the Bob.

[@1ReneDumont]

Awesome, Thanks! I’m really looking forward to paddling that canoe. Have a great summer!

[@cjentertainmentcanada8623]

I do the same thing when soloing my Nova Craft "Pal". Even at 16' long, because it is a shallow canoe, it handles well in the wind while solo or with two people on short trips or on day trips.

[@alexwolf3761]

I keep seeing people (including Bill and Becky Mason) heeling their canoe in solo demo videos for "better maneuvering", but if the challenge of soloing is making the canoe go straight, why not keep more of the hull, and ideally whatever keel is possible, in the water for better tracking? Particularly in windy conditions where heeling the canoe seems like it would catch the wind more?

[@user-jw8pj9gr5o]

Would have to agree in regards to the comment of solo paddling being relaxing, especially on a calm morning or evening. I swear if they strapped a blood pressure monitor on me I would see a drop in pressure because of the way it feels gliding across the water. Thanks for the video. Video on getting in and out of a canoe soloing would be fun to see as well. We know what a challenge that can be at times.

[@TheHappyCamper]

That's a good idea. I'll put it on my list

[@jonathankokorudz1062]

Great tips! My family just recently got a place on Lake Chemong, would love to paddle around and pick your brain on some things. Please let me know :)

[@livepositive2058]

Great video! I've commented on another recent one! Great advice! I've had people wonder why I sometimes get down and lean on one side of the canoe and exactly like you explained not as much of the canoe us in the water and small simple things can make solo paddling a lot easier have you thought anyone about how to get back in the canoe from the water without rolling it? That's another thing I've seen people struggle with.

[@jkschultz48]

I think you have talked me into canoeing! What do you think of the Traper 12' as a real solo canoe? Is there a reason why you chose the 15' ?

[@TheHappyCamper]

The 12 would be good. I like the 15 for more gear room for tripping

[@jkschultz48]

Me, a (big) Dog, and some gear, so I opted for the trapper. Hopefully the dog will not through me overboard. Thanks, and looking forward to more videos.

[@gregbragdon6946]

Excellent! More canoe talk please.

[@looking4leasuretime]

Thank You for living here in Ontario, and (I think) being a Canadian. Just sweet.

[@martincartwright6936]

Any reviews of the NCAA’s trapper?

[@TheHappyCamper]

Sorry. I haven't paddled that one. I haven't heard bad reviews of it though.

[@Waldwaerts]

Wow! So much useful information, thanks a bunch! Definitely will have to watch this video one or two times more to get it all :) Stay safe, Bernhard

[@scottengh1175]

I like having a portage yoke mounted in the smaller tandem canoes. I just portage my solo using the seat on my shoulders, but think a removable yoke would be better.

[@Eagle10300]

Just subscribed. Thanks for the info!!

[@ThePastorPiper]

Hey Kevin! I have an idea for your next book. "Soloing". What do you think? You could tell stories about your solo trips. Advise. What to and not to do. Etc etc. I know I'd buy it. I'm sure others would too. Just a thought Mike

[@TheHappyCamper]

It's a great idea - I just don't think the publisher would go for it. I can still do it on my own though.

[@ThePastorPiper]

KCHappyCamper :-). On a side note I just found a used copy of your book the ways of the wild. I can't wait to start reading it. I could seem to find a new copy anywhere. Thanks again Kevin for these videos. You're the best Mike

[@matthewwalker6621]

Planing my first solo trip thanks great advice

[@TheHappyCamper]

Have a good trip. You'll love it

[@ThePastorPiper]

This was great. I'm going on my first solo trip to the BWCA in the early spring. I can't wait.

[@t3br00k35]

Are you left or right handed?

[@TheHappyCamper]

Left handed.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Nice video. I like the Bill M. quote!

[@TheHappyCamper]

It ages me - but I grew up watching his films

[@mecheng2001ca]

I remember as a youngster borrowing Waterwalker on VHS from the library and watching it over and over until it had to be returned and then renewing it!. A true Canadian legend.

[@topbrasstv8867]

Today my cousin let me borrow his canoe i had no experience and i found it easy to sit in the front of the canoe and paddle that way because it was easier to keep the canoe straight i tried in the actual paddling seat and i couldn't get under the canoe as easy as if i was in the front seat.

[@TorchwoodLuthiers]

Been waiting for this!!! And on a Bob Special!

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

Thank you for those important tips.

[@SkylinersYeti]

Is paddling with a Labrador Solo padding? Mine loved to move around and drink while paddling. It kept me on my toes so to speak! Great companion and she did not talk back.

[@Sailor376also]

You are a brave man. Get a bigger boat. Hard to portage,, but easy to stand up in and look around. The dog would barely tilt my 20'.

[@cadosia]

I always learn something from a Kevin Callan video

[@dukedashwolfgg2283]

What about double blade paddles for canoes?

[@TheHappyCamper]

They work fine is a cruiser style canoe but not cup of tea for a tripping prospector.

[@richardjohnson4052]

I like my OT Pack-1 canoe with a double-paddle. But my dog is a Min-Pin so had no real weight but is all over the boat.

[@Sailor376also]

I tend toward larger. This past spring, 450 miles on the Green River, Wy, Ut, Co, Ut. (the river winds around a bit) A month, carried my food and water,,, water I could refill three places, food,, with the exception of a hitch hiking side trip to a restaurant in Utah, for the whole month. Tent, kitchen, 4 paddles,,, Canadian built MacKenzie, of Clipper Canoe. 20'. The other reason for large,,,,, in spite of the 600 pounds of me and gear, the boat must float light high and quick,,,, lots of white water. (annnd I weigh twice what you do.) Heavily laden tends to plunge through vs up and over. Full cover and skirt, flotation, and ballast. I can portage the boat,, but I normally portage around dams by finding someone helpful with a truck, or waving a few 20 dollar bills, or in one case,, running the spillway. (I won't do that again.)

[@irenekonik49]

very informative ,,,, just a another tip,, ,l take a kids umberlla with me on solo trip to use a sail just open up in front of me and relax

[@TheHappyCamper]

me too. amazing tip. I gotta do a video on that.

[@gooutside2859]

I love that you use the gunnel! I always thought I was cheating :)

[@jonathankokorudz1062]

I mean you are gunnel rubbing and wearing down your paddle while doing so, but I understand the support of it

[@gooutside2859]

@@jonathankokorudz1062 you can always wrap cord around your paddle. For someone like me that isnt super experienced with paddling a canoe, and not that strong, there's always a way :)

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

Great tips.. cheers Kev

[@imranhajee4136]

Great video

[@flatlander6928]

Enjoyed it, thanx!

[@tumbleweed6658]

How heavy is that canoe my old town canoe is heavy at 83 pounds man it’s a back killer.

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

I grew up on that lake on the other side cosway far shore

[@landyott1]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks

[@rezaetemad591]

best video by far ....thanks!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Wow. Thanks.

[@JosephStealin]

3 minutes portage, that’s tough 😂

[@chriskenrowan]

Skip to 4:45. That's when the stroke instruction commences. The rest is chatter.

[@jacklowe3788]

Thanks!

[@shinysidedown9090]

When the wind starts blowing I put about 20 pounds of rock on the stern seat.

[@TheHappyCamper]

good advice. I've done the same. Works great.

[@sasakprimitive5559]

Gooooooooooooooood 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@dilligaf0220]

Bonus points if you've soloing a Bob's Special in Lake Ontario and have a C-130 fron Trenton roar overhead. Because some passerby you never saw reported you as capsized and in distress. Me: C-130 C-130...this is the canoe you are circling......ummm.......hello (hey it had been years since I'd used VHF radios for anything other than fishing updates!) SAR HERC: Hello sir (she's already put me in the numbnut category, ugh!) We had reports a green canoe was in distress, was that you? (then began a 10min excercise establishing that no I wasn't in distress, I'm in a green canoe, there might be another green canoe but I haven't seen one...) After what feels like forever (they wanted license numbers off my boat....eventually I just told them the number off the Nova Craft plaque up front, that made them happy), then they finally leave. I go back to trolling for salmon, which is what I was doing hiked over in a canoe 4 miles offshore in Lake Ontario to begin with.....but hiking the boat up brought them back! SAR HERC: Canoe in distress canoe in distress canoe in disress we see you, acknowledge 16 Me: Ummm....it's still me. I am NOT in distress. And I swear, barely in the background, I just barely heard....."I was at Y camp, they do that, they are weird" I felt bad for the SAR crew that so desperately wanted to launch something to come save me, but man the salmon bite was on that day. LMAO, they had to leave empty handed, but I got my 40" silver King (released) and my 10lb Coho for the grill that night. And another story of paddling heeled over Canadian style to tell the grandkids, lol

[@SaltShack]

Must be a fire, there’s no crime in Canada.

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Nice tip for the two days out 10 and never come back......

[@WayneLeonard-h5l]

recent freestyle exhibition kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3fQcoOIjLSnZ5Y