Solo Canoeing With A Kayak Paddle

[@ghostdog7306]

As a teen we rented canoes and yes we paddled both sides of the boat. I remember my shoulders always being sore after several hours. As an adult I got a kayak and never experienced sore shoulders or arms with a kayak paddle. They're easy to use with practically no thinking behind it. I now also own two solo Adirondack style canoes, one came with a canoe paddle.. never use that paddle. No question about it. Kayak paddle is the way to go

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

I always used a traditional canoe paddle while out solo and decided to try using the double blade kayak paddle on a whim. In less than 5 minutes I remember saying out loud, "why isn't everyone doing this?" I have never gone back to a single blade and carry one now only as my backup.

[@MuskokaBros]

It's such a great option when you don't feel like tackling the J-stroke or switching back and forth.

[@ericl2969]

It's funny that virtually all the good single-blade canoers out there (other than a handful of younger, dedicated whitewater paddlers) are 65 years old or older. This outlook regarding double-blade paddles has become common, but all it does is reflect how steep the learning curve is for single-blade paddling a canoe. You will never find good solo-canoers saying they have "more control" or "more agility" with a double blade. *Sometimes* the double makes good sense, such as on open water in very strong wind. The speed advantage of the double-blade becomes pretty minimal once you get really good with a single, and most times you can make up for that difference with the single's greater efficiency, giving you better all-day endurance or just less fatigue after an average trip (it has to do with the physics of getting the blade really close alongside the hull, making the blade travel in a straight line instead of in a sweep, better muscle ergonomics, and the ability to rest one set of muscles every time you decide to switch sides. Finally, all that extra shaft length that a double-blade paddle has beyond your lower hand actually requires you to exert more force for the same paddling power (that's physics again - it's like peddling your bike in too high of a gear)). Getting good with a single takes a few years of dedicated practice, though, which is why it's so easy for most people to believe that double-blading really is somehow better. The other thing is that all that splashing noise you keep making would be replaced by almost total silence with proper use of a single blade, and I've noticed that exact same thing with the groups I paddle with too. Even the people who have been double-blade paddling for years can't figure out how to paddle quietly. Double-blading isn't new, as it always was the preferred method for pack canoes with low sides and seats mounted just a few inches off the floor, but applying it to traditional canoeing is usually just like putting training wheels on your bike. I'll admit that it's a viable method in certain unusual situations, but it's a long way from being a complete substitute for a single-blade. I figure I'll get flamed for this by some people, but the poster DID ask for opinions.

[@sequoiatreescape1356]

well put.

[@muskokabrodylan1349]

Different strokes for different folks (pun intended)

[@RussellMcgee-km5oq]

Well said. Almost anyone can get into a canoe and move it generally where they want to with a double blade. i can see how alot think the DB is superior because it is so intuitive but putting in the time to learn the single and building up the strength to use it properly is superior in most canoe situations in my opinion

[@ZdenekZnaly123]

We went canoeing for 3 days (about 35kms) and the second year we chose to use Kayak paddle. What a huge difference! We were so much more efficient and fast, seem like 50%. Just make sure the paddle is at least 240cm long. That worked for us nicely. Also you can use it either way - skimming the surface or go deep like with regular canoe paddle. I sometimes you can steer as well as needed.

[@tombeckett4340]

I agree 100% I always have a Kayak paddle with me because of wind problems In my 14 foot canoe. Thanks great job.🇨🇦👍

[@mlussier1971]

Thank you for sharing the video. I'm a back country canoe soloist. I've got a 16 1/2 foot canoe I use. I've been debating bringing along a double blade on my next trip. After seeing your video I think I'll give it a try.

[@mistybunde2158]

How did it go? I'm thinking of getting a canoe and I want to make it the easiest on me as it can be since I'm a beginner.

[@mlussier1971]

Misty Bunde with the country and the world dealing with covid I’ve not done a canoe trip or made a purchase. Looking forward to getting on the water one day.

[@motorolas]

Went on my first solo kayaking trip for an hour. Was super nervous at first, but got a bit overconfident in the end. Made sure I wore a PFD and my family knew where I was. Read and watched safety videos and articles before heading out. Was great experience.

[@Itssantiagodiaz]

Just used a double blade on my 17ft canoe. Good results! Brought the single and didn’t need it.

[@1984kylea]

Just purchased a 14' solo prospector, thanks for the tips (I'll need them).

[@Hvn1957]

We have 12’ St Regis canoes, that are designed to use a double blade. They’re made from carbon/Kevlar and weight around 2lb. However, unlike a standard canoe, the seat is centered and low. We carry lightweight canoe paddles for when we’re in tight spots and lots of overgrowth.

[@outside-atlast9113]

I've been there a few times just off of Lake Simcoe ,Pefferlaw is a nice place. Tim from Bowmanville. Take care

[@imbgdaug]

I've had both canoes and kayaks. I actually used a single blade for my kayak. I've used both. Recently went back to a canoe and just bought a double blade for it.

[@glassassoc]

I always double blade, solo canoe and kayak, I can skull and jamb with either end of the blade same as a canoe paddle, little to give up, thanks for the video

[@TheRealTedBaird]

Nice!

[@AdirondackAmerican]

I tell ya the paddle makes such a difference. When I paddle my old Stowe solo, I use a single blade. It tracks great and a single blade is perfect, although it’s a beast to go solo in. I also have a ww canoe, it’s an old millbrook flashback. It’s a solo and handles like a yak. 13’ and Kevlar. Dude I got it for 60 bucks. It’s rough but it floats lol. Doing a quick budget friendly reconditioning of it. Basically paint and replacing all the wood. Maybe anew seat. Doing the work myself so it’ll be under a couple hundred bucks. But that doesn’t track well. It’s very fast and nimble, but as you were saying that’s at the expense of being stable. Loved the vid, I have a few videos up. none paddling this year though. Maybe this week coming up I’ll be out o the water w one of my cameras. A lot of times it’s either I’m going out to do what it is I want, or I go out to shoot a video. Sometimes shooting gets in the way of what I’m out doing. I never really realized that until I started to actually try producing content.... Any who, thanks for sharing! Sorry I get a little long winded 😂

[@ericl2969]

I get long-winded too, but it 's worth mentioning that tracking has nothing to do with it. If you learn to paddle properly with a single-blade, you can keep ANY solo canoe pointed right where you want it throughout every stroke. If your heading wavers by more than a tiny bit (enough for someone other than the paddler to easily see it happening), you are doing it wrong.

[@AdirondackAmerican]

@@ericl2969 are you familiar with ww canoes are all? Just curious

[@ericl2969]

@@AdirondackAmerican Sure. One of my canoes is a Nova Craft Supernova, which tracks so poorly that every single stroke is correcting a little different from every other stroke, and if you pick up your camera while cruising, the canoe spins almost 180 degrees before you can get the camera turned on. And yet a good paddler can make that canoe cruise along as straight as any other. That's not a full-on whitewater boat but it's 100-times more squirrely than anything in this clip. Take a look at Paul Mason's KZbin channel and you'll see the most squirrely whitewater canoes that are made, all paddled by old guys with single-blade paddles. I used to have an online acquaintance who was actually a friend of John Berry (designer of Millbrook canoes) and had paddled just about every kind of Millbrook whitewater canoe that's been made, and he would be scoffing at anyone using a double-blade paddle this way. In fact, the people who paddle such boats are usually experts, and I've yet to see one of them use a double. I will recognize here that these paddlers make good use of cross-over strokes, but the skill they demonstrate with what the paddle can do on just one side more than illustrates that "control" is no reason to use a double in a general-purpose boat.

[@sequoiatreescape1356]

@@ericl2969 i agree with all you say. i think preference and diversity come into play as each paddler decided what works for them, based on their location, boat and tripping styles. of course i believe all paddlers should learn the mechanics of paddling with a canoe paddle first.

[@christophersage66]

great video! how would you feel about a 16ft canoe double blading? I'm tempted to buy a ulta lite canoe and was wondering your opinion? could it be to long for canoe paddling

[@MuskokaBros]

I think 16’ would be at the max length for using a kayak paddle.

[@dylan15243]

I got a 14 and use kayak paddle. Do what you want lol

[@loin897]

great demonstration and well balanced analysis! What was the brand of paddle again? I'd like to look into an adjustable double blade padded. thank you!

[@muskokabrodylan1349]

L N it is an h2o paddle

[@Rick-cx1yr]

I just tried the double blade. I found that I was able to paddle much faster in the calm waters and it was so much easier to stay true to course. However, the downside I found was that I was absolutely soaked by the end of the trip. I had to use a 260cm paddle, and because the gunnels of the canoe are so far out of the water, (and because I'm a deep paddler), that the blade in the air came over the canoe, dripping water on me and splashing everywhere. Single blade I have maybe two teaspoons of water in the boat at the end of the trip. With the double blade I had at least two cups, and that doesn't count the water soaking my clothes. It may simply be that I haven't figured out a proper technique, but I will pack both types of paddles to keep my options open duri9ng any trip.

[@tombeckett4340]

Great information thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@ryanzink5048]

I've got a Grumman 129 solo and am looking at a double blade paddle... the most common size I'm finding in stores is a 240cm, but some people recommend going longer, up to 260-280. What have you found works well?

[@muskokabrodylan1349]

Go long or go home

[@muskokabrodylan1349]

If you’re super torn, try looking for one that has adjustable lengths then you can find the sweet spot that works best for you

[@chrisgrompson762]

I've got a Scott Wilderness tandem and use a 250 paddle, but I have to agree go long. After a summer of using the 250 I can see the benefit of that 260+ but it isn't a big enough issue to warrant spending the money to purchase a longer paddle.

[@rogerpalin5864]

I think a double blade is a good idea, as a canoe coach and guide l always carry a split kayak paddle with me. Then if someone is struggling to pick up the finesse of paddling with a single blade, then l have an option for them. The downside of single blades is the amount of time it takes to learn the art of solo canoeing with a single blade. Performance wise, with a single blade l can outpaddle most tandem canoe teams. But it’s all about having fun, so if it works, do it 😀

[@sequoiatreescape1356]

well put

[@sperozak]

What length of paddle are you using?

[@sequoiatreescape1356]

250cm

[@zenofthemoment]

Any tips when choosing a double blade for a canoe? I can’t seem to find much. I’m 6’1”, canoe is 36”/38” wide. I’m assuming just get the longest paddle I can find?

[@mattdiego1072]

Do you think this will work with a discovery 169 with 600 lbs in on a lake? getting our first canoe and I will probably be the only one paddling. Thank you

[@MuskokaBros]

you shouldn't have any problems but bring a spare paddle or two just in case!

[@BaroudeurAventure]

In my exprerience single paddles when solo canoeing are only suitable for flat water and large rivers without white water. I tried solo canoeing on the Dalsland canal in Sweden with a single paddle when it was windy, I just couldn't keep the canoe facing the wind and leave the shore.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

How well has the carbon fusion material held up? does it scratch easy compared to plastic?

[@MuskokaBros]

Dennis Johnson it’s held up really well!

[@WESTOFEDEN71]

Mine is a 10 ft solo canoe came with a kyak paddle which I prefer. I'm going to name her 'Tippy'. I get large boat wakes and .... Its a party now.

[@MuskokaBros]

Nice!!! What kind of boat is she?

[@Vhiadra]

What lenght of paddle?

[@trevorsowers]

If I'm paddling solo with a headwind I like a double paddle but otherwise I definitely prefer a single blade in my solo canoe or my tandem.

[@MuskokaBros]

What about the single blade do you prefer over the double blade?

[@trevorsowers]

@@MuskokaBros - More strength with the hand positions -More hand positions to mix it up - more relaxing stroke - no wind drag in the top of the paddle -more variety of strokes possible -i can sit off centre towards the paddling side to make paddling even easier under calm conditions -easier to stow the paddle There is probably more if I really thought about it. What I can say is that if I'm heading to a potentially windy lake I bring one of each but I always gravitate to the single blade unless I need the help of the double blade in wind.

[@MuskokaBros]

@@trevorsowers those are all good points, they certainly have their uses regardless of which style you choose.

[@JC-sj2pd]

I’m age 57 and just bought a wenonah fisherman 14 foot. I Bought it to take my wife occasionally and my dog and I solo. It’s 36 lbs so going into older age, portages will be more manageable than my old 80 lb canoe. Question! I have a 233 kayak paddle. I’m 5’9”. What length db paddle should I get????

[@MuskokaBros]

Hey JC! Good idea with getting a lightweight canoe just mind the rocks and the wind. Make sure to have you PFD On when enjoying your time on the water. Portages will be a breeze at 36lbs! So to answer your question I’ll have to ask a few myself. Where in the canoe are you planning on paddling from? Because if your on you seat you’re farther back in the canoe if you paddling from you knees you will be closer to the centre making it a longer kayak paddle. I would suggest trying out what you have and then going from there. Great question and feel free to subscribe and follow us on Instagram or Facebook! Cheers

[@JC-sj2pd]

@@MuskokaBros thanks for the reply. I just liked and subbed. Great channel. To answer your question, solo I would sit backwards in the front seat facing stern. With my wife in the front of course I would be in the stern seat.

[@SwiftCanoeKayak]

Orca training sounds legit.

[@sequoiatreescape1356]

SwiftCanoeKayak shes super comfortable around the whales now

[@SeanMather]

I’m sure the whales did excellent training during the orcka canoe courses lol! They’re very safe marine mammals!

[@MuskokaBros]

Sean Mather ahahaha lol! They did!

[@terrycrowder8230]

Like this video? double blade!!

[@MuskokaBros]

double blade for life!

[@NotALizardPerson81]

One of the advantages to a canoe is not having to use a kayak paddle.

[@dylan15243]

Advantage to a canoe with kayak paddle is passing everyone in canoes using regular paddles

[@NotALizardPerson81]

@@dylan15243 my boat does an easy cruise speed of 4.5 mph whether pushed with a canoe or kayak paddle. Except the canoe paddle is better in the wind, gives better control, is much dryer, and I feel a ton fresher after 4 hours of paddling.

[@dylan15243]

@@NotALizardPerson81 gotta work on those shoulders.

[@NotALizardPerson81]

@@dylan15243 or I can just use the superior paddle. What difference does it make if the performance is the same? Should I be trying to push my canoe past its hull speed? How would that make sense?

[@NotALizardPerson81]

@@dylan15243 you sound really dumb. Oog oog, me like go fast, oog oog.

[@markrohling7806]

Its alot easier.