Talk to me about Canoes

[aclawrence]

Are there any mid level paddles you would recommend for me to look at?


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[Allegheny Tom]

Are there any mid level paddles you would recommend for me to look at?
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It's been a long time since we needed new paddles so I don't really know what the current offerings are.
My wife has a Werner, not sure which model but its a decent paddle. When I look on the Werner site, it seem like many models are "Out of stock" so I don't know if there is a production problem with Werner. I did a search and this came up from a Werner dealer https://store.wilderness-voyageurs.com/products/werner-nantahala
It's very similar to my wife's paddle.
I bought my paddle a long time ago at a whitewater seminar. It's an Eagles Nest brand but I don't see it anywhere on the internet.
What type of water will you be paddling most of the time? That will dictate what you want in a paddle.
Wood paddles are generally less expensive but there are some nice ones out there. We run rivers a lot so I prefer a non-wood blade. Blade edges will get chewed up from rocks. Any wood blade paddle will need a little maintenance after a few years... mostly re-coat the spar varnish.
Sawyer, and Bending Branches make nice wood paddles.
Grip...palm or "T"? I like a T grip for better control, especially in rivers.
Shafts are either straight or bent. Bent shaft seem to be used more on flatwater, but they are a little more efficient on long distance miles. Straight shafts are a better all-around paddle IMO.
I've wanted a carbon paddle for a long time, but I just haven't spent the cash on on. (I guess I'm spending all my extra money on saddle stuff! LOL).
This looks like a decent deal on a carbon paddle https://www.rei.com/product/173403/werner-journey-carbon-fiber-canoe-paddle
I only saw 1 review on it and I've never even held the paddle, so I cannot vouch for it other than to say Werner makes a decent paddle. They call this a "palm grip" but its more like a modified T grip IMO.

 

[ThePennsylvanian]

I forgot to say I was paddling on a lake this morning. I was trying to do the J stroke but I kept having to switch sides with the paddle. When I was heading back in the wind picked up. I couldn’t believe how much it was pushing me around. Thanks for those book recommendations Tom I’ll check those out. I really want to become pretty proficient at it. Also all I have right now are some cheaper paddles so I’ll be looking to upgrade or build a nice one.


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When I am paddling against the wind, I have found it much, much easier to control by simply sitting in the middle of my 12'er. I have made it through some pretty ridiculous winds on the lake. I have found that sitting I the middle was also easier when I had a deer in it dead weight in the front really messed me up.

 

[Texar]

I have both.....an old aluminum Ouchita 16' with a transom for a trolling motor and a Pelican Covert 120 Kayak. Both work great for different adventures. I personally like the yak better for solo trips for fishing/hunting and with a 350lb weight capacity its plenty stable hauling gear and critters.

 

[MJH]

One thing I did read about and watch videos on was that if you are solo paddling in a canoe if you get on your knees as far forward as you can and to one side of the back section (towards the middle of the canoe) you reduce the surface area touching the water and create a straight line of contact for the bottom of the canoe. The slight tilt will feel strange at first until you find the sweet spot but it is extremely stable. This also allows you to get a straight back stroke. The balance between that line and your stroke wil reduce the amount you need to j stroke. Additionally, moving forward will transfer your weight to the center and give you a little more control on high wind days and a nicer ride. I found it help me control going back and forth (left to right) as much. I expereinced this the first time I took the canoe out. It just so happened to be an extremely windy day on an large lake. I tried both methods and it makes a world of difference.



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-im no expert, this was just my experience applying things I have read or seen.

If you have a strong head wind to paddle into, sit at the front of the boat and let the rear weather vane behind you. This absolutely works.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

If you have a strong head wind to paddle into, sit at the front of the boat and let the rear weather vane behind you. This absolutely works.

One issue with that...Strong head winds can mean waves. Loading boat weight up front can make for a wet ride.
A balanced trim and proper paddling technique is a better choice in choppy water.

 

[MJH]

One issue with that...Strong head winds can mean waves. Loading boat weight up front can make for a wet ride.
A balanced trim and proper paddling technique is a better choice in choppy water.

For sure. I don't ever remember doing this with an empty boat - there has always been packs and gear to move rearward to help balance the loading. Regardless you do drive down into the waves more than you might want this way, but you don't have to fight to steer the boat. Under the right circumstances this works really well.

 

[Flee]

Bought a canoe

I have a couple kayaks but me, gear, and a dead deer are a tough deal in the kayak. So I’ve been poking around for a small canoe. Found an old 12’ Sears fiberglass for $250. Offered $200 and sold. I was surprised how light it is for fiberglass. Will have to get a weight but I’d say 40-50lb range. 450lb capacity do plenty for my needs. Pretty excited about this old girl.

 

[aclawrence]

Nice. That’s looks like a fun size.


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