About to take the plunge (well, hopefully staying dry and in the canoe), buying a solo canoe.

What do people prefer for a single blade paddle - straight or bent? Should they be longer or shorter than what you use for a tandem?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

you'll get lots of answers....all different. Depends on you and the canoe. I have 3 solo boats and like a different paddle in each. Sometimes, I like a different paddle in the same boat depending on conditions (winding streams, open water, brisk quartering tailwind) I've never liked a full 15 degree bent shaft based on my paddling style but I do use a 7 or 9 degree at times. I always carry a spare anyway, so I take the 2 different styles that I like in that boat.

With a dedicated solo you are likely to be seated lower, closer to the water than in a tandem. Seat is in the middle, shallowest part of the canoe as opposed to the ends, deepest part, of a tandem. When I acquired my first dedicated solo I started with the shortest paddles in my collection and eventually landed on a 12 degree bent-shaft and a straight shaft, both 2 inches shorter than I used for tandem.

All this is going to depend on style and technique. I make my own paddles, so experimentation was inexpensive.

Driftless: "About to take the plunge (well, hopefully staying dry and in the canoe), buying a solo canoe.

What do people prefer for a single blade paddle - straight or bent? Should they be longer or shorter than what you use for a tandem?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!"

I bought my Northwind Solo a year ago for my own birthday present. I was facinated by videos of old Canadian solo canoists seemingly moving their canoes by magic. I wanted to be able to control a canoe like those guys. They always had long solid wood paddles.

My favorites so far are the

Badger Sliver

and the Fishell Ray Special

Eventually, I hope to snare an Original Ray Kettlewell but, until then these paddles are serving me well.

These paddles are ideal for learning to control a canoe solo (sculling and draw strokes), experimenting with underwater recovery strokes and expanding your paddling skills.

I paddle my canoe nearly every day and love it every time out. Not to brag but, I have pretty decent Canadian and Indian strokes. I attribute that to great paddles and a fair amount of practice.

One additional item for consideration: the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian so, when ordering from Canada the website will charge Canadian dollars your credit card company will convert the purchase to US dollars (about 15-20% less).

Good Luck

PS: Like this guy

cowdoc: "you'll get lots of answers....all different. Depends on you and the canoe. I have 3 solo boats and like a different paddle in each. Sometimes, I like a different paddle in the same boat depending on conditions (winding streams, open water, brisk quartering tailwind) I've never liked a full 15 degree bent shaft based on my paddling style but I do use a 7 or 9 degree at times. I always carry a spare anyway, so I take the 2 different styles that I like in that boat."

+1

Thanks for the advice!

I have two paddles with me when I’m in a solo canoe. I use a beaver tail style and a kayak paddle. I can paddle way faster with my gear using a kayak paddle than two guys with gear in a tandem canoe. I have to wait for them to catch up. If I get tired of the yak paddle I use my straight blade paddle. There are many more that have much more experience with this than me, just my .02.

I use a bent-shaft paddle most of the time, but my preference isn't that strong.

I don't like using a kayak paddle because I usually get very wet from water dripping on me. Smarter people than I have probably solved that issue, but I haven't.

I will typically use a 10 deg bent shaft paddle but I also carry a double blade kayak paddle for my back up. Winds or rough water I find to be much easier with the kayak paddle and if I need to cover water the kayak paddle will help me pick up the pace. As far as paddle length it will be shorter but what works best for you will really depend on personal preference and blade style.

Sounds like I should get a kayak paddle too. Do you all get one the breaks down into 2 pieces? Thanks!

For me personally yes a two piece kayak paddle.

I use a Bending Branches Slice double-bladed paddle. Not dissatisfied.

donr: "I use a Bending Branches Slice double-bladed paddle. Not dissatisfied."

Yes, the BB Slice Solo is a nice paddle. The extra length over a std. kayak paddle is a real benefit. Note that there is a learning curve with a kayak paddle. (280 cm)

Driftless: "About to take the plunge (well, hopefully staying dry and in the canoe), buying a solo canoe.

What do people prefer for a single blade paddle - straight or bent? Should they be longer or shorter than what you use for a tandem?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!"

Do you plan to sit or kneel? Will you paddle on lakes or rivers? Do you want to cruise fast in a straight line or learn to maneuver a solo canoe?

I use straight shaft paddles 99% of the time and bents on rare occasion. I'd point you towards something light with a relatively short blade like the Grey Owl Vanguard since it will be easy to handle...a fine overall paddle and great for learning.

Overall, a good straight shaft paddle is the most versatile and the best for developing paddling skills. A natural progression would be to start with a decent normal straight shaft, then over time add either a bent shaft or a long bladed straight shaft (Badger paddle or Grey Owl Chieftain or some beavertail)...whichever appeals to you, and then in the long run if you want to try a kayak paddle too then go ahead. I have one but never use it.

It would be good if you could borrow some paddles and try them to see what you like. It's also great if you are able to test paddle paddles before buying them but it can be hard to find a canoe shop on the water that lets you test paddle paddles.

I currently use a Zaveral Power Surge 12 degree bent in my Magic. There are times when I wish I had a straight shaft, but not often enough to warrant buying one. My back up paddle is an older Wenonah bent shaft. I have no problems sculling or doing underwater return strokes, though they would probably have been easier to learn with a straight shaft.
If possible, don't buy until you have tried a kayak and single paddle. I took both with me on my first trip (rented), and used the kayak paddle one full windy day on Iron and Lac LaCroix. I have not used one since. It just wasn't for me. You may feel the exact opposite, and good paddles are a dream to use, but ain't cheap!

If you are sitting a bent delivers the optimum power and avoids lifting water at the end of the stroke which slows the boat a lot.
If kneeling a straight is optimal.
Since you are solo carry one of each. You need a spare anyway.

Again thanks for the advice - keep it coming. I plan to mainly sit and it's use will mainly be on BWCA lakes.

My solo paddles are Bending Branches Java and Espresso Plus. Weigh about the same, but have different bent shaft degrees.
Like others, I tried a kayak paddle, but it wasn't for me. My shoulders didn't like it, nor did I enjoy getting wet in cooler weather.

yellowcanoe: "If you are sitting a bent delivers the optimum power and avoids lifting water at the end of the stroke which slows the boat a lot.
If kneeling a straight is optimal.
Since you are solo carry one of each. You need a spare anyway."

My thoughts also. Kayak paddle, can't stand them. I used a single blade most of the time even when I've paddled kayaks and decked canoes. But, different strokes....my wife uses one in her solo canoe.

With my new solo canoe and the seat in the middle (widest) part, I find that a straight double bladed yak paddle doesn't get enough into the water for decent paddling, so I'm likely going to be getting a single bent-shaft paddle here in the next couple weeks.

donr: "I use a Bending Branches Slice double-bladed paddle. Not dissatisfied."

Me too. 260cm. I pair this with a Zaveral Rec carbon fiber bent shaft at 12 oz. I use the single when fishing or in winding creeks. I like the long double on travel days.

What kind of solo do you plan to get? If it's a boat made for traveling like a Wenonah then a bent shaft paddle is a good match, especially since you said you plan to sit and paddle on lakes (where maximum control and maneuverability are not so important). If it's a solo with some rocker then I'd still suggest that a good straight shaft is best for developing your skills.

Zaverals are super nice paddles. If you can find a used Zav that fits you it's a worthwhile investment.

I like all paddles, but for my Wenonah Prism I use three different types. I have a 260 cm Werner Camano kayak paddle for windy days or when I need to cover a lot of territory. I have a ZRE (Zaveral) Power Surge (8 oz!) with a 12 degree bend for hit and switch. I can go nearly as fast with the ZRE as with the Werner. I use the ZRE mostly for fitness day outings. I also have a Bending Branches beaver tail for traditional J-stroke or Canadian stoke. I don't bring all three paddles with me. For multi-day touring I use the kayak paddle and the beaver tail. For day trips I take the ZRE and the beaver tail.

I think you'll find it's fun and educational to own and use a number of different paddles. Of course it's easier to justify buying a new paddle as opposed to a new boat!

Justpaddlin', I'm leaning toward a Magic. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, I appreciate it!

ozarkpaddler: "

yellowcanoe: "If you are sitting a bent delivers the optimum power and avoids lifting water at the end of the stroke which slows the boat a lot.
If kneeling a straight is optimal.
Since you are solo carry one of each. You need a spare anyway."

My thoughts also. Kayak paddle, can't stand them. I used a single blade most of the time even when I've paddled kayaks and decked canoes. But, different strokes....my wife uses one in her solo canoe.


"

I can make your day.. or give you a good laugh.. We're bringing a Yellowstone Tandem to the Rendezvous. Get your camera going if we decide to paddle tandem with two double blades.

Ought to look like a demented daddy long legs!

I’m a 5’10” sitter in a Northwind Solo with the seat raised 2”. I use a 54” BB Explorer Plus.

If I used the standard drops, I’d need a 52”.

I really want an ottertail, but can’t find one I like without dropping quite a bit of money.

Dooger: "I’m a 5’10” sitter in a Northwind Solo with the seat raised 2”. I use a 54” BB Explorer Plus.


If I used the standard drops, I’d need a 52”.


I really want an ottertail, but can’t find one I like without dropping quite a bit of money. "

This "otter tail" is only $60, but I don't think the shape is exactly correct. Glacierwear otter tail paddle

Dooger: "I’m a 5’10” sitter in a Northwind Solo with the seat raised 2”. I use a 54” BB Explorer Plus.


If I used the standard drops, I’d need a 52”.


I really want an ottertail, but can’t find one I like without dropping quite a bit of money. "

I have purchase three paddles from Ontario and a 4th Ontario made paddle from Rutabage in Madison, WI. It always seemed too much untili plug the conversion into Google "185 Canadian = $ US"

Turns out that even after shipping, handcrafted Canadian paddles represent a reasonable value and in my limited experience, an unparralled performance on the water.

jdmccurry: "

Dooger: "I’m a 5’10” sitter in a Northwind Solo with the seat raised 2”. I use a 54” BB Explorer Plus.



If I used the standard drops, I’d need a 52”.



I really want an ottertail, but can’t find one I like without dropping quite a bit of money. "

This "otter tail" is only $60, but I don't think the shape is exactly correct. Glacierwear otter tail paddle "

I guess they have a different kind of otter there. Check out Grey Owl paddles, they have nice designs, and are reasonably priced. I've used their bent shaft paddles for 35 years. Grey Owl#

I like the double blade for paddling in open water.
It feels more balanced to me and I find I have more stamina when using it.
But when I get in close to a portage, or in small water, I like the control provided by a traditional single blade.

Problem is, I live in a border town and still can’t get one. I strongly dislike paying $20 in taxes too. To each their own though. The pic is for a production Grey Owl.

Dooger: "Problem is, I live in a border town and still can’t get one. I strongly dislike paying $20 in taxes too. To each their own though. The pic is for a production Grey Owl. "

Dooger,
The HST tax is only for Canadian sales. It gets wiped off the charge before check out. I bought one of my Badger paddles through London Paddle shop, I just rechecked my receipt to confirm.

So, subtracting the HST 18.85, $145 Canadian is just $110 us dollars. Your credit card company will automatically do the conversion and will charge you $5-10 for the service.

Good Luck,

Dave

jcavenagh: "I like the double blade for paddling in open water...But when I get in close to a portage, or in small water, I like the control provided by a traditional single blade."

Yes, my feelings exactly.

The Canadian manufacturers sure make some beautiful paddles. What is a good Canadian shop to purchase from?

Driftless: "The Canadian manufacturers sure make some beautiful paddles. What is a good Canadian shop to purchase from?"

Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison carries a few Badger paddles.
London Paddle Shop in London, ON carries Badger and Grey Owl traditional paddles with 10% off through the 29th.

Keep in mind the purchase from London Paddle Shop will be in Canadian.
The currency conversion results in a lower price in US dollars.

Thanks OCDave!

Driftless: "About to take the plunge (well, hopefully staying dry and in the canoe), buying a solo canoe.

What do people prefer for a single blade paddle - straight or bent? Should they be longer or shorter than what you use for a tandem?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!"

After paddling 50 miles last trip I would have bought a bent carbon paddle in a heartbeat. Those strokes add up

yellowcanoe: "

ozarkpaddler: "

yellowcanoe: "If you are sitting a bent delivers the optimum power and avoids lifting water at the end of the stroke which slows the boat a lot.
If kneeling a straight is optimal.
Since you are solo carry one of each. You need a spare anyway."

My thoughts also. Kayak paddle, can't stand them. I used a single blade most of the time even when I've paddled kayaks and decked canoes. But, different strokes....my wife uses one in her solo canoe.

"

I can make your day.. or give you a good laugh.. We're bringing a Yellowstone Tandem to the Rendezvous. Get your camera going if we decide to paddle tandem with two double blades.
Ought to look like a demented daddy long legs!"

(LOL) Video might be even BETTER (LOL)?

jcavenagh: "I like the double blade for paddling in open water.
It feels more balanced to me and I find I have more stamina when using it.
But when I get in close to a portage, or in small water, I like the control provided by a traditional single blade."

Same here!

I own several different solo canoes, but I prefer the 10oz. Power Surge Xtreme Carbon Fiber Canoe Paddle for most conditions. Depending on the depth and seat height of the solo canoe, I use either a 50" or 51".

Although I also own and paddle touring kayaks, I fought using a kayak paddle in a solo canoe for years. After an extensive Quetico solo trip in 2012 though, I finally capitulated and decided to use a kayak paddle for long, open stretches of water, (i.e., Pickerel Lake, Sturgeon Lake, etc.).

My kayak paddle of choice is a Werner Kalliste 240cm, bent shaft paddle. I previously used a Werner Camano 240cm, bent shaft paddle, but I prefer the slightly lighter weight and slightly smaller blade size of the Kalliste.

Hans Solo

HansSolo: "

jcavenagh: "I like the double blade for paddling in open water.
It feels more balanced to me and I find I have more stamina when using it.
But when I get in close to a portage, or in small water, I like the control provided by a traditional single blade."

Same here!


I own several different solo canoes, but I prefer the 10oz. Power Surge Xtreme Carbon Fiber Canoe Paddle for most conditions. Depending on the depth and seat height of the solo canoe, I use either a 50" or 51".


Although I also own and paddle touring kayaks, I fought using a kayak paddle in a solo canoe for years. After an extensive Quetico solo trip in 2012 though, I finally capitulated and decided to use a kayak paddle for long, open stretches of water, (i.e., Pickerel Lake, Sturgeon Lake, etc.).


My kayak paddle of choice is a Werner Kalliste 240cm, bent shaft paddle. I previously used a Werner Camano 240cm, bent shaft paddle, but I prefer the slightly lighter weight and slightly smaller blade size of the Kalliste.


Hans Solo


"

Hans! I've really valued your input on the voyager canoe recently. Regarding the voyager specifically, what Kayak paddle have you settled on. I know I'm going way back to a paddle post here on 06/2013, where you had said,

"I tried the 240cm Skagit in the Wenonah Voyager. It was OK, but a 250cm or 260cm would have been more comfortable. That said, a 270cm or a 280cm would have been excessive and unnecessary IMHO."

I know each person is different, different canoe, different styles and preferences, it depends, etc, etc; and knowing that, I wouldn't blame a purchase on you. BUT, hah, if you were 6' instead of 6'4", what length and kayak paddle would you go with, now, in the Voyager specifically for moderate effort cruising speeds peppered with occasional sprints with and without loads (w/standard sliding seat). Would it still be the Werner Kalliste 240cm, bent shaft paddle? Think several days in the BWCA with moderately competitive but average health friends. So I want to be able to keep pace over distance, but also have occasional sprint potential. Hah! I hope this long question makes sense.

Thanks Hans

-Daniel

DbHiker, in response to your question about what kayak paddle I have settled on; I use a Werner Kalliste 240cm low angle bent shaft kayak paddle.

Why a Werner Kalliste 240cm low angle bent shaft kayak paddle? I like the bent shaft design and the longest bent shaft length Werner manufactures is 240cm. Additionally, if you go by the size chart on Werner's website, they recommend a 240cm low angle touring paddle for a boat with a maximum width of 28"-32" and a paddler of 6' and taller. The Wenonah Voyager's maximum width is 28.75", but is only 21.50" at the gunnels.

I know it's common for many solo canoe paddlers to go with longer shaft lengths, but for me the 240cm seems just fine. The 240cm shaft length also works well in my other solo canoes, because most are within the range of boat width that Werner recommends.

When my son uses a kayak paddle in his Encounter, he uses my "hand me down" 240cm bent shaft Werner Camano low-angle touring paddle. The Encounter's maximum width is 31.50" yet is 25" at the gunnels, so it just fits within the maximum boat width Werner recommends.

It's my understanding that many paddlers go with the longer shaft lengths to reduce water dripping from the paddle. If that's the case, that really doesn't bother me. When I paddle with a single blade bent-shaft canoe paddle I paddle "sit and switch", so I'm accustomed to a certain amount of water dripping off of the paddle and into my boat anyway.

I hope I have sufficiently answered your question DbHiker.

Hans Solo

I would guess that Werner’s suggestions are for a kayak with the seat set lower than in a canoe. So, a slightly longer paddle than they say could be appropriate. An advantage to a shorter paddle is the ability to use a high angle (more vertical paddle) paddling style when you want to really get up some speed. It becomes more like a double ended canoe paddle than the horizontal paddling motion you see a lot of kayakers use.

Right! I agree that Werner's paddle shaft guidelines are more likely geared to kayak use and sizing. Nevertheless, because I prefer the bent shaft, the 240cm shaft length is the longest I can go.

Hans Solo

HansSolo: "
DbHiker, in response to your question about what kayak paddle I have settled on; I use a Werner Kalliste 240cm low angle bent shaft kayak paddle.

Why a Werner Kalliste 240cm low angle bent shaft kayak paddle? I like the bent shaft design and the longest bent shaft length Werner manufactures is 240cm. Additionally, if you go by the size chart on Werner's website, they recommend a 240cm low angle touring paddle for a boat with a maximum width of 28"-32" and a paddler of 6' and taller. The Wenonah Voyager's maximum width is 28.75", but is only 21.50" at the gunnels.

I know it's common for many solo canoe paddlers to go with longer shaft lengths, but for me the 240cm seems just fine. The 240cm shaft length also works well in my other solo canoes, because most are within the range of boat width that Werner recommends.

When my son uses a kayak paddle in his Encounter, he uses my "hand me down" 240cm bent shaft Werner Camano low-angle touring paddle. The Encounter's maximum width is 31.50" yet is 25" at the gunnels, so it just fits within the maximum boat width Werner recommends.

It's my understanding that many paddlers go with the longer shaft lengths to reduce water dripping from the paddle. If that's the case, that really doesn't bother me. When I paddle with a single blade bent-shaft canoe paddle I paddle "sit and switch", so I'm accustomed to a certain amount of water dripping off of the paddle and into my boat anyway.

I hope I have sufficiently answered your question DbHiker.

Hans Solo

"

Yes, you pretty much did. I wonder if 240cm would be prefect for me being 6 foot, hmm. No Hans, I think you covered it. Other than, want to sell your paddle? Lol ...but seriously do you?

Daniel

Werner still makes the paddle Han uses, so you don't need to buy his. Bent shaft Werner Kalliste

Werner's fishing series kayak paddles are offered in longer lengths, but only in the straight shaft configuration. I use a 260 cm Camano with my Prism when I need a dual blade paddle. I'm 6'2" and the longer length eliminates the water drips. Browsing Werner's web site I see they now off adjustable length (240 - 260 cm) kayak paddles. The Camano (low angle) and Shuna (high angle) are both available as adjustables.

jdmccurry: "Werner still makes the paddle Han uses, so you don't need to buy his. Bent shaft Werner Kalliste "

Yeah, I know. It was more of an obnoxious Hail Mary on trying to get a used price in the very unlikely chance he'd want to sell the sweet spot paddle he's settled on. Hah!

Sorry Daniel, but I'm not parting with my Werner Kalliste! :-)

Although the Werner Ovation has tempted me, I'm quite content with the Werner Kalliste. Furthermore, it works great in my other solos as well, especially the lower volume solos like my Magic, the Sawyer DY Special, and Sawyer Shockwave.

Hans Solo

Ozarkpaddler, is that a Rob Roy?

I use a ZRE powersurge extreme bent shaft in my Kruger. With a rudder, every stroke is a power stroke so the bent shaft works great regardless of wind or weather. I'm often asked why I don't use a kayak paddle, and I reply "because I'm in a canoe". I guess I'm an ass that way.

My spare, and the paddle my daughter uses, are Wenonah Outfitter series bent shafts I fished out of the used barrel at Piragis for about $100 each. Those are real bargains and it doesn't hurt me as much when they hit granite.

joewildlife: "Ozarkpaddler, is that a Rob Roy?

I use a ZRE powersurge extreme bent shaft in my Kruger. With a rudder, every stroke is a power stroke so the bent shaft works great regardless of wind or weather. I'm often asked why I don't use a kayak paddle, and I reply "because I'm in a canoe". I guess I'm an ass that way.

My spare, and the paddle my daughter uses, are Wenonah Outfitter series bent shafts I fished out of the used barrel at Piragis for about $100 each. Those are real bargains and it doesn't hurt me as much when they hit granite.
"

"No," Joe, not Dave's Rob Roy, although I have paddled it once. That is a kayak that belonged to my friend Wally. Walden Kayak, perhaps?

And no need to worry about the durability of a Zav. I have two "Rec" Zavs, both "Blems." One is 15 years old, the other is 14. No breaks, but I do need to change the grip on the oldest....high concentration DEET will melt the plastic handles so I recommend the carbon or the wood on Zav's.