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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 12:33PM
Tandem Portaging

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
Grandma L 07/21/2019 12:10PM
How small are these kids? I was a children's camp director for many years and sent out many canoe trips of kids. We told kids they could consistently carry packs that were 1/3+ of their body weight ( 40-50 lb.)Canoes - a Grumman standard - kids 5'4", 125 lb. could carry them solo on up to 250 rods with breaks and trades. So, they would work in teams and trade packs and canoe every 100 rods or so. And, try to rest the canoe in a tree every 40-50 rods.
Maybe you should think about taking or renting a canoe that is light enough for them to appropriately carry?
4keys 07/18/2019 10:06PM
We did this years ago with an alumnacraft. While we both carried full backpacks so we could do a single portage. Takes coordination and paying attention to the other person. If one of you trips in a rocky section both of you could go down and so will the canoe. Single carry is much better. Make a couple trips so an adult can carry the canoes while the kids carry packs.
overthehill 07/18/2019 09:23PM
bobbernumber3: "oth: "minnmike: " if its the three of you going, have you thought about renting a 3 man canoe?" Very good idea. If you take the south island site, take some orange jigheads to the bay- out current ssw of you. Jig toward the portage to the w est and around the point towards the poor site at the sw of lake and back to camp along the n side of the big oblong island w of camp isle. An easy little loop for supper fare. As far as portaging; even with only bottle to do I would be the one carrying. I just did not like a two-man carry on a canoe. Good luck."



That could all make sense, I suppose. If you know what lake you are on."

sorry for rambling off the main subject. Iron. Richwon , From crooked,llc,beartrap,; or even a tow and just bottle....take your time when going in. I have 2 boys a year apart and have yet to get us all 3 there at the same time. I envy you. Enjoy! oth
Savage Voyageur 07/17/2019 10:22PM
I would not recommend this practice at all. It’s an accident waiting to happen. I can see one kid stops for a rock or root to maneuver over and the other kid wants to keep going...down they go. Adults can portage the canoe, kids can carry the packs and gear. Make a few trips.
straighthairedcurly 07/17/2019 09:06PM
As young campers, we used to do the overhead double carry until our counselor could get the first canoe across the portage and return for the next one. Never had any injuries using this method, it just isn't very fun.
bobbernumber3 07/17/2019 06:36PM
oth: "minnmike: " if its the three of you going, have you thought about renting a 3 man canoe?" Very good idea. If you take the south island site, take some orange jigheads to the bay- out current ssw of you. Jig toward the portage to the w est and around the point towards the poor site at the sw of lake and back to camp along the n side of the big oblong island w of camp isle. An easy little loop for supper fare. As far as portaging; even with only bottle to do I would be the one carrying. I just did not like a two-man carry on a canoe. Good luck."


That could all make sense, I suppose. If you know what lake you are on.
oth 07/17/2019 03:14PM
minnmike: " if its the three of you going, have you thought about renting a 3 man canoe?"
Very good idea. If you take the south island site, take some orange jigheads to the bay- out current ssw of you. Jig toward the portage to the west and around the point towards the poor site at the sw of lake and back to camp along the n side of the big oblong island w of camp isle. An easy little loop for supper fare.

As far as portaging; even with only bottle to do I would be the one carrying. I just did not like a two-man carry on a canoe. Good luck.
bobbernumber3 07/17/2019 02:32PM
Richwon4: "Considering their size and weight I don't see they will have much choice. "


You take your canoe on the first trip, their canoe on the second trip ?
minnmike 07/17/2019 02:11PM
if its the three of you going, have you thought about renting a 3 man canoe?
Michwall2 07/17/2019 01:21PM
Richwon4: "Considering their size and weight I don't see they will have much choice. "


This begs the question of whether they should be portaging canoes at all? How old are the children? What is your route and length of portages? Is this something you should practice at home in the driveway or around the block before you get on a portage trail to see if they are capable? Maybe rent a lighter kevlar for this trip?


Here are a couple of links:
I think this is the OP's video reference:
Old Town Double Portage Video


This is the one that immediately followed.
Canoe and Kayak Double/Single Portage Video - Paleolith54's method is included.


There are only a few circumstances where we use a double person portage instead of a single person portage. (E.g. Too rocky to be safe (especially at portage ends), too steep to be safe, or obstruction (low hanging tree, etc.)). Even then it is only a very short distance and the person with the most unsure footing gets to control how fast. I would not do it for a long distance (anything more than about 5-10 rods.).
Paleolith54 07/17/2019 12:57PM
Richwon4: "Considering their size and weight I don't see they will have much choice. "


I wouldn't use either method in the Old Town video for anything that deserves to be called a portage. I like to have the "stern" guy in the middle at the yoke as if he was doing a solo carry, with the bow guy resting the bow on a shoulder and holding onto the grab loop for control. The bow guy is the brain, the center guy the muscle. It's easier than it sounds, and the center guy no longer has to try to balance or steer; just carry. The visibility of the ground in front of you is no worse than carrying solo. On a long carry, they can switch roles if needed.
Richwon4 07/17/2019 12:10PM
Considering their size and weight I don't see they will have much choice.
cyclones30 07/17/2019 12:07PM
If I can't see the other side of the portage, the canoe is going on someone's shoulders. If it's a beaver dam or something then we'll tandem carry and even those suck.
walllee 07/17/2019 07:19AM
Accident waiting to happen....
shock 07/17/2019 04:09AM
Blatz: "Try to avoid it if you can. Rocky sections can be a challenge with one person slowing or stopping suddenly "
+1 and without watching the video, vision for good footing for the back guy.
sedges 07/16/2019 10:32PM
What is reason for needing to tandem portage?
Blatz 07/16/2019 10:12PM
Try to avoid it if you can. Rocky sections can be a challenge with one person slowing or stopping suddenly
Richwon4 07/16/2019 09:30PM
I believe my boys are going to have to tandem portage their canoe in a couple weeks. Old Town has a pretty good video on it. Anyone have practical working experience with this?