BWCA Solo canoeing using kayak paddle? Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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      Solo canoeing using kayak paddle?     

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Whatsit
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04/30/2017 05:35PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi all
Do any of you use a kayak paddle when you are solo canoeing?
Just wondering. If you do, what are the benefits and what are the draw backs?
Thanks
Mike
 
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04/30/2017 06:48PM  
A lot of solo paddlers use yak paddles. Advantages are no need for any "complicated" steering strokes or switching sides every few strokes. They are particularly useful for straight line lake paddling and dealing with wind. Less useful for winding creeks and rivers.

The biggest disadvantage is that you're going to get wet. Water will run down the handle and drip off the blade onto your hands and into your canoe.

Carry a spare regular paddle and you can switch when the need arises.

 
04/30/2017 07:14PM  
I hated using a yak paddle at first, but now I love it. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get it down, you really cruise. It's nothing like a canoe paddle stroke as it uses less torso twist and lacks the torque of a canoe paddle stroke, but once you get the grip and pattern down it becomes as natural as a canoe paddle stroke. I love that I don't have to focus as much on keeping the bow between 11 and 1 as I do with a canoe paddle. I bring a spare straight shaft with me for fishing and other tight quarters moments, but I have not regretted picking up a yak paddle. I'd try some out before I buy to see how much you like it, a decent one isn't cheap.
 
04/30/2017 07:29PM  
I use a double blade paddle and carry a straight spare. It is easier for me, especially since I only paddle a couple of times a year. I don't get nearly as much water in the canoe as I used to and since I wet foot, some gets in anyway. If I switch sides with a single blade some it gets in that way too. It's easier for me to make quick adjustments in the wind and saves changing the grip every time I switch sides.
 
Whatsit
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04/30/2017 08:40PM  
Hey thanks everyone. Do you keep your two blades straight or are they each a different degree?
Thanks again
Mike
 
muddyfeet
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04/30/2017 09:09PM  
quote awbrown: "They are particularly useful for straight line lake paddling and dealing with wind.
"

Huh, I had the opposite experience- found the double blade to be much more difficult in wind. Paddle your own boat, I guess :)

..On that note, I have always wondered what a retractable skeg would do for a solo canoe battling wind.
 
Wheeldog
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04/30/2017 09:25PM  
Are people using bent grip kayak paddles like a Werner or is it all straight shaft paddles, the reason I ask is I WW kayak and have my WW paddles and all are bent shaft. Just wondering if it would work for soloing or if people have found that WW kayak paddles don't work as well as other kayak paddles. Thanks
 
05/01/2017 06:27AM  
Paddled 35 years with straight paddles and love my yak paddle for soloing. I like a 280 with my SRQ16. Can use a 260 with my Bell Magic.
Can't say I have had any water issues in the boat with the longer paddles. You can make adjustments into the wind faster with the yak paddle and without a reduction in speed IMHO.
 
05/01/2017 07:37AM  
I was one who poo pooed a Kayak paddle for decades. I tried one last year and now that's pretty much all I use. Like others, I carry a bent shaft single with me. I use a low angle Werner Ovation set at 0 degree offset. Yes you will get some drips on your thigh area.
 
05/01/2017 10:05AM  

I use a 90 1/2 inch ... 230 cm Wenonah Current Designs Yak paddle that I bought back in 1992 with my Bell Magic. I really like its efficiency and paddling ease. I carry a 52 inch bent shaft as a backup.

Yeah, you get a little water on your arms and thighs but that is really the only negative I see using a double blade yak in a canoe. And to me it's such a minimal issue to even worry about.

 
05/01/2017 10:47AM  
quote Wheeldog: "Are people using bent grip kayak paddles like a Werner or is it all straight shaft paddles, the reason I ask is I WW kayak and have my WW paddles and all are bent shaft. Just wondering if it would work for soloing or if people have found that WW kayak paddles don't work as well as other kayak paddles. Thanks"


I used a 230cm straight paddle for a solo in a vagabond and it was jsut fine. Not sure I'd want go much shorter than 200, but just like in the yak, it depends on your reach. I don't think bent vs. straight is the issue as much as the length.
 
05/01/2017 12:05PM  
Sacreligious!!! May lighting strike the solo canoe double blade user--------

There got that part done! No I do not like them and do not use them, but hell I'm a butthead!
Big proponent of try it ya may like it, if so no reason not to use them.
Personally I'm a single blade guy, who has refined thru trial and error the paddles I like. 14 degree ZAV Z Lite and a straight Z Lite, different tools for different situations.

butthead
 
05/01/2017 12:43PM  
Butthead LOL. I like my Zav 14 degree bent paddle a lot but when soloing my Magic my 230 cm yak is the "cat's meow".

I agree with you on most things on this forum but I must agree to disagree with you on using a yak while soloing. ??
 
05/01/2017 01:17PM  
quote Wally13: "Butthead LOL. I like my Zav 14 degree bent paddle a lot but when soloing my Magic my 230 cm yak is the "cat's meow".


I agree with you on most things on this forum but I must agree to disagree with you on using a yak while soloing. ??"



You my friend, need help! Fortunately the doctor is in.

butthead
 
05/01/2017 01:17PM  
I use a bb navigator 250 cm, love it, I'll even use it when I tandem, I've paddled hundreds of miles with it and would have a hard time going back to single blade, just practice with one before you trip with one, there not for everybody as butthead stated, I know kanoes wasn't a fan either, it's all in what your comfortable with.
 
05/01/2017 02:04PM  
I use a 240 bent shaft Werner both with my Magic and my Tsunami 14'6" kayak and love that paddle. I get some water because I use a high angle stroke most of the time as I like to get along. I lower the angle for sight seeing and get very little water.
I came back to canoe after several years in a kayak and had developed skill and comfort with the double blade paddle. I know folks like butthead who have developed the single blade stroke and the double would be awkward. My son and I watched a sit and switch with a single blade fly down the lake and commenting that is the way it is supposed to go.
 
05/01/2017 03:23PM  

Butthead,

TOO FUNNY LOL
 
ZaraSp00k
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05/01/2017 04:58PM  
a lot of people here have said long yak paddles are the cats meow, so I bought two SUP adjustable paddles, took off the ends and stuck them together, so I have a 148" yak paddle, they are correct, there's nothing like a long yak paddle in a solo, I never get so much as a drop of water in my boat, all you suckerz with shorter paddles just don't know what you are missing
 
05/01/2017 06:26PM  
quote ZaraSp00k: "a lot of people here have said long yak paddles are the cats meow, so I bought two SUP adjustable paddles, took off the ends and stuck them together, so I have a 148" yak paddle, they are correct, there's nothing like a long yak paddle in a solo, I never get so much as a drop of water in my boat, all you suckerz with shorter paddles just don't know what you are missing"


Your 148 inch yak most certainly will out perform my short 90 1/2 inch yak ! Like you say ZaraSp00k " nothing like a longer yak paddle in a solo" LOL
 
muddyfeet
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05/01/2017 06:48PM  
quote butthead: "Sacreligious!!! May lighting strike the solo canoe double blade user--------

Big proponent of try it ya may like it, if so no reason not to use them.
Personally I'm a single blade guy, who has refined thru trial and error the paddles I like.
butthead"


lol. Butthead, that's great.
 
05/01/2017 08:37PM  
I'm with Butthead. I'm a regular kayaker and have a decent paddle, but have not enjoyed using it on canoe trips. To me it just doesn't feel like canoeing using a yak paddle.
 
05/02/2017 02:03AM  
It seems odd that this paddle vs yak paddle question would be brought up now, when we are thinking about Jan. His response would have been something like "Yak paddles are for folks who haven't learned how to paddle correctly". That being said , I really liked Jan and hopefully that will influence his dicesion as to or not to strike me with a lighting bolt as I use my 260 cm yak paddle to propell my Savage River solo along this year, I do carry a straight shaft BB wooden paddle for fishing and winding streams. FRED
 
05/02/2017 06:30AM  
Since I don't car shuttle, my paddling in the Northern Illinois rivers involves up stream with the double blade and down stream with my single.
 
Trapper7
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05/02/2017 06:48AM  
I bought a Wenonah Wilderness and have been researching the "yak" paddle. After reading every review and comment on bwca.com, I ordered this kayak paddle as my guinea pig. From my research it seems like it will be a good middle of the road paddle at a reasonable price before I spend any big bucks on something.
 
Whatsit
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05/02/2017 09:58AM  
Well I must admit I always thought like Butthead but as my first solo is coming closer and closer I've been reading a lot and from what I've been reading a lot of people really like using a yak paddle. I just bought a cheep one that I will hopefully try out soon. I plan on bringing my bent shaft paddle as well. I may hate the yak paddle and I just may love it.
Thanks for all your opinions and thoughts
Mike
 
05/02/2017 01:21PM  
quote Whatsit: "Well I must admit I always thought like Butthead "


That is a serious condition my friend.
I suggest you get that checked out ASAP!
 
05/02/2017 02:20PM  
The humor in this thread is good...thanks. Dr. Head-of-the Butt!

I have used a yak soloing, and I liked it, but the one I have is pretty heavy. I just cannot bring myself to buy a more expensive, lighter one. I have a bent Zav that I love, and if I am going to invest another 3 bills or so, it will probably be for a straight Zav. RIght now, I just do not have the money with 2 girls in college and another starting next year.
 
05/02/2017 04:23PM  
Frenchy19,

I hear you about being in the poor house with 2 girls in college. I put 3 girls through college and the last one graduated 4 years ago. I am just now getting above water. Worth it for sure but college expenses will certainly affect your purchase of new camping and paddling accessories.
 
05/02/2017 06:05PM  
After college comes the wedding . . .
 
05/02/2017 07:26PM  
quote boonie: "After college comes the wedding . . ."


But I am a new age man, and I encourage the dude to pay the whole damn thing!
 
05/02/2017 07:29PM  
Boonie,

Yep, forgot middle daughters wedding 5 years ago. YIKES ... how could I have forgotten.

I got to be like Frenchy19 and become "NEW AGE MAN " for the next 2 weddings coming up. LOL
 
05/02/2017 07:47PM  
Even if you only pay half, it's still a lot!

We finally got the second one paid off a few years ago.

Offer them money to elope; it'll be cheaper in the long run and a lot less trouble! :).
 
Whatsit
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05/02/2017 08:13PM  
My father in law said he'd give us such n such amount in cash or pay for the wedding and that would be our gift. We went to the justice of peace in Wisconsin rapids the next week and had a nice down payment for our house :-).
That was really nice, but now having a daughter I sure would love to give her the wedding she wants. Some things are worth seeing your little girl so happy
Mike
 
Whatsit
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05/02/2017 08:16PM  
quote Frenchy19: "The humor in this thread is good...thanks. Dr. Head-of-the Butt!


I have used a yak soloing, and I liked it, but the one I have is pretty heavy. I just cannot bring myself to buy a more expensive, lighter one. I have a bent Zav that I love, and if I am going to invest another 3 bills or so, it will probably be for a straight Zav. RIght now, I just do not have the money with 2 girls in college and another starting next year. "

I found a 90 inch one on the clearance rack at Walmart for $9. Hopefully it will be ok
 
05/03/2017 08:34AM  
Ponder this, kayak paddle users:

If I mount oar locks on my canoe, sit backwards and use the oars to cruise about, would you say I am canoeing or rowing?

If I put a trolling motor on my canoe and cruise about all day, would you say I am canoeing or trolling?

If I rig a sail up on my canoe and harness the wind all day, am I canoeing or sailing?

So if you deploy a double blade, is it not more accurate to say you are kayaking with a canoe than canoeing with a kayak paddle?? Is it not the propulsion that more accurately defines the activity? :-)
 
Whatsit
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05/03/2017 09:34AM  
quote Jaywalker: "Ponder this, kayak paddle users:


If I mount oar locks on my canoe, sit backwards and use the oars to cruise about, would you say I am canoeing or rowing?


If I put a trolling motor on my canoe and cruise about all day, would you say I am canoeing or trolling?


If I rig a sail up on my canoe and harness the wind all day, am I canoeing or sailing?


So if you deploy a double blade, is it not more accurate to say you are kayaking with a canoe than canoeing with a kayak paddle?? Is it not the propulsion that more accurately defines the activity? :-)"

The definition of the word "canoe" is
"a narrow, keelless boat with pointed ends, propelled by a paddle or paddles."
The definition of the word "paddle" is
"a short pole with a broad blade at one or both ends, used without an oarlock to move a small boat or canoe through the water."
So I think it's safe to say using a double bladed paddle is canoeing.
Mike
 
05/03/2017 09:54AM  
Also if you sit off the floor or kneel it's considered a canoe. If you look at an Olympic whitewater canoe it looks like a kayak but they're kneeling.
 
05/03/2017 10:31AM  
Does it really matter what you paddle with as long as your comfortable doing it and having fun, I don't think so, enjoy paddling how ever you do it.
 
Whatsit
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05/03/2017 10:43AM  
quote housty9: "Does it really matter what you paddle with as long as your comfortable doing it and having fun, I don't think so, enjoy paddling how ever you do it."

Yes! Well said. None of us our making a career out of canoning when we go to the bwca. We are going to have fun and enjoy ourselves. I could tell you the countless times I have seen people not knowing how to paddle while they were in a canoe, but they were having a blast. Sometimes what difference does it make. That's why I left the bagpipe band. It was meant to be a bunch of guys having fun, but in no time we couldn't do this or that and I and a few others threw up our arms and said we are done. Same with hunting with my brother. Everything had to be just so. I don't do it anymore. Life sure must be boring for those that have to have everything only one way.
Mike
 
05/03/2017 11:33AM  
Whatsit. How many people can say they quit a Bagpipe band?
 
Whatsit
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05/03/2017 01:19PM  
quote Blatz: "Whatsit. How many people can say they quit a Bagpipe band? "

:0)
I'm sure not many people.
 
jeepgirl
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05/03/2017 02:16PM  
I use a kayak paddle. I just like a kayak paddle in my canoe. Plus I race dragon boats and that stroke is completely different than the canoe stroke. So to not get confused and accused of canoeing in the dragon boat, I never use a single blade in my canoe. When and if I ever stop racing dragon boats, I will learn how to single blade paddle my canoe.
 
RetiredDave
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05/03/2017 06:40PM  
I take both because, darn it, paddling in a stiff wind for me is too hard with a standard paddle. When the wind huffs and puffs and blows I switch to a kayak paddle, but I don't like it.

But I think we should make a rule. Either we allow kayak paddles or not. Everybody has to agree and if you are caught breaking the rule you are out! Whatever that means.

Dave
 
05/03/2017 08:41PM  
Ponder this:

To paddle or not to paddle, that is the question.
Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the single blade against outrageous fortune,
Or take up the double blade against a sea of troubles,
and by opposing end them.

:)
 
05/04/2017 06:05AM  
quote boonie: "Ponder this:

To paddle or not to paddle, that is the question.
Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the single blade against outrageous fortune,
Or take up the double blade against a sea of troubles,
and by opposing end them.

:)"

Oh, well spoken, Prince Boonie of Denmark! I'm humbled and impressed!
 
muddyfeet
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05/04/2017 10:51AM  
Yeah, paddle your boat however you like.
I think Jaywalker is correct in being technical, though. In defining the sport: ICF rules for sprint and marathon are explicit about kayaker using only a double blade and canoeists using only a single blade paddle.

...so while you double-bladers are 'paddling', us single-bladers are the only ones actually 'canoeing' :)

I also find it interesting that in the U.K. both kayaks and canoes are referred to as 'canoeing' while 'Canadian canoeing' is used to specify an actual canoe. Crazy brits.
 
Whatsit
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05/06/2017 08:37PM  
Just got back from trying out the kayak paddles. They really worked great.
Mike
 
05/07/2017 05:44AM  
quote Whatsit: "Just got back from trying out the kayak paddles. They really worked great.
Mike"


When I first started I didn't really know anything about paddling and would try both, going back and forth. First, I'd like one, then the other. I've finally settled on the double for most of my paddling. I would still like to become more proficient with single blades, but it's difficult when that's about the only time I paddle. Do you plan to take both with the single as a spare?
 
05/07/2017 05:53AM  
quote muddyfeet: "Yeah, paddle your boat however you like.
I think Jaywalker is correct in being technical, though. In defining the sport: ICF rules for sprint and marathon are explicit about kayaker using only a double blade and canoeists using only a single blade paddle.


...so while you double-bladers are 'paddling', us single-bladers are the only ones actually 'canoeing' :)


I also find it interesting that in the U.K. both kayaks and canoes are referred to as 'canoeing' while 'Canadian canoeing' is used to specify an actual canoe. Crazy brits. "


Yes, but what do the Aussies say? :)

When Jaywalker first brought it up, I thought what you were doing would be defined by the craft rather than the means of propulsion.

Interesting that you say double-bladers are paddling rather than kayaking, while single bladers are canoeing rather than paddling . . . :) What are SUPers doing?

I've decided that one of the best things about soloing is the lack of semantics :)
 
05/07/2017 07:05AM  
I started using a BB Slice model double when soloing in 2011. I used it until 2016 when I invested in a Zaveral Recreation bent shaft paddle at 12 ounces. I used that exclusively in 2016 and brought my BB wood straight shaft as a back up or for poling in streams.

I loved the double but didn't like portaging all that length and being plastic it is not exactly light. Another feature is bringing water in the canoe while paddling the double. Also and a huge factor for not bringing the double anymore is my love affair I'm having with the new Zav. I can paddle all day without tiring. It's like paddling with air. Well worth my $225 investment.





 
coloradomike
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05/07/2017 12:34PM  
quote Whatsit: "
quote Blatz: "Whatsit. How many people can say they quit a Bagpipe band? "

:0)
I'm sure not many people. "


Not nearly as many as should have. I like good bagpipe bands, but mediocre one are painful to hear.
 
Whatsit
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05/07/2017 04:15PM  
quote boonie: "
quote Whatsit: "Just got back from trying out the kayak paddles. They really worked great.
Mike"



When I first started I didn't really know anything about paddling and would try both, going back and forth. First, I'd like one, then the other. I've finally settled on the double for most of my paddling. I would still like to become more proficient with single blades, but it's difficult when that's about the only time I paddle. Do you plan to take both with the single as a spare?"

Yes, I'm taking both the double blade and the bent shaft.
 
Whatsit
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05/07/2017 04:22PM  
quote coloradomike: "
quote Whatsit: "
quote Blatz: "Whatsit. How many people can say they quit a Bagpipe band? "

:0)
I'm sure not many people. "



Not nearly as many as should have. I like good bagpipe bands, but mediocre one are painful to hear.
"

:-)
 
05/19/2017 06:38PM  
quote housty9: "I use a bb navigator 250 cm, love it..."

+1
I paddle a Magic and have a BB navigator 260 (custom length) that I use when I want to move from point A to point B quickly. Bring a single blade as a spare and use that when I'm fishing or just out for a stroll.
 
05/20/2017 09:57AM  
On my first 3 solos I primarily used a double blade w/ a single bent shaft as my spare. I'm really glad that I did that. I think it made the early solo adventures more enjoyable.
But, after my 3rd one I was wishing that I had used my single blade more often so on my 4th solo (2 weeks ago) I forced myself to use the single blade by not bringing a kayak paddle this time. I really enjoyed it much more. In the future I may bring a double as a back up only if the weather forecast calls for windy days.
 
05/25/2017 09:21AM  
I have used a Yak paddle for about 8 years now and would have a hard time using a single blade all day long. I have three that have been lengthened to about right around 10 ft. not sure how many cm's that is. Don't get wet, go straight all day long, and feels a lot safer in a heavy wind. Not sure if my body could handle a 12 ft length without tearing my shoulders up, but I'm sure I wouldn't start a bar fight with Zaraspook. Good Luck, Hiawatha
 
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