Sail use in the BWCA has been debated in the past. And the rules are not clear. They specifically speak to sailboats and mechanical propulsion being disallowed, but the definition of what constitutes a sail boat is not clear. I believe most people agree that a make shift sail such as tarp between two paddles is allowed, but the use of the Windpaddle may be allowed since it doesn't have a pulley or any mechanics or it may not be allowed because it made to attach to a canoe or kayak and this attachment implies the canoe or kayak is now a sailboat.

I've brought an umbrella with to use as a sail and backrest for fishing in the rain....

As someone who supports the ban on sailboats, I might get on board with this one because it doesn’t let you sail upwind. However, if no pulley is the criteria then I think I could design a rig with no pulleys that does sail upwind. Overall, though I’d rather not see them out there. Having to hold the sail by hand limits the amount of propulsion you can get. And a makeshift sail is a fun project in ingenuity. Let’s paddle!

BTW, I support the ban on sailboats because a sailboat uses a lake ina different way. Canoes travel from point to point or hang out fishing. Sailboats go back and forth over and over again. That could be annoying if your campsite is being sailed by over and over again. Also, new crisp sails are actually noisy when turning to a new direction.

Wouldn't bother me if these were allowed - I've even thought of getting one. Once I really thought about where I would have used it on previous trips, I decided to add some other luxury item instead.

I would be okay with this device also. My take on it personally is that it looks like it is more trouble than it's worth. If it's that windy I don't want to be on the lake. I like to go slow and listen to the sounds and look for wildlife. I need the exercise so I like to paddle.

I’d try it... they are not anymore intrusive than a tarp and for the solo paddler it could be the bomb. I wouldn’t go out in high seas with it, but with a breeze and set up right you’d be styling. Once they caught on you’d see a lot of people going west to east. Haha.
As far as the sail debate... I doubt it would stand up in court as far as their criteria. And chances of a ticket? Who’s gonna catch you. Haha.

I have seen these at copia in past years.
And I do recall a thrilling ride down Kahshahpiwi holding up an army poncho liner between two paddles. I think more about safety now and how close we were to dumping more than once when the wind would shift suddenly. Sure was fun, though.

I agree with Ben and bhouse46 - fun ride - be careful and who could catch you - there are so few rangers out there - give it a try.

adam: "Sail use in the BWCA has been debated in the past. And the rules are not clear. They specifically speak to sailboats and mechanical propulsion being disallowed, but the definition of what constitutes a sail boat is not clear. I believe most people agree that a make shift sail such as tarp between two paddles is allowed, but the use of the Windpaddle may be allowed since it doesn't have a pulley or any mechanics or it may not be allowed because it made to attach to a canoe or kayak and this attachment implies the canoe or kayak is now a sailboat.





"

Cool, I don't see how that is going to work in the BWCA though. Evert where I go I am always paddling into the wind!! lol Where is this rumored tailwind? :)