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02/26/2020 05:47AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Or does it? Do you use different length paddles depending on what canoe you’re paddling? I’m normally sitting stern in a Wenonah MN II with a 55” paddle. But I recently got a new Merrimack Osprey and will be paddling solo 90% of the time in that canoe. I recently read an article talking about using shorter paddles when paddling solo and/or in shorter canoes. You won’t need to twist my arm very hard to convince me I need another paddle. Lol
 
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MidwestFirecraft
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02/26/2020 06:17AM  
I've found it to be the opposite. When I went to one of the open paddle nights, Dan had me use a 4 inch longer paddle and showed my how holding the the lower hand higher on the shaft gave you the reach and control necessary in a solo canoe. I typically paddle small tandems solo, but still prefer the longer paddle. The only downside to me is in shallow water.
 
02/26/2020 10:40AM  
Depends on the boats. A 55" bent shaft is a very long paddle for a MNII or any narrow gunwale width dedicated solo. Check the paddle sizing guide lines on the ZRE web site for suggested methodology. If you are a hit and switch paddler a shorter shaft will probably increase your efficiency. A longer length is good if you're more of a free-style paddler or lean towards single side paddling and j-stroke (or what I call "ruddering").
For example- I'm 6' with a long torso. My main ride is an Advantage, a MNII or Escape when tandem. I paddle a 52" ZRE.
 
EddyTurn
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02/26/2020 01:03PM  
MidwestFirecraft: "I've found it to be the opposite. When I went to one of the open paddle nights, Dan had me use a 4 inch longer paddle and showed my how holding the the lower hand higher on the shaft gave you the reach and control necessary in a solo canoe. I typically paddle small tandems solo, but still prefer the longer paddle. The only downside to me is in shallow water. "
From what I learned: the longer the reach the more correction required. This is what makes sit-and-switch with bent-shaft shorty so efficient.
 
02/26/2020 01:58PM  
I prefer and own only straight shaft. And I’m only 5’2” on a good day!
 
02/26/2020 10:48PM  
I use a shorter bent and straight shaft in my solo. I hit and switch with the bent and j stroke with the straight. I'm not sure if it's a different seat height or narrower gunnels but shorter feels better for me.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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02/27/2020 06:14AM  
EddyTurn: "From what I learned: the longer the reach the more correction required. This is what makes sit-and-switch with bent-shaft shorty so efficient."

I never sit and switch so I could not speak to it. I watched Dan Cooke paddle his Phoenix like it was on a remote control. He had me try a 4 inch longer paddle and hold it much higher above the blade than I was used to. This allows you to reach forward farther near the haul and stop your stroke before you go behind your body. This was a great help in not zigzagging all over the lake. If you can make it to an open paddle night or get instruction from an expert it is really helpful. Sold all my dedicated solos and use small tandems now, but still highly value and use the skills I was shown.
 
02/27/2020 06:32AM  
Zig zagging is definitely an issue for me paddling solo. And when paddling tandem I do tend to stay on one side and use J strokes a lot. I would love to learn from Dan. I live near LaCrosse, WI. So the open paddles are usually a good drive away for me, but I will definitely try to make it to one.
 
02/27/2020 11:41AM  
Size matters, but so does your choice of style.
Dabbling in freestyle I like a long skinny blade. Deep strokes with an easy spin to the blade allows keeping the blade in the water.
Flat water crossing I go for efficiency in a short 8 inch bent, backed up with a straight slightly longer shaft with a wide blade. More power to maneuver a hard turning canoe, but more drag and tiring.

butthead
 
02/28/2020 06:13AM  
Where are Dan’s open paddle events? Near the twin cities? Or closer to Ely?
 
MidwestFirecraft
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02/28/2020 04:11PM  
Circle Pines usually. Follow Dan on Facebook for times. Usually Wed from 5-dark. Golden Lake
 
02/29/2020 06:33AM  
MidwestFirecraft: "Circle Pines usually. Follow Dan on Facebook for times. Usually Wed from 5-dark. Golden Lake "


Thank you. I’ll see if I can make one.
 
MossBack
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02/29/2020 11:07AM  
I personally have very little time paddling solo. But a knowledgeable friend commented that a short bent shaft is only more efficient if you are capable, and willing, to keep up a higher cadence.

MB
 
OCDave
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03/01/2020 05:09PM  
Goldenbadger: "Or does it? Do you use different length paddles depending on what canoe you’re paddling? I’m normally sitting stern in a Wenonah MN II with a 55” paddle. But I recently got a new Merrimack Osprey and will be paddling solo 90% of the time in that canoe. I recently read an article talking about using shorter paddles when paddling solo and/or in shorter canoes. You won’t need to twist my arm very hard to convince me I need another paddle. Lol"


I always feel a bit self conscious about my paddle selection. With so many touting the advantages of short, super light, bent paddles, I am a bit hesitant to admit I prefer long thin paddles that connect me to the depths of the lake.

My Solo is a Northstar Northwind Solo. The paddles that move me are a couple of Fishell paddles, (a 64" Special, and a 61" Modified Special) and a couple of Badger paddles ( a Tripper and a Sliver, both 60"). While the total length seems excessive, the handles are in the 30-32 inch range with the remaining 28-32 inches of length dedicated to the paddle blade. A long narrow blade feels like I get superior control, forward, backward or sideways, of the direction of movement of the boat.

I have a pair of Bending Branches Expedition Plus paddles that were purchased to make paddling tandem with the spouse easier but, they almost never get used. Even tandem, I typically grab one of the favorites.

Mike from Badger Paddles is typically at Canocopia.


Fishell Paddles are a continuation of Ray Kettlewell's paddle designs.

Good Luck

 
EddyTurn
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03/01/2020 06:36PM  
MossBack: "I personally have very little time paddling solo. But a knowledgeable friend commented that a short bent shaft is only more efficient if you are capable, and willing, to keep up a higher cadence.MB"

Since there's no correction phase and power phase is very short the high cadence comes naturally and doesn't require much effort.
 
jhb8426
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03/01/2020 11:06PM  
MossBack: "...But a knowledgeable friend commented that a short bent shaft is only more efficient if you are capable, and willing, to keep up a higher cadence.
"


That's been my issue all along sit and switch. There's no coast/rest period between strokes. Much prefer a straight paddle with traditional j stroke paddling.
 
03/02/2020 10:31AM  
when I use my solo boat I use a kayak paddle, I tried a paddle but prefer the kayak paddle it more efficient for me.
 
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