Looking for some advice from this brilliant paddling hive-mind.

I own a Wenonah Boundary Waters tripping canoe that is perfect for 2-person BWCA tripping. However, I also use it to fish in solo and it is tough to handle. I live in NW Iowa which is basically always windy. I sit like a cork on top of the water and blow around like crazy.

Anchors work when fishing, but I often end up getting slowly blown downwind and end up with long, upwind slog back to the car. I end up paddling a stroke or two on one side, then switching for a stroke or two. I tack back and forth like crazy and last weekend even though the wind was moderate, I chose to fish from shore.

I generally fish backwards sitting in the front seat, but for paddling, I end up kneeling in the center. It is a wide boat; paddling from the middle isn't ideal.

I'm thinking of buying or borrowing a cheap kayak paddle to test if that is an improvement. And if it is, I'd get a good one. My first question is: Do you think testing with a cheapo kayak paddle would give me an indication of whether a kayak paddle is right for me?

My second question is how much improvement do you think I'd see if I played with weighting the boat correctly? (Trim?). It is a big boat and it seems like it would require a dozen milk jugs full of water to make a difference and that seems like a pain.

Most of my fishing is a few hours at a time stolen when the family is otherwise occupied, so I'm trying to find a simple solution that is quick, easy and fun.

U would definitely need a 280cm yak paddle. I just rest mine across my lap when fishing. You get used to it and never know it's there. I use a 5gal bucket with lid for ballast water.

A longer "short" paddle (260 cm) will give you a hint, but if you are serious you will want a 280 cm paddle such as the Bending Branches solo. I bought one two years ago and am finally getting the hang of it in a Bell Magic. Works like a charm.

I say "A longer "short" paddle (260 cm) " because most kayak paddles I see are 260 cm at most. The BB solo canoe paddle is advertised as available as either 260 or 280 cm. I know this is confusing but that's how my logic (or lack of) works

Another thing to use for ballast is a large sturdy dry bag. They are pretty easy to fill up and conform to the shape of the canoe. They are also easy to empty and carry to the next lake if you ever need to portage. Ones that are 25 to 35 liters work well. Big is good so it is easy to close.

All,

Thanks for the great advice, as always. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do, but I know it won't be to buy a cheapo-short paddle to test.

Thanks,

Chris

The only complaints I have ever heard from a solo canoeist about using a kayak paddle over a canoe paddle is regarding water dripping down the shaft into the boat. Otherwise, from a paddle in the wind scenario they are very efficient and easy to use. On my 1st solo, I brought a canoe paddle and a break apart kayak paddle. I used the kayak paddle a lot and loved it for mindless "slogging" in less than ideal conditions.