I've spent a bunch of time in the BWCA - all fishing from a motorboat due to my dad's health. The more time I've spent up there, the more I've been thinking about trying the "real deal." One of my goals for this year is to get my toes wet paddling in the BWCA, and to do it solo. For my first trip, I'll be taking it pretty easy - probably base-camping one or two portages in from an entry. (I know, me and the rest of the world...)

Anyway, the canoe I'll likely be paddling is a Northwind 16. Through my limited research, I'm under the impression that this is a decent choice for an inexperienced solo paddler.

What does the hive think about this? I'm also quite interested in advice on how to load the canoe for optimal balance/weight distribution. Where's the best place to sit, etc? Any other advice for a newbie?

Many thanks!

Are you buying the boat or just renting? If renting, I'd suggest a dedicated solo canoe rather than the Northwind 16. It's a fine boat, but its primary purpose is as a tandem. The thwart behind the bow seat has been removed to accommodate those who wish to paddle it solo from the bow (the bow then becomes the stern).

I also wonder why not the Northwind Solo, which is designed to be paddled solo?

I would second the dedicated solo boat. Which one depends on how big are you and how much gear are you taking. First timers always take too much so plan on a little bigger boat than for just you.
On a solo I have found that I enjoy fishing less than when with others. What I enjoy more is exploring which is traveling. So consider having a option to either change plans and do a loop or have day trips into neighboring lakes.

Instead of what canoe, how to pack the canoe, or a whole pile of solo tripping stuff, what kind of paddling in a solo canoe have you done?
Beg borrow or rent as much paddling time as you can, in a variety of canoe models, first. Try single blade and double. Find the canoe and paddling style that suits you, and learn boat control. Different styles of canoe lend to different personalities and handling. Canoes like Phoenix, Magic, Northwind Solo seem similar but have quite different paddling characteristics. Same for the Wenonah line maybe even more so.
Paddle position, load distribution all fall in place after picking the canoe.

butthead

Thanks all for the feedback. I should have been a little more clear—- I have access to the northwind 16 for free via a friend. So I haven’t looked much at solo canoe options, but rather just researched the feasibility of using this specific boat as a solo. If folks think that’s a bad idea I’ll look into renting a solo. As an inexperienced paddler who will be alone, I want a boat that will offer a good combo of stability, maneuverability, and ease of portage.

Unfortunately I won’t have many opportunities to test multiple boats and paddles before my trip. That’s ok. I see this as the first of hopefully many, so my testing will be done over a longer period of time. I don’t need to find the perfect boat for my first trip, just something that I can manage.

I’m a minimalist so I wouldn’t worry about overpacking. This will be 3-4 days to start. I don’t eat large complicated meals or expect many creature comforts from this trip.

The focus of the trip won’t be fishing, but I’ll plan on doing some “passive” fishing like slip bobbers and probably pulling a crank bait around while traveling.

Here's my $0.02. It's your first real paddling trip to the BW and your first solo - you don't have to get everything just right the first time. I'd say the Northstar 16 will get you there and back ok, but comes with some trade offs. If its free for you to use, great, and it will be stable. It will also be about 10 lbs or so heavier than a real solo so a bit more to portage. How it maneuvers vs a real solo boat is a big variable. I have to respectfully disagree with Ausable's post above about it being meant to be paddled backward solo. The Northwind is an asymmetrical boat with more rocker on one end than the other. From what I have read, trying to paddle an asymmetrical boat backwards can be problematic, though I have not personally tried - perhaps someone who has can explain better. The Northwind usually comes with a kneeling thwart for solo paddlers (have a look at their website for standard configuration) which allows them to paddle the direction the boat was designed to be paddled. Kneeling is a great way to add stability paddling in whitewater or heavy waves, but I am not sure how long I would care to kneel on a calm lake.

So if you don't want to paddle and portage very far, I think the Northwind will get you there, but not as easily as a solo boat. I'd be pretty guarded about trying to paddle it backwards, especially if there is any wind. And if you use the kneeling thwart, be sure to bring some dense foamy cushions for your knees. If the money isn't a big factor, I would bet that you would be happier in a solo boat.

I would rent a dedicated solo canoe. As one who has soloed in a tandem you'll find it much easier in a solo canoe. It's definitely doable in a tandem but its hard to get them balanced correctly and you'll be at the mercy of the wind. Its no fun getting blown all over the lake cause your bow is sticking up too much.

Yes you'll have to sit in the bow seat facing backwards. I've taken collapsible water jugs filled and set them in front as far forward as possible to trim the canoe, also used rocks at times but I don't think that's advisable if you swamp. If you're somewhat inexperienced paddling I would definitely try to get out for some practice. Going solo is a great experience in my book.

The tandem Northwind 16, and not the Northwind solo, right. If you are limited to it, that canoe is somewhat a-symetric and paddling backward is even more compromised. I never was a fan of paddling a tandem backward as a solo. Much better to position in the center in spite of the gunnel width. It simplifies controlling the canoe.

If or when you decide to try several solo canoes I could not think of a better place than Sawbill Outfitting. It's right at the landing complete with a great campground and walking distance from a selection of rentals.

butthead

Correct the tandem 16. I have also read that this boat is not to be paddled in reverse with the bow at the back.

I know there’s no substitute for experiencing each boat myself— but if you had to recommend a solo canoe that favors stability and ease of portaging, any thoughts on where to start? I’m not sure I’ll be able to get somewhere with a bunch of options buy I’ll try to make it Sawbill if time allows.

Thanks again!

Hey Gopher,
I would also agree that a solo canoe would be best. But free use of a canoe also has it's points. I would recommend that if you can get hold of the boat and put a few hours in on a local lake, do so! That way you can get a feel for the canoe and see if you want to paddle it for the trip. If possible, well before the trip rent a solo canoe (or canoes) for a day and try it to feel the difference.

You mentioned that you are an inexperienced paddler. If you get an experienced paddler to coach you on your paddle strokes, it can greatly increase your learning curve. Remember that when paddling solo, you don't have a partner to help with either power strokes or maneuvering. It is ALL in your hands.

When planning your first trip, plan to take it easy and enjoy the paddle. Speed and distance come with experience. Early in the game, go for an fun trip instead of pushing too hard. Don't get burnt out. Enjoy.

I think you'd be OK in a NW16 knowing that you'd be slower than a solo canoe and also more vulnerable to medium/high wind. It's an asymmetric boat so best place to sit is to kneel on the kneeling thwart. If it doesn't have one, they are quite easy to install if the owner is open to the idea. If you want recommendations on a solo canoe it would be good to know your height and weight and the heaviest load you need the canoe to carry, and whether you sit or kneel.

Thanks again folks. I am a flabby 5’9” pushing 200 right now. Probably more like 185-190 in the summer time.

I’ll need to start weighing my gear. Don’t have any UL stuff, but I also don’t overpack.

I to recommend renting a solo. I just don't think an inexperienced paddlers first time solo should be in a tandem of any kind. Too many variables, unless you can bring it out a few times beforehand to get used to it. Like someone mentioned earlier I would rent from Sawbill Outfitters and start your trip from there. Lots of good trip options for the base camper. The Wenonah Wilderness or Prisim should do you just fine, although the Prisim seems like it would be more forgiving. I would bring two paddles, a straight and a bent shaft. That way if your not comfortable with your paddle strokes you could just use the bent shaft and switch sides every few strokes. You could even bring a kayak paddle if you want and that would take almost all the skill out of it. One other thing I would bring out is a small video camera (i.e. GoPro or your smart phone) or a log and document your trip. That way you can look back on it and learn from it and and, at least for me, it helps you to not feel so alone out there. Good luck, I think it's something your really going to enjoy once you get the hang of it.

I have heard from enough people now that I'm convinced to rent a solo. On a 3-4 day trip it won't cost me much.

I have more experience paddling a kayak than a canoe, so I will probably opt for a double-blade paddle. I think that will help with speed and consistency and leave less up to my (lack of) skill.

I won't be going out of Sawbill as I really want to be near trout. That will probably take me somewhere off the gunflint trail which I am much more familiar with as well. And I have good relationships with a couple outfitters up that way. I'm also looking at some options near but not in the BWCA on the Ely side.

It sounds like you and your gear will probably be less than 250 lbs. which would mean you'd have about 11-12" of freeboard catching wind. That would be hard for you to control in wind, especially trying to fish solo. A solo will be much easier and paddling from a center position will be more like the kayak paddling your familiar with.

I normally take a double blade and single blade (one's the spare) and switch off from time-to-time.

Gilded G.
I sent an email to your feeshy email. I have a solo I'd be happy to let you borrow. It lives in Cook County, near the trout you seek.
JP

jillpine: "Gilded G.
I sent an email to your feeshy email. I have a solo I'd be happy to let you borrow. It lives in Cook County, near the trout you seek.
JP
"

Thanks for the heads-up, the message ended up in my junk folder!
I’ve retrieved it and replied.

I have to say I’m so humbled by the generosity of you and other folks here. It’s a good reminder that I need to re-up with a fresh donation to this community.

I'm going to go a different route for a recommendation - if you're not used to paddling a canoe, and you want more stability, you might want to consider renting a pack boat from Northstar. There has to be an outfitter in the BWCA that has a few. They sit lower for a lower center of gravity, and you can use a single or double bladed (kayak) paddle.

Depending on your size, and how much gear you want to take, the Trillium Pack, or the Northwind Solo Pack could be good options. In the BlackLite layup, they're under 30 lbs. The StarLite layup would be around 25 lbs.