Hey campers,

A few weeks out from a big trip and our group numbers are changing, as usual. We’re looking at renting a solo for the odd man out but none of us have ever used a solo canoe but have always wanted to try one. Why not on big trip? What could possibly go wrong? Any recommendations on a model for experienced tandem paddlers new to solo would be greatly appreciated.

I prefer a Prism with adjustable tractor style seat and a kayak paddle. Easy to trim, very stable and tracks straight.

Go for it; solos are big fun.

They do feel less stable than a tandem, but do much better once loaded with gear.

The ability to trim, shifting weight fore and aft, makes a big difference depending on the wind.

They are also slower than tandems, so that's a consideration as you plan travel. As mentioned, a double-blade paddle is faster and can help mitigate this to some degree.

I think a Northwind Solo would be a good option. I also liked the Magic but it is narrower and may feel tippy to a first-timer. I personally never liked the Prism and the Souris River Quetico was way big for me. How big is the paddler may be a factor.

I use a double blade and a single blade - the one not in use is the spare and is strapped into the canoe.

I had only ever paddled a tandem, but when my group went from 2 to 1 this May, I decided it was a good time for my first solo (trip and canoe). I agree with everything that has been said, and my personal seat preference led me to rent the Northwind Solo. Both the Magic and Prism also have less rocker, so my route, which included some moving water, made the Northwind Solo a better choice in my opinion. In pretty short order, I found the stability to be fantastic, especially when loaded. I used a double blade paddle 80% of the time, and while it was slower than a tandem, I quite enjoyed the whole experience. On the flip side, it was challenge to do much fishing in anything more than a light breeze, but I chalk that up to being new on the learning curve. I say go for it and enjoy the experience.

My first time in a solo was at Beaver house lake starting a 5 day solo trip. Rented a Sourish River Tranquility. Very stable and I didn't think I was any slower than in tandem. Other than first 2 to 3 minutes, all was fine. In your group, I'd guess people will vie for the solo.

Is the solo person 150 lbs or 250+?

Otherwise, if no one has real confidence in it just rent a 3 person. You'll portage with ease since one extra person and not an extra canoe and it doesn't hardly weigh any more.

Personally while I love solo paddling and would highly recommend everyone try it, but I don't think I would recommend it as a first for a big trip especially when the paddler would have to keep pace with tandem paddlers. As others mentioned they can feel a bit tippy at first especially to a less experienced paddler and you have to learn to change how you pack your gear and portage (especially if the rest of the group is single portaging, that's a bit harder with a solo).

Sometimes I think learning to paddle a solo with a single blade should be a requisite for paddling stern in a tandem, you just learn so much more about paddling technique as there's no hiding poor technique when you're the only one in the canoe. :)

Won't get into single VS double blade, but would recommend bringing both for a first time solo.

Everyone is saying the solo is more tippy. Sure. If you're sitting up high in the boat. Even with the Swift Prospector 14, I could feel the difference stability between the regular bench seat at it's typical height, and the pack boat seat with a lower center of gravity.

For a more stable experience, I'd recommend the pack boat seat - Northstar offers this in just about every one of their solo boats. So picking the right boat for the right size person with the right amount of gear shouldn't be an issue.

The double bladed paddle will go along way in helping feel more stable, and give you a chance at keeping pace with the tandems. LOL

Getting in and out of a canoe with a lower pack seat can be a challenge at first. Always fun to practice a few times, to get used to it, before finally pushing off on an adventure. But, wow. Once you're on the water and paddling, the stability is fantastic.

Plus, the boat will be lighter, so portaging will be a bit more of a joy. :) ...unless you need to double carry. Then it could be a pain. ...or you go with an IXP layup...

Scoobs: "Everyone is saying the solo is more tippy. Sure. If you're sitting up high in the boat. Even with the Swift Prospector 14, I could feel the difference stability between the regular bench seat at it's typical height, and the pack boat seat with a lower center of gravity.


For a more stable experience, I'd recommend the pack boat seat - Northstar offers this in just about every one of their solo boats. So picking the right boat for the right size person with the right amount of gear shouldn't be an issue.


The double bladed paddle will go along way in helping feel more stable, and give you a chance at keeping pace with the tandems. LOL


Getting in and out of a canoe with a lower pack seat can be a challenge at first. Always fun to practice a few times, to get used to it, before finally pushing off on an adventure. But, wow. Once you're on the water and paddling, the stability is fantastic.


Plus, the boat will be lighter, so portaging will be a bit more of a joy. :) ...unless you need to double carry. Then it could be a pain. ...or you go with an IXP layup...


"

In addition I'd offer another alternative for the "tippy" feeling as well. Try kneeling. Way more stable, more comfortable (imo), way better for your back, and I find I get better paddle strokes kneeling as well (especially if you learn to heel the canoe). You will want a pad for your knees though and preferably a seat you can fit your feet under. I kneel probably 80% of the time in my fox.

Maybe instead of a solo canoe, upsize one of the tandems to a 3-person? Your portages will be easier with one less canoe, the skill factor and speed factor of soloing will be non-issue, and it gives you a ready back-up plan if someone gets sick or hurt and can’t paddle as strong as needed.

I love my bell wildfire but they don't make them any more. soooo light. I use a single blade for moving water and double in lakes unless I don't care about keeping up. I don't do white water in the wilderness so I don't bring the canoe paddle on a long trip. I agree that if you can just put three in one of the canoes you will have less to carry and you won't have to rent. Plus you can take turns having a rest.
Catrina

Practice getting in and out of the canoe before you take off. That is the biggest adjustment that I had to make. I need to keep a low center of gravity throughout the process. I think wet-footing is a must with a solo canoe unless you are really experienced.

Fritty