So today was my 5th training run of 2 hours with the yak paddle. On previous runs I didn't like having to break the cadence with corrective strokes. So my goal today was to keep the same distance BETWEEN my hands but slide them left or right on the shaft to correct my direction thus enabling me to never break cadence.

It was a little awkward at first but after hour one I got pretty good at it. So, if I needed to veer to the left I would inch both hands toward the turn (to the left). This creates a longer more powerful stroke on my right and a shorter, shallower stroke on the left.

The key here is anticipation. When to move your hands (between strokes) and then move them back to normal as you come out of the turn. It works really well. Now, this is probably Kayaking 101 but I never heard about it before being a single blader for all my life.

Anyway, next time you're out there give it a try. It added that extra bit of a challenge to an otherwise dull paddling routine and made it quite enjoyable to see if I could time it right. It's a thing of beauty when done just right.

And something to add.. when you want to turn right put a little pressure on your left butt cheek (or knee) to edge the boat. That makes the hull carve the turn and do alot of the work. Opposite to turn left. Keep your torso upright and your head centered in the hull.

You guys keep posting these little words of wisdom. I'm getting a yak paddle soon and being new to the solo routine this is going to help me big time.
Are you guys coming to wing night?
JB

Jeezuz not me. Its a heck of a drive. I am closer to Labrador(11 hours) than Minnesota(30).

Sure I would come if I were closer.

Little pieces are just paddling bites. Ever try to take Bill Masons entire book on the water? You get a wet book and confused. One thing at a time to try and see if it fits your style.

I won't make the wing night this time. Wrong time of year for me. (work)

I've logged about 9 hours with the yak paddle in the last month and am starting to feel comfortable. Just knowing the feeling of having your hands spaced correctly intuitively is really nice. I don't have to think so much. Using my torso more is what I'm working on and keeping my hands below my nose as Yellow Canoe pointed out.

I'm also going to wax the blades with auto paste wax in the hope that more water will drip off faster before the blade crosses over the canoe. That's the problem I have now. After paddling two hours I get about an inch of water in the middle section of the boat. That will lead to heavy packs to portage. :(

I'm also going to wax the blades with auto paste wax in the hope that more water will drip off faster before the blade crosses over the canoe. That's the problem I have now. After paddling two hours I get about an inch of water in the middle section of the boat. That will lead to heavy packs to portage. :("

Concerning water in the canoe, do you have drip cups on the paddle? Are you keeping the paddle down and using your torso when paddling rather than raising the paddle blades high in the air? Finally, you should be using the longest kayak paddle available that you are comfortable with using.

quote TomT: "I won't make the wing night this time. Wrong time of year for me. (work)


I've logged about 9 hours with the yak paddle in the last month and am starting to feel comfortable. Just knowing the feeling of having your hands spaced correctly intuitively is really nice. I don't have to think so much. Using my torso more is what I'm working on and keeping my hands below my nose as Yellow Canoe pointed out.


I'm also going to wax the blades with auto paste wax in the hope that more water will drip off faster before the blade crosses over the canoe. That's the problem I have now. After paddling two hours I get about an inch of water in the middle section of the boat. That will lead to heavy packs to portage. :("

Sounds like you are using a high angle stroke. Its legitimate but leads to drippage. I use a low stroke but it's natural to me, and might not be for you. I don't get much water in the boat as the paddle never goes over the boat. I do solo a narrow boat..23-26 inches at the paddling station.

What kind of boat do you have? A spray cover does help. Nine hours in a month..I have been working on double blading for 22 years. You have a way to go ...lol but on the right track

I still prefer a single stick but its nice to use another set of muscles and another technique.

quote yellowcanoe: Sounds like you are using a high angle stroke. Its legitimate but leads to drippage. I use a low stroke but it's natural to me, and might not be for you. I don't get much water in the boat as the paddle never goes over the boat. I do solo a narrow boat..23-26 inches at the paddling station.

What kind of boat do you have? A spray cover does help. Nine hours in a month..I have been working on double blading for 22 years. You have a way to go ...lol but on the right track

I'm just getting in to it and really wish I would have ordered the 280 cm instead of the 240. I have a Blackhawk Starship and believe it's 34 inches wide at the seat. It's a new BB paddle with drip cups but it's near impossible to use a shallow enough stroke to not bring the blade over the canoe.

I think if I sit my "guide" pack all the way up front on my trip it will not collect water underneath. Someday I'll get the 280 cm.