Going on my solo to LIS on 9/7. I use a BB 260 yak paddle. Should I take a straight shaft for backup and for fishing. Need some solo veterans help.
Thanks

definitely! i dont use a yak paddle myself but i take two with me always. a bent for long distance, a straight for maneuvering in tight areas. have a great trip!

Thanks Kanoes. That's what I thought., just wanted verification.

quote chesapeakes: "Thanks Kanoes. That's what I thought., just wanted verification."

What he said... except I bring a yak paddle and a bent shaft. I use the yak paddle over big and windy waters and usually the bent shaft everywhere else. But never would I rely on just one paddle... Or you might find yourself up a crick without one. :)

quote nctry: What he said... except I bring a yak paddle and a bent shaft. I use the yak paddle over big and windy waters and usually the bent shaft everywhere else. But never would I rely on just one paddle... Or you might find yourself up a crick without one. :)"

Agreed, also I use my single for tighter bog/creek/river areas.

double post...

You don't state LIS north or south so I'll throw this in. I tried traveling LIS south with a yak paddle. Thankfully someone in the group allowed me to use a canoe paddle.

Lesson learned, always bring a canoe paddle whether it be straight or bent.

Thanks everyone! Head North to shell area SevenofNine.

I always run with a straight and a bent shaft for the reasons given. The straight shaft is the one to use in the rivers and streams for maneuverability. The bent shaft for making time on open water.

I'm old and I'm a Vet, not at soloing but I always have a back up paddle just in case.

JB

Take the straight for your backup.

I always solo with 2 paddles in the boat, whether I am tripping or not. My favorite paddle is a solid walnut beavertail, with no tip protection. I carry a BB beavertail, with the resin tip, for the shallows and launching/landing.

Besides, at some point I will experience the unfortunite event of breaking a canoe paddle, even though I have never done it as of yet.


dave

While I always carry a backup paddle, it IS possible to take a stout stick and get decent results with it. Its hard to find a twig without taper for 12 feet( which would make a fine pole..and poles make excellent kayak paddles) but five feet is doable. With a knife prune the branches.

For you that have doubts..try it for kicks.

on this last trip, with the big winds, i found myself relying on the straight shaft as opposed to the bent...gave me more control. relying on a yak paddle would have been dangerous.

quote kanoes: "on this last trip, with the big winds, i found myself relying on the straight shaft as opposed to the bent...gave me more control. relying on a yak paddle would have been dangerous."

Please don't suggest that using a yak paddle in high winds is dangerous. I've used one for years (high winds included)as have many people and to suggest using them in high winds is dangerous is just spreading misinformation.

quote kanoes: "on this last trip, with the big winds, i found myself relying on the straight shaft as opposed to the bent...gave me more control. relying on a yak paddle would have been dangerous."

Please explain why. In twenty five years of kayaking and using double blades in winds to 40 mph, I have not found their use to be dangerous. I have found the db helpful in high seas if quick sequential double low braces are needed as in following seas.

quote yellowcanoe: "

quote kanoes: "on this last trip, with the big winds, i found myself relying on the straight shaft as opposed to the bent...gave me more control. relying on a yak paddle would have been dangerous."

Please explain why. In twenty five years of kayaking and using double blades in winds to 40 mph, I have not found their use to be dangerous. I have found the db helpful in high seas if quick sequential double low braces are needed as in following seas.


"

that statement was made in regards to an open canoe, not a kayak.

and yes greg, that was an uncalled for statement and i retract it. i should have added "for me" at the end of the last sentence.

I always carry a spare, whether canoeing or kayaking. I've never needed it.

But, I am certain that, at least for me, the one time I go without a spare is the one time that I'll need it.

quote kanoes: "

quote yellowcanoe: "

quote kanoes: "on this last trip, with the big winds, i found myself relying on the straight shaft as opposed to the bent...gave me more control. relying on a yak paddle would have been dangerous."

Please explain why. In twenty five years of kayaking and using double blades in winds to 40 mph, I have not found their use to be dangerous. I have found the db helpful in high seas if quick sequential double low braces are needed as in following seas.



"

that statement was made in regards to an open canoe, not a kayak.


and yes greg, that was an uncalled for statement and i retract it. i should have added "for me" at the end of the last sentence."

Sorry my reference was unclear. I use a double blade in an open canoe and also a kayak. All of our experiences are "for us" and might not apply to others. But I still fail to see the danger in using a double blade.

quote yellowcanoe: "

quote kanoes: "

quote yellowcanoe: "

quote kanoes: "on this last trip, with the big winds, i found myself relying on the straight shaft as opposed to the bent...gave me more control. relying on a yak paddle would have been dangerous."

Please explain why. In twenty five years of kayaking and using double blades in winds to 40 mph, I have not found their use to be dangerous. I have found the db helpful in high seas if quick sequential double low braces are needed as in following seas.



"

Having kayaked thousands of miles with a kayak paddle and on days when I struggled to stand on shore, a kayak's high blades can catch wind. They function like a small, stiff sail and can get away from you. Perhaps kanoes was thinking of that.



that statement was made in regards to an open canoe, not a kayak.



and yes greg, that was an uncalled for statement and i retract it. i should have added "for me" at the end of the last sentence."

Sorry my reference was unclear. I use a double blade in an open canoe and also a kayak. All of our experiences are "for us" and might not apply to others. But I still fail to see the danger in using a double blade."

I always carry a spare. On a trip once with another canoe, my brother had broke his paddle. i separated my yak paddle and we both had to finish the day with only half a paddle each. luckily it was on a small river and on the last day.

would never leave home without one now.