Hopefully some of you use a yak paddle to propel your solo and I was wondering what length you use. I am 5ft 9 tall, broad shoulders [and other parts, don't know if that makes any difference]. I paddle a Mad River Traveler solo. I took my regular yak paddle [220 cm] along last week up the Moose River to Lac La Croix but it seemed a bit short to me, Mad Bunny still went fast but it seemed I had to lean towards the water some epically in waves. Thanks in advance. Fred

I'm 6 ft. and had a 240 but traded in for a 260 which is perfect for me. The yak paddle is a godsend to the solo canoer.

I own a 240, 260, and 280.
If I were going to make a recommendation it would be the 280.
I am not fond of the Yak paddles, but that is the best length in my opionion.

SunCatcher

Ive a 260 and it works fine for me. I would like to try a 280 just to compare.

I'm 6-0 and use a 225cm paddle so I can get a more vertical stroke with better power stroke from my core rather than shoulders. I think a 230 or even as long as a 240 might be slightly better lengths for me - but the 225 was on sale when I bought it and haven't needed to change yet.

Yellowcanoe will have a thoughtful response based on more experience than I have.

I have a 280 carbon shaft. It's light and works great, esp into the wind. Like to use a BB straight shaft when fishing or in winding creeks.

I just finished an 8 night trip and the yak paddle really got me covering some ground when I needed to. I used a BB straight shaft for fishing only. I've really grown to love using the yak, even in small streams I did some poling with it.

The best thing is when the canoe is fairly empty and I was out fishing, if I wanted to cross a bay, I would just pull out the yak and just fly over the water with it. It's almost like having a small outboard on the back. Can you tell I like it?

quote SunCatcher: "I own a 240, 260, and 280.
I am not fond of the Yak paddles,
SunCatcher"

how many lengths would you have if you liked yak paddles? :)

I tried a 260 in a Prism, seemed the right length, I'm 6-0

Thanks a bunch folks, sounds like a 240 or a 260 would work a whole bunch better. Will watch for one or the other this winter or next spring. FRED

How wide is your solo..? 260 might be a tad too long for sub 28 inch gunwale widths.

The longer the paddle the more chance you have of bringing the blade back past your hip and inducing sweep to your stroke,

YC:
here is the catalog page

Missed the canoe name. I have a friend who had a Traveler. A 230 worked fine for me when we had a play in someone elses boat day. His boat was empty so that might add an inch to the freeboard over a loaded boat displacement.

I am 5'5". I really think that a 260 would be too long in this case. Folks in little constant flare pack canoes with widths of over 30 inches do use the longer blades..but IMO why carry extra swing weight and yaw induction.

YC: What length yak paddle have you used for your Hemlock and did you sit or kneel?

I am also 5'5" and am just wondering what I would need to use for a Hemlock Kestrel.

quote ZaraSp00k: "

quote SunCatcher: "I own a 240, 260, and 280.
I am not fond of the Yak paddles,
SunCatcher"

how many lengths would you have if you liked yak paddles? :)


I tried a 260 in a Prism, seemed the right length, I'm 6-0"

I bought the 240 TO SHORT
I bought the 260 at Canoecopia by rec of BB salesperson TO SHORT
I bought the 280 after NCTRY let me use his at Wingnight PERFECT

I still own em all and don't use them, and "now you know the rest of the story"

SunCatcher

I have the Peregrine and use a 230. Its a little wider than the Kestrel. But I have a very low angle stroke from years of using a Greenland paddle .

I find myself kneeling when I use my double. Why? Cause its squirrely out and I use the double for instant brace. I almost touch the bow of the boat at catch and end the stroke a foot in front of my knees. Yes I paddle with just a little bend in the elbow and my arms in front of me.

A 240 should work fine for you.

Thanks YC!!

I have a 230 already so I could try that first before I bump up... of course I need to buy my Kestrel first :-)

some use a longer paddle because it keeps their canoe drier, but I kinda question that, when you sit and switch, you are going to get water in the boat, yet in 25 years of sit and switch, it's never been a problem, I pretty much plan on a little water getting in the boat and pack/clothe accordingly