Last fall after my solo I knew I needed a new yak paddle and am still torn between a 260 or a 280 but am leaning towrads the 280. The problem is I cant find a 280 or a 260, I looked on ebay and a couple of paddle web sites and can only find 240s so I knew somebody on this website would knew where I can purchase one. I live in Rochester Min and I would like to actually hold the paddle before buying it, but would order one online if necessary, thanks a bunch. FRED

Wait till Canoecopia and get a show discount. You'll be able to hold one and get advice too.

and if you actually want to paddle one wait for MWM Spring Expo, go to Lake Nokomis and and paddle with one. You might want to put a seed in their brain and talk to them in advance to make sure they have one of each there. Last year they had a 260, but no 280, but after paddling with the 260 and holding a 280 in the store it was obvious which length to get.

Bending Branches and Foxworx Paddle list several double blade canoe paddles. I know a number of members solo with a double blade, shouldn't be too hard to get info.

butthead

Fred, if you are going to 'copra contact the vendors and they will bring a280 cm paddle along. 280 is definitely the way to go. Very little water in the boat. Check out Austin Canoe and Kayak. They had some really good deals on 'yak paddles when I got mine.(BB Slice Glass) Jan posted about AC&K a while back.

I have a BB 260 I would sell you! $100 plus true freight.
Used about 2x not joking it's yours if you want it or I will bring to Copia for you and save the cost of freight.

SunCatcher

I sent you an email, I think, please call me at 507-696-5401 and we can discuss this paddle further. THANKS FRED If no answerer please leave me a message, no texts please

I paddle a dedicated solo boat but at 28 inches wide or less at gunwales would never use a 260 or 280.

230 or 240 is what I use. The usual complaint is drippage but I suggest that you take a kayak forward stroke lesson before buying a paddle. You might be able to avoid the carrying the excess weight of a long paddle (you have to hold it up all day) as well as excessive yaw with a good properly placed forward stroke.

The cheapest way is to find a 230 or 240 in a friends paddle collection and paddle with it in your boat.

Pat Onno of Onno Paddles lamented this morning that canoeists always want a longer paddle than needed.

If you still decide to go long..its all fun. I don't have to carry your paddle.

Paul I got your email about Mexican Hat lake, thanks a bunch. I enjoyed picking your brain, SOME, about WCCP and will definitely be asking a lot more questions from you and some of the other members in this group. I do want the paddle you offered me. I will try to call you in the near further to work out some way of getting it from you to me. Thanks again FRED