I have been canoeing for over 60 years and have spent over two years paddling a canoe. There are all sorts of questions you should ask:

What kind of canoe should you use?
Where should you sit solo in a canoe?
How you should sit?
What kind of paddle should you use?
How should you paddle?
What gear should you take take?
And many more.

I don't believe there a right answer to any of these questions. But eventually you will find the best answer for you. This will occur over trial and error. We all individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses and consequently, you will find what works best for you. And this will change over time as your body and mind age.

For example I would never dreamed of safety when I was young. Now I take gps and a sat phone. I used to take many more food choices and now I simplify. I use to paddle longer so there was less need for entertainment. Now I take my electronics.

Over time you will find what works best for you and don't be afraid to experiment. And your own goals may change as well to being a traveler, an explorer, a fisherman, a naturalist or a family support person.

But to me the most important goal is to get out there and enjoy yourself and try to get your friends to do the same. Today there are many more distractions and those who enjoy canoeing are becoming a much older group.

Welcome to the Solo forum! If you take the time and do some reading you will see most of us share those same thoughts, and encourage that style of decision making.
This is probably the best forum on BWCA.COM, far as sharing info and experience, and not being judgmental over others choices.

butthead

Thanks, I have noticed many of the same things. I have changed many things since I started soloing.

quote jdddl8:

But to me the most important goal is to get out there and enjoy yourself and try to get your friends to do the same. Today there are many more distractions and those who enjoy canoeing are becoming a much older group.
"

What you said here is the truth.

It doesn't matter what tent you have, how many miles you paddled, or what steak you grilled that night...

Just get out there, enjoy yourself, and bring your friends.

First, wise words!

Second, welcome to the solo paddling forum!

Third, couldn't agree more about not being afraid to find you own way and experiment. I love paddling, but I probably equally love thinking about 2-3 things I can change up or try different. It makes it exciting, and if I don't like a new way I can go back to the old....and have fun grousing about it here on the solo forum!!

Agree fully! It is a totally individualized sport.

Even after many years and trips I have found 'tweaking' methods, adjusting goals and motivations and then letting it flow makes each year a little different from ones before.

As I've only done one solo so far, I'm working on all the stuff you mentioned. There's plenty more in the near future though!

quote jdddl8: "I have been canoeing for over 60 years and have spent over two years paddling a canoe.



"

I'm confused, you lost me with the first sentence.

given there are about 16 to 20 weeks in a paddling season here, I'd guess I've averaged 16 to 20 days paddling a year, times 45 years equals about a year, maybe that's what you are saying

although if you figure there are 24 hours in a day, and I typically paddle 6-12 hours, that's at best half a year

I believe your math is off. If you average 18 days a year for 45 years that's 810 days which is 2.2 years. Does that help?

quote jdddl8: "I believe your math is off. If you average 18 days a year for 45 years mcthat's 810 days which is 2.2 years. Does that help?"

Ignore him. Thanks for your input, and I hope to hear a lot more from you!

I think there is one rule.. As you age furniture is nice, and less weight is nice

Been canoeing for 61 years and reducing the canoe to 23 lbs does make a difference. Reducing the pack too makes a difference though now I like a chair and a comfy mattress.

Reducing me.. not working.

For about 20 years I did 70 nights a year canoe tripping, Now its a bit less but in soft water season I am out in a solo boat every day. Living on a loon lake has its pluses. I have to check out the loons and the eagles.

Welcome to the solo forum!
I'm going on my first solo this spring. Hope to have my reservation today :-)
Good questions I've asked myself too.
Mike