Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: When to split Family into Two Canoes
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fadersup |
aruthenb: "I have 2 kids (ages 6 & 10 currently). My 10 yr old son is an avid kayker so he takes his solo kayak and my wife and I along with our 6 year old go in our Wenonah MN II. We have to double portage as I carry his kayak and we also tie a long rope off from our canoe back to his kayak. It works great if you are not doing long days or lots of portaging. " Splitting makes sense but wind might be a problem if there's only one strong paddler in the canoe. I remember being on Caribou and watching a similar 2-canoe family unable to get up and around a windy point, they were short on horsepower. Maybe that rope trick could work in a headwind, tow the kids? |
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Sleep'nbag |
SB |
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johndku |
If it's a leisurely route, possibly with layover days built in, or base camping with day trips etc., two canoes would probably be fine and have it's advantages. If you're planning on covering a lot of ground each and every day, might want to stick with 1 canoe one more year.. |
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Canoedad89 |
The Northshore will definitely still do the job, assuming you pack efficiently. The advantage of sticking with one is you can cover a lot more distance a lot more easily, and will be safer in iffy weather, as Fadersup said. Obviously one less canoe to haul around. The advantage of splitting is it will foster a sense of pride, independence, and accomplishment in your kids, and their skills will develop faster. They are at the age where they can handle it. For my family (10 and 12), whether we go with one or two depends on the conditions and length of trip. |
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nctry |
Blatz: "If you have enough room for the packs, I would stick with the Northshore for now" I agree, I’d give it a couple years. But it wouldn’t hurt to get a smaller tandem like the Polaris (North Star). And work into the two canoe senario. |
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lundojam |
I've been in the stern with a youngster in the bow in a heavy wind and it damaged our relationship for a while as I had to bark orders; it wasn't received in the same spirit in which it was intended. So, you'll want to prep the kids in advance about that scenario. |
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Canoearoo |
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caribouluvr |
My 12 yo son actually had most of the solo canoe time and he did great and loved it. The kids also had a lot of fun paddling the solo around themselves in the bay we were camped on most of the weekend. |
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mrballast |
But, here is my two cents: My kids have had three trips with wife and I in our Northshore. Last one we did Crooked Loop, 2 years ago. We left Thursday bay and got out at dark and fished some along the way. Many underestimate the drag of the wetted surface in this boat that is over 36" wide for at least 6' of it's length. So.. I know what my kids and that boat can and can't do. This summer will be our first trip in two boats. My son (11) and I fish local rivers a lot. He knows the drill, and if need be we ride backward for trim purposes, me in stern. My daughter (13 soon) is taking the stern with my wife up front. This has been tested on local ponds and will be further tested before we go on increasingly longer paddles. This trip will be short on distance, basecamping. The only sure way to beat wind with kids is to avoid it. I can also solo either boat if need be, to give some contingency options. Ultimately, we are out of leg room when loaded, but we are ready for cautious growth. My daughter seems more happy to go than before. Lots to say here but I have said it all in other threads. Search them out. |
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riverrunner |
My brothers were 14 and 18. They had one canoe my Dad and I in another. Even thou I had been using canoes and paddling for 4 or 5 years. It was tough for me to handle paddling all day on big water and waves. I was a string bean. Now at 14 it was a different story. My son and I went when he was 15 he did most of the paddling as I fell and cut my arm from elbow to wrist the day before we left. He did a great job A couple of years at that age makes a huge difference. |
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nctry |
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TipsyPaddler |
I saw a similar change as RiverRunner described in the strength and paddling ability of my older son between 12 when he did his first trip and now. At 14 he can paddle in wind and waves much better, carry a kevlar tandem canoe over most portages and handles 40# packs without complaint. I have no concerns about his ability to be a good tandem canoe partner in the bow seat. But at 12 it was tougher and I found myself “barking” orders to him out of frustration on windy days with similar tension and hurt feelings described by Lundojam. We may eventually try a 3 seater and a solo canoe on family trips but probably not for another couple of years. I am with Blatz and Nctry and recommend you stick with the Northshore another year or two. |
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Sleep'nbag |
We have been on a few trips as a family, but haven't for a few years. In the past we have tripped in our Bell Northshore. I'm wondering if we have out grown one canoe and should split into two canoes, or if our Northshore would still do the job? Four people (me, my wife, 10 year old & 13 year old. I would rather stick with one canoe but wondering what your experiences are. Thanks! SB |
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aruthenb |
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Blatz |
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3Ball |
You should think about two things. One is the extra room and comfort for the kids. On the other side, you would have to rely on a 10 year old to paddle, which might not be the best. You could consider getting a solo. That would leave the 10 year old able to stay in the middle on longer paddles and one of the adults or the 13 year old could be in the solo. |