| Author |
Message Text |
|
bhouse46
|
My guess on the bucket over bench is the back rest effect of the bucket seat. Yak paddlers are used to foot brace and back rest in their paddling style. Without those there is a loss of torque. It took me one paddle to get a back seat and I went through several to find the right fit and by the end of the season I had foot brace planned. Much nicer paddling now.
|
|
moray
|
bhouse46: "Before I installed a foot brace I used one of my packs as foot brace. I wedged it in as I did not want a large weight in that position...trim. "
This a great idea! Thanks
|
|
moray
|
Banksiana: "Seat height should be the same between bench and tractor unless the Outfitters have done custom installation. "
Thanks! I’m not sure why my trip partners think a bench would be lower or harder to paddle with a kayak paddle?
|
|
luft
|
One of my paddling partners paddles a Magic with a bench seat using a double blade. Not sure of the length but I believe it is either a 240cm or 250cm Bending Branches. Her Magic has foot braces and she uses a Crazy Creek seat with a back.
I paddle my Hemlock Kestrel with a canted bench seat using a 250cm double blade as well. I do not have foot braces or a seat back and don't have any issues paddling for long distances.
|
|
awbrown
|
How high do you sit in a kayak? Does that answer your question?
|
|
GopherAdventure
|
I have a Northwind Solo which has tumblehome, and I find it pretty easy to use a kayak paddle. I don’t even use a long one either, 240 cm paddle works fine without getting many drips in the boat or on me.
Tony
|
|
bhouse46
|
Before I installed a foot brace I used one of my packs as foot brace. I wedged it in as I did not want a large weight in that position...trim.
|
|
PVnRT
|
Might depend on the model Bell you intend to paddle, but having used a double blade with a Magic, Merlin II, and Northstar Trillium, my opinion is that you will find standard seat drop position agreeable. Tumblehome and relative narrowness of boat will also contribute to success with double blade paddle. If you can rent a Magic from outfitter, this would be most ergonomic. Backrest and foot brace will contribute greatly to maximizing thrust/stroke. Call outfitters and discuss. My experience is that BWCA outfitters are among the kindest, most helpful, and knowledgeable folks anywhere!
|
|
bhouse46
|
Lots of us use the kayak paddle in solos. The tumblehome in Bell canoes allows for narrow gunnels in the paddling position and I found paddling a Magic with kayak paddle much better than the Prism. That said you will need a longer paddle in the canoe than kayak as the seat is higher from the water. I am 5'10" and found I had to do nearly total high angle paddling with a 230 cm paddle but the 240 I now use with my Magic is a good fit. And you will get more water in the canoe with the kayak paddle even being careful.
|
|
jhb8426
|
I have a Bending Branches 280 cm slice I use with my Magic. Seems to work fine, but I'm not yet sold on a double blade vs a single blade paddle. Probably because I'm down on the learning curve. I seem to tire faster because I haven't learned to coast between strokes.
|
|
moray
|
Does anyone have any experience paddling a Bell Solo with a kayak paddle? I have a group of three that wants to use solo canoes for a BW trip in the Gunflint area. We have used Prisms with the tractor style seats and yak paddles with good success in the past but I can only find outfitters with Prisms with bench seating. My partners say the bench is too low for yak paddle in the Prism. I’m not sure if the seat height is any different in the Bell.
Thanks
|
|
boonie
|
I've used one in a Magic, Northwind, and Prism, no problem. YPMMV ;)
|
|
moray
|
Thanks for the info everyone! I’m only 5’6” and had no trouble paddling the prism with tractor seat. I’ve never had the opportunity to paddle a prism or any other solo with a bench. Is there any height difference between bench and the tractor seats in the prism? Is there a difference between bench seat height on a prism and the magic? Not sure where to find this info. I have to say I do like the foot brace on the prism.
|
|
Banksiana
|
Seat height should be the same between bench and tractor unless the Outfitters have done custom installation.
|
|
justpaddlin
|
You can't use a kayak paddle in a Bell solo because if you do the canoe gods will come down and confiscate your canoe and you'll be left with nothing but your kayak paddle.
|
|
sns
|
I have used a 220cm with a NS Trillium, NS NW Solo and NS Magic, all with standard-drop seating. Works fine. I struggle with longer double-blades - I just naturally want to use a high-angle stroke (& therefore a shorter paddle). Your mileage may vary.
|
|
Blatz
|
I used a 250 in a Northwind solo without any issues
|