Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Double Blade Paddle Suggestions
|
Author | Message Text | ||
GeneH |
I think mine was a couple hundred bucks. Go with the lightest carbon - carbon you can and you won't regret the swing weight savings. Also I chose the middle-of-the road blade form: not super wide or supper narrow. |
||
gravelroad |
timf1981: "Yes, a 20 foot long solo canoe. Use what you have. Those three additional feet would have come in handy last fall. :-) Same load this fall, but I’m hoping by starting a week later that I can leave the 75 pounds of ice on shore. Ditto on everything you had to say in your post. |
||
Scoobs |
Hope you like a wet boat. - Water. Get a cheap one. They all work the same. - also false |
||
AndySG |
|
||
gkimball |
Get one at 8' long, and plan to paddle at a lower angle than in a kayak to minimize dripping back into the canoe. |
||
kanoes |
|
||
NotLight |
I don't think your first paddle will be perfect for you. You will likely try one for a while, and then maybe buy something slightly different once you develop a style you are comfortable with. So whatever you get, don't break the bank just yet. |
||
Arkansas Man |
Bruce |
||
UphillHarry |
I'm not sure ONNO is still in business. I read several posts on other forums saying that he was not responding to people's inquiries. |
||
bhouse46 |
You would do well to start with something around 260cm with a medium blade and paddle for awhile, it takes some getting used to but if it is the right paddle you will feel the sweet spot of paddle blade pushing water. Try a couple different lengths and you will know right away what fits your style best. Expos and other tryout options such as a wing event are great places to try things out. A good paddle is too expensive to have and not enjoy using. |
||
Ragged |
|
||
ZaraSp00k |
quote NotLight: "I found it difficult to pick out my first double bladed paddle. There are just so many different choices. AND, most stores only carry kayak paddles up to 240cm in length. I'm guessing, but based on your height (tall) and boat (wide solo) I think that you would likely want a 260cm kayak paddle - but that's just a guess. That carbon fiber manta ray in the photo above is a very good choice. It's not a heavy low end paddle, but doesn't cost that much more. (The blade size is kind of medium sized - if the blade is too big with a 260cm paddle, you might get fatigued. If the blade is too small, then you'll have no power.) the Aqua Bound is a very nice bang for the buck paddle, light weight, yet doesn't cost a bundle of cash just be sure you get the Posi-Lok and the proper blade to paddling style, Manta Ray is for high and Sting Ray is for low it is better to get Sting Ray if you do both 260 should be good, the people that say go longer, I wonder if the real problem is that they are using a too wide blade or perhaps don't have their drip rings in the proper position? The Bending Branches Impression is a beautiful paddle, but gawd is it heavy! I can't imagine using a 280, the thing weighs more than a canoe |
||
ZaraSp00k |
|
||
NotLight |
quote ZaraSp00k: "quote NotLight: "I found it difficult to pick out my first double bladed paddle. There are just so many different choices. AND, most stores only carry kayak paddles up to 240cm in length. I'm guessing, but based on your height (tall) and boat (wide solo) I think that you would likely want a 260cm kayak paddle - but that's just a guess. That carbon fiber manta ray in the photo above is a very good choice. It's not a heavy low end paddle, but doesn't cost that much more. (The blade size is kind of medium sized - if the blade is too big with a 260cm paddle, you might get fatigued. If the blade is too small, then you'll have no power.) I agree, sting ray is a better choice. |
||
butthead |
butthead |
||
Ragged |
quote UphillHarry: " Just checked some more recent posts and it does appear he's MIA, so I would probably stay away till he's back on his feet. When you get one of his it is a work of art. I do remember chatting with him a few years back and he was having huge personal life struggles with his ex and a serious case of parental interference IE his ex was basically deifying court orders and disappearing with his young son. I know he was working very hard to track them down and get his son back. Not sure if that's the issue now but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it was. |
||
NotLight |
On sizing... I am 5'9". I have tried 230cm, 240cm, and 250cm for a couple years now. 230cm is just too short. In my wildfire, 250cm is perfect. In my Magic, 250cm feels a bit wide, and 240cm feels a bit short. So that is why I am guessing 260cm for you. I suspect 270cm would be ok, but 280cm a bit long. But I'm just guessing. The problem with trying a paddle just once, even for a couple hours, you won't quite develop enough of a feel for it. Certainly good to try before you buy. But you may end up wanting to tweak the size after you've gained some experience. Unfortunately, if you buy a low end 260-270cm paddle to try out, you might be disappointed. That's why I think the aqua-bound sting ray carbon is maybe a better first paddle - despite the higher price. |
||
yellowcanoe |
The paddle blades are long and thin.. not wide Euro style double blades. A Greenland paddle works fine once you are used to it but mine does not come apart. Transport hassle. The shape of the paddle has a lot to do with how much drip the paddle gives vs the amount of water it sheds early during recovery. I ve been using Wind Swift and Adventure Technologies paddles and drip is not at all an issue.. the blades shed before the paddle gets high. Your stroke mechanics may dictate a longer blade. The only way you will know is to temporarily use other folks paddles. |
||
ZaraSp00k |
quote yellowcanoe: " I tend to think the above has more to do with excessive drip than paddle length. Borrowing someone's paddle is a great idea, yet, it does take some time to work out the mechanics, borrow the paddlers knowledge too |
||
TuscaroraBorealis |
I'm also 6'2 and this length has worked well for me. Although I'd say I'm kind of a 'tweener, 260 seemed a little too short, 280 a little too long. It was just more comfortable (for me) to adjust my stroke for the 280. Plus that length also worked better if/when I'd paddle a canoe solo. Like others have already stated, try out a few different lengths to find out what suits you best & go from there. |
||
Pinetree |
|
||
pblanc |
Yes, I would definitely try borrowing a suitable double bladed paddle first to give you an idea on length and whether or not you like it. I tried using a 230 cm paddle with a Sawyer Summersong. The Summersong has a maximum beam of 28" but a beam at the gunwales of only around 23" or so. I am about 3" shorter than you. I found a 230 cm paddle awkwardly short. It required a high angle stroke with a lot of resulting paddle drip into the boat. I considered buying a longer double bladed paddle for canoe use, but decided that I preferred simply using a single bladed bent and paddling sit and switch. I have done a fair bit of kayaking so I have some notion how to use a double bladed paddle. I feel that I can maintain nearly as high a stroke cadence with a lightweight bent shaft as with a double blade. The paddle is much lighter and there is much less drip into the hull. If you do want to use a double blade I would definitely recommend buying a take apart 2 piece paddle. You may well want to bring along a single bladed paddle for times when a double bladed paddle is impractical, like negotiating narrow streams with overhanging branches. A two-piece paddle is much easier to store in the canoe. Paddle length is very subjective. I have heard of open boaters who are very happy using a 230-240 cm paddle. For myself, I would probably go no shorter than 260 cm. Here is a page from Foxworx Paddle's website regarding sizing double bladed paddles for solo canoe. Note that the photos show a pretty narrow solo canoe. I pretty much agree with their take on length: Sizing double bladed paddles for canoe Foxworx does make some pretty nice paddles at a decent price and will make some of their double bladed paddles quite long for use in a canoe. Their K3 is quite reasonably priced: Foxwork double bladed paddles |
||
Dammfast |
I agree with the above statement that the aquabound are good bang for buck. I bought mine from steepandcheap.com over the winter for $107 before shipping. I looked at a LOT of paddles before I pulled the trigger there were no other paddles that were in the same weight and materials category that were anywhere near the price of the aquabound. |
||
nctry |
|
||
ozarkpaddler |
This year she also found a Foxworx paddle for a "Steal" and has used it occasionally. She likes them both, but likes the feel of the wood shaft of the Foxworx a little better. Here's pics and links: FoxWorx Paddle Swift Mid-Swift Paddle |
||
tonecoughlin |
Always bring a single blade for backup. |
||
jdevries |
JD |
||
timf1981 |
I have taken my 20ft 3in Wenona Minn-3 on five solo canoe trips. On the first trip i used my $59 aluminum kayak paddle for the first two ours of traveling. Then i picked up my expensive carbon fiber canoe paddle. Stroke stroke stroke stroke switch and repeat. I use it for about 60 seconds then returned it to the bottom of the canoe where it has remained for the last 15 years. J-strokes are energy wasting and momentum killer. When two kayak paddles were used in our tandem canoe. We picked up a mile per hour. But my brothers shoulder did not like the kayak stroke. Length of kayak addle? I cant help you there. Too long is better then too short. Rent an adjustable paddle like mentioned by someone else. Some Kayak paddle can be purchased with attachable T-handles .So the kayak paddle can be broken apart into two canoe paddles. Dont set up the kayak paddle with the blades inline with each other. There is usually three positions. My brother did paddle with the blades inline. But he was too stubborn to switch. When paddling with the blades offset. You need to have one had being dominate. If the right hand is dominate. It will allways remain in the same position. And its wrist will rotate with each stroke. While the left hand will loosen an let the shaft rotate every other stroke. Find a video. It is easier to show then tell. Yes, a 20 foot long solo canoe. Use what you have. Is it fast? Yes. I got it up to 6.1 mph with 125 lbs of gear. Age 52 in average condition. I once rented a real solo canoe. I was thinking of buying a rental from Anderson Outfitters, Crane lake MN. I had a choice of two canoes . A 13.5 ft canoe or a 15.5. I took the smaller one. Its top speed was only 3.25 mph at max thrust. 3.0 mph at 65%. When traveling with a purpose. I can hold a steady 4.25 mph in the Minn3. I once took it out on a local Minneapolis lake during a high wind warning. It did great when i got to the end of the lake with the largest waves. When I go out fishing. I will bring a 5 gallon bucket of water for bow weight. When traveling. Moving the weight forward and back will help keep the boat straight even in high winds. The lighter end of the canoe will be slid down wind until you find the correct balance. Paddling tip. Get your packs out of the wind if at all possible. Our food pack has always been a small backpack that held a 30 inch high 12 inch diameter dry-bag. It fit perfectly behind the stern seat. But stuck up about 18-20 inches. On our last trip my brother was constantly fighting a rear quartering wind. It was exhausting keeping the canoe on line. After a portage. We got every back below the gunnel. WHAT a difference it made. I wish we had realized the significance of this 37 years earlier. |
||
bwcamjh |
For the price, weight, usefulness it balances out well for me. Not the greatest latest lightest carbon fiber paddle out there and that's ok. I happen to like the color orange as well, so that helps. |
||
sueb2b |
I don’t worry so much if it gets beat up a bit on a bwca trip vs some of my shorter, lighter, and more expensive paddles. |
||
Scoobs |
gravelroad: "timf1981: "Yes, a 20 foot long solo canoe. Use what you have. |
||
Scoobs |
AndySG: "I know nothing about double blade paddles, but would like to try one. I've only used one once when testing a Canak, but was impressed with the speed. I am 6'2" and will be paddling a North Star Solo canoe that is 27" wide at the paddling station and 15'6" long. The lighter paddle the better. I'm open to anything out there. Thanks in advance for suggestions. " I have a Werner Camano 2 piece - 240cm - which seems to be the cliche paddle of Swift pack boat owners. I didn't want to spend $500 on a paddle, but I also wanted something light. It's not the most expensive paddle, but it's not the cheapest either. ...and if I spent good money on a canoe, I feel like I shouldn't chinse out on the paddle. :) The Camano is all of carbon fiber and all of 25 oz, and barely feels like it's in your hands. I have it tethered to my thwart with a 3ft 1" strap when I'm on the water. Just peace of mind it won't float a way when I'm reeling in a toad. I love this paddle. It's light, slices into the water, and has enough surface area to really give you a good push. The paddle angles are also adjustable. I can get hauling with this blade, and they maneuver my Prospector 14 Pack with ease. ...I'm guessing there's a reason these are always out of stock. |
||
gravelroad |
Scoobs: "Are you buried under there somewhere? LOL" No, but I did have to straddle the load with my feet. Stability was not an issue. :-) |
||
Chicagored |
tonecoughlin: "I have a Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon at 260cm it's the only paddle I use for solo trips. I am 5'10" and paddle a Graphite Prism. I could probably get away with a 255cm but any smaller than that you're gonna be hitting the side of your boat. Andy: Its been a while. I am 5'8" and paddle a kevlar winona prism. I love the double blade paddle. You don't waste time or energy with steering strokes, just ease up or paddle harder on the appropriate side to adjust your direction. Also faster and easier to maintain a rythm. A sweep stroke is much more effective when you have a full length double paddle to work with. Started with a 220 because that came with the boat. Moved up to a 240 which was better, and just purchased the bending branches Angler Pro Carbon 260 at canoecopia this year. Pricey, but paddling around my little lake, I love it. Taking it to the BWCA on the 10th, and looking forward to it. These days, I split my time between Chicago and Antigo, WI. Would be happy to let you try/borrow any of my paddles if we could work out the logistics. |
||
Pinetree |
Length of paddle will have some determination where the drips fall. |
||
mjmkjun |
I had purchased a blemished FoxWorx K3/ 280 cm a couple of years ago and found it worked very well for me. Unfortunately, the wood shaft cracked badly on a Kayaking trip when it slipped between two boulder at sharp turn on moving water. I really miss that paddle. My replacement paddle is a Cannon Wave Slider because it appeals to me that it adjust in length for kayaking narrow channels of moving water & canoeing open water. the canoe: Prism (Gunwale 26"/Max 30.75") me: 5'8"/170 lbs/age 65 the higher seat position of a canoe and a preference to lo-angle paddling makes a 270 cm or a 280 cm a good choice, for me & my canoe. |
||
Frenchy19 |
quote jdevries: "I made my own double blader to match my stripper. It breaks down into two pieces just off center and I made a handle for the longer side to use as a single blade when fishing and coming into portages. Also makes it much easier to portage as two pieces instead of one. Beautiful work! |
||
warhawk |
|
||
bhouse46 |
|
||
UphillHarry |
|
||
warhawk |
|