My NW solo is seated for kneeling, leaned over hard, and paddled with a single blade. With the 15.5' hull and differential rocker, that just seems to make the most sense. To each their own, but I feel like a lot of double bladers are missing out on the satisfaction that comes from learning to effectively use a single blade. "Paddle Your Own Canoe, An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Canoeing" by Gary & Joanie McGuffin is another great resource I've found for paddling dedicated solo canoes.
@@mkvnwk I enjoy the McGuffin's books. I kind of think it's a bit like why e bikes are becoming so popular. Many people on e bikes don't really need one, but they like that they're faster and easier to pedal. I think a little bit of that mentality has creeped into the paddling world.
Agree 100%. I’ve been paddling since the 70s. At first I thought it might be the shorter WW kayak paddle I was trying w my Old Town Pack. But I borrowed a super long one with the drip rings and same thing. Not as bad but still super annoying. Single blade is where it’s at for canoes. Now that I’m old and fishing/ paddling mostly flat water I’m gonna try a nice wooden beaver or otter tail. I love the feel of a nice wooden paddle, I’ve used a wooden Silver Creek WW kayak paddle for years.
My NW solo is seated for kneeling, leaned over hard, and paddled with a single blade. With the 15.5' hull and differential rocker, that just seems to make the most sense. To each their own, but I feel like a lot of double bladers are missing out on the satisfaction that comes from learning to effectively use a single blade. "Paddle Your Own Canoe, An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Canoeing" by Gary & Joanie McGuffin is another great resource I've found for paddling dedicated solo canoes.
@@mkvnwk I enjoy the McGuffin's books. I kind of think it's a bit like why e bikes are becoming so popular. Many people on e bikes don't really need one, but they like that they're faster and easier to pedal. I think a little bit of that mentality has creeped into the paddling world.
Double blades bring a lot of water in the boat/get you wet and I'd just rather stay dry. (Maybe I just don't know what I'm doing with a double)
@@Bazilli I have heard that from others as well. Anytime I've kayaked without a spray skirt my lap gets soaked. Even with drip rings on the paddle.
@yooperventures2830 yeah those drip rings do nothing for me
Agree 100%. I’ve been paddling since the 70s. At first I thought it might be the shorter WW kayak paddle I was trying w my Old Town Pack. But I borrowed a super long one with the drip rings and same thing. Not as bad but still super annoying. Single blade is where it’s at for canoes. Now that I’m old and fishing/ paddling mostly flat water I’m gonna try a nice wooden beaver or otter tail. I love the feel of a nice wooden paddle, I’ve used a wooden Silver Creek WW kayak paddle for years.
30 inches (not 29) at it's widest width.