Hi all, good to be back after two years.
I need some honest criticism here, and then some suggestions.
Problem- My first canoe a Redbird, was chosen from the heart (what a pretty lady) and because I’m a boy (I wanted a big one). I now need a canoe that I can handle by my self in moving and flat water with an occasional load. I would like to try poling as well. 15 ft would be ideal for portage and loading on the roof rack.
Now this is where I need honesty please. I have never mastered handling the Redbird bird solo, either Canadian style or sitting backwards on the front seat. Am I being lazy, is the Redbird a bit of a pig to handle solo, is she a bit long to handle solo. I built the ends to full height, and yes, they do catch the wind (but they look so nice). I am talking proper solo paddling here, with a normal paddle.
Anyway, I have grown up now, a need a smaller canoe, looks can be sacrificed, solo handling is most important, I will take a passenger sometimes, it must be a conventional design. I would consider asymmetrical, but where do I place the seat for optimal solo paddling in the correct direction.
The Bobs Special and the Prospector Ranger look OK, but am I perhaps missing something more suitable?
Is there a how to do it book on solo handling with a single paddle or should I just get a life and practice a bit more.
Regards
Geordie STBBA (Soon to be building again)
Here we go again
Here we go again
Yesterday I paddled
Today I’m sore
Today I’m sore
- Patricks Dad
- Posts: 1476
- Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:11 pm
- Location: Warrenville, Illinois
About 6 months ago, I finished a Freedom-15. I built a Redbird first and then decided to build something smaller to paddle solo. I built it with 2 seats because I often times paddle with my son so I needed a 2nd seat. I should have built the stern seat so it was movable for adjusting for solo paddling. It sounds like you are headed down a similar path. Right now, I'm pondering building the Freedom Solo because it would really paddle well as a solo canoe. the Freedom-15 isn't the "looker" that the Redbird is (and never will be). It also has a wide beam and being fairly short, isn't a quick craft. Good luck with your decision and your next build.
I'm happy with the Huron as a solo, although some might say it's tippy. You get used to it pretty fast, though.
The Huron might be a bit tight going tandem because of the narrowness. The Bob's or the Ranger could be more stable, roomier options.
Becky Mason has a good video on how to paddle solo, there are also courses offered at various places. Good luck!
The Huron might be a bit tight going tandem because of the narrowness. The Bob's or the Ranger could be more stable, roomier options.
Becky Mason has a good video on how to paddle solo, there are also courses offered at various places. Good luck!