"John Fereira" wrote...
(William R. Watt) wrote:
I prefer a canoe type of boat for paddling up small creeks and other
narrow channels where the kayak paddle needs too much side clearance,
How so? With a high angle paddle stroke in a kayak which is typically
much
narrower than a canoe I contend that a kayak would actually require less
side clearance.
I use a high stroke with a kayak paddle. It is much more awkward in tight
situations even in a narrower boat. Add low overhanging branches & it's
darn near hopeless. A 2 piece kayak paddle can be taken apart to use as a
canoe paddle in ight quarters.
and when the creek gets really narrow a kayak can't be backed out
easily
Only if you don't have much experience paddling backwards in a kayak.
Paddling a kayak backwards is not difficult with a little bit of practice.
Backpaddling is dead easy with a kayak paddle if there's room to use it.
but all I have to do in a canoe is sit facing in the opposite
direction. Both canoes and kayaks have hulls which will go both
forwards and backwards but the seating arrangement in a canoe makes it
easier.
That depends on the canoe. My tandem has tractor seats. My solos have a
thwart right behind the seat. Neither are convenient for turning around in.
I've done it a few times though.
Canoes are much better than kayaks if you have to be in & out often at
awkward landings, especially if you can't come broadside to shore or the
obstruction. Just nose up to a beaver dam or fallen tree, walk to the bow &
step out.
Lloyd Bowles