"Lloyd Bowles" wrote in
m:
"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.
I'd agree that a high angle stroke can be a bit more awkward when the water
is extremely shallow but I don't find it any less awkward than a low angle
stroke under any other conditions.
Add low overhanging branches
& it's darn near hopeless.
Add low overhanging branches with a snake in them and I'd prefer to be in a
closed cockpit boat. Frankly, I don't find paddling in waters that are so
narrow and enclosed with low hanging tree branches to all that enjoyable,
not matter what kind of boat I'm paddling.
A 2 piece kayak paddle can be taken apart
to use as a canoe paddle in ight quarters.
True, didn't think of that.
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.
True. Although a sea kayak may be more appropriate in conditions which have
their own set of awkward landings (breaking surf).