Lou wrote:

So, in order to minimise the 'chopping and changing', what is a reasonable
starting height for fitting a kneeling thwart,


As others have offered, this is highly dependent on your own situation.
Are you 6'7" or only 5'2"? What is your build? What is your "stamina
level"? Are you constantly in heavy, demanding, Class III & IV waters or
only during brief spurts? How long are your sessions between
resting/orienteering/portaging? All of these will have an effect. There
is no one size, shape, or placement that's *best* even for a single
person who always has precisely the same load & balance points at all
times (never happens). My basic suggestion would be to forget the thwart
entirely - the canoe doesn't need it & you can learn to paddle without
one. Many old-timers do their poling/paddling standing anyway for
quicker reaction, easier shifting of balance point, usually greater
leverage, and overall less commotion within the canoe.

Yours in the north Maine woods,
Pete Hilton (Reg. Me. Guide) aka The Ent



--
Never needlessly disturb a thing at rest.
anon.