Wm Watt wrote:
Andrew is right, but it takes more out of you. You can go faster in a
canoe with a double bladed paddle. It allows you expend more energy in
a shorter time. A paddler in good condition can generate about 1/20th
horse power over long distances, more in sprints. Canoes are not as
hydrodynamically efficient hulls as kayaks.


And Riverman wrote:


Well, there is a certain erosion of style in using a double-bladed paddle in
a canoe. Not that there is explicitly any rule stating that canoes must be
paddled with a single blade, but that creeping change is on the same road
that eventually leads to using a motor. so who's to say where the line gets
drawn? For me, I only use a single blade, solo or tandem, because I feel
cheap if I use a double. Thats the big disadvantage, and AFAIC, it outweighs
any advantages. YMMV

--riverman

The last couple of weeks I have been playing around using a kayak
paddle as the stern paddler in a tandem 18+ foot canoe. The
difference is quite noticable as long as the wind is not a factor. I
imagine a solo boat would be like an Inflatable Kayak, but with much
better performance. (No solo canoe yet).

I have been taking two paddles, one a standard canoe paddle and the
other a break apart kayak paddle that I can fit with a T handle
extension. Right now I just switch paddles. Unless experience proves
different, that will be the final choice as well. Taking the T handle
gives me a backup paddle if I need it.

I can understand the "cheapening" of the experience. But if it is not
a birch bark canoe with a hand carved paddle, then I am already on that
slipperly slope. Materials and methods change. I have the advantage
of feeling less cheapend since I do not have a long history with a
canoe. (I have always taken the IK).

Blakely
---
Blakely LaCroix
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

"The best adventure is yet to come"