Kathy D'Errico wrote in
rec.boats.paddle...

I have a 16 foot hybrid canoe that I can use solo or tandem. It
really takes a lot of work paddling solo and I was wondering if
a kayak paddle would work better for me? or what would better than
the traditional lightweight paddle?

I wouldn't get into my solo canoe, without one of each. If
you carry both, then you KNOW you've got the right one.