So the subject has already come up - do you solo canoe? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Canoes were originally designed for a bunch of people, including 24 foot freighter canoes. A small 2 person canoe designed for lakes or rivers is a far cry from the birch bark originals. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> The ultimate expression of the canoe may be the 10 to 12 foot solo canoes. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What they give you in light weight they take away in hard to handle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />The longer the canoe, the more keel, and 2 people, really help them go straight. In a solo canoe, without some experience, you go around in circles fast. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The "J" stroke is inadequate when solo, you need a "C" stroke and you must move your center of mass forwards and backwards, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />thus kneeling while sitting on a saddle is most effective and keeps your weight low. You move your body forward and reach out to the side with your paddle and pull in towards your center of mass as you move rearward, and then on the tail of the stroke is the "J". This can push you very fast through the water in a straight line. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

A paddle made of wood is around 5/8 inch thick and is carved in smooth curves - in fact its a hydrofoil - something capable of giving lift when moved correctly through water. So in fact you can rotate the handle of your paddle and achieve the same effect as the "J" or "C" and still only move the paddle along a straight line.

Try this next time you're in the rear - instead of a "J", at the end of your stroke, try just turning your paddle 45 degrees while pulling straight back. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Oh boy - next has to be skulling. The art of paddleing while keeping the paddle in the water - an excellent stealth method of approaching game. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> It also impresses the heck out of your girlfriend (boy friend).
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd love to try an UL canoe. Its gotta be the bicycle of the boat world. Like light and fast but falls over with no one on it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I had a sailboat once that was so light the wind would blow it over without someone sitting in it for ballast. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />