Recent content by Alan Gage

Are you getting the noise during the power stroke or when doing an in water recovery? If on the power stroke then noise would definitely be a design consideration as the noise would likely be a result of the paddle slipping in the water, cavitation, or the blade pulling air into the water; all...

I'm glad you're enjoying the new paddle. I'm surprised at the noise you say you get from your ZRE. Mine are absolutely quiet during the stroke. If get the speed and angle perfect it's also dead quiet when planting the blade for the catch. More often I don't get this part perfect and there is...

I think one could make the argument that because of your normal stern heavy seating position that you actually do prefer asymmetrical rocker. :) Alan

LOL. There is a current trip report from a paddler who just finished it. The trip report is being done in installments so it's not finished yet. https://www.canoetripping.net/threads/reservoir-manicouagan-qc-aug-sep-2025.130388/ Alan

I don't really have much to add to the interesting observations above other than an image from when I was playing around with canoe design. No doubt many canoe designers can tell by eye and experience what shapes will work for what purposes but I did not (and still don't) have that level of...

I've been getting into biking the last couple years and have struggled with a comfortable setup. I don't have a very mobile neck so neck pain was one of the issues. Late this summer I bought a peddle assist drop bar e-bike and it's been great. It does not have a throttle and it provides...

Excellent writeup. Thanks for sharing! Alan

I found the same information as Rippy when I started researching. I began some weight training a couple winters ago and while I was getting stronger I was surprised, and a bit disappointed, how slowly the gains were coming, especially considering I was starting from a very low point. I learned...

I would agree with this. Back when I raced canoes a kayaks for a few years I was aware the organizations existed but that's about it. I haven't even thought about them in at least 10-15 years. Alan

Sorry I'm a bit late to the party. I've been busy this week. Sounds like a fun project. It looks like you've already begun modifying your plans, which I think is good. I was concerned the original plan would be too weak. And with the cost and time involved in building a DIY composite hull it's...

That boat does not have gel coat. It's not a composite canoe. It looks like it's probably made from Royalex. The bottom of the hull appears to be in very good condition. I would not try "fixing" any of those scratches. The only question would be if the seats and thwarts are rotted out but those...

If I recall there are sprints (on the water) ahead of the race to determine starting position. They then line up, two by two (I think), downtown on main street for the mass start. Alan

That's crazy. I was just thinking how terrible that would be on a windy day when they showed him getting blow around in the wind. Not quite as long of a portage but fun to watch if anyone hasn't seen the start of the yearly Ausable Canoe Marathon: Alan

I didn't look up the answers but mosquitoes have gotta be #1. I'll guess dogs are #2. EDIT: I just looked at the list and should have stuck with my gut on #2 but I didn't think the list would go that way. Alan

Wet, lichen covered rocks, are always a hazard for me as well. Shoe soles come in many different configurations, some of which are more sticky than others. A lot of times I'll see people recommend something like "vibram soles are the best" but vibram makes a lot of different soles, some of which...