Recent content by Steve in Idaho

So, I'll give more detail about my Prospector perspective... Most importantly, everything I say about it comes from my experience with the Nova Craft 16' Prospector. Put a tripping load in that and point it down a class 2 to 3 river that moves continually, and it's pretty hard to beat...

Indy, you say?... https://www.facebook.com/share/1LX5aVRDsV/

The Malecite fits in the same class as the Northstar Polaris, Bell Northstar, and Wenonah Escapade. I consider any one of those perfect as a day tripping tandem that can be reasonably easy to solo. Not for much above class 1 though. That's where the Explorer and Prospectors come in. I myself...

Have you guys seen this? https://www.facebook.com/share/14XB6CjxTeA/

Yes, good article. I have chosen to just call it control. Either you are in control of your boat or something else is.

My Nova Craft Prospector was fantastic as a river solo with a heavy load. Without the load, anything more than a soft breeze made it a real handful to control. The soft chines and moderate rocker made it very forgiving though. Although not as forgiving in some situations (like an accidental...

I don't mind a small chest pack or sling bag. I use those sometimes instead of a day pack, and they don't impair my view of the ground in front of me. Wouldn't hesitate to use one of those in conjunction with my backpack. My usual way of extending my load capacity though is my Summit leg packs...

Test paddling with little experience in solo canoes is tricky. The first time I did was in a model that was actually a pretty good design, but it didn't feel good to me so I passed on it. If I was to get in that canoe now, I'm sure I would like it. (ETA: this was coming from considerable...

That's just mean. :D

When I was there, the flow was so low that the "ledge" was essentially a wall of rocks with a narrow passage in the middle. There was a chute, little more than a canoe width with a deep hole on the right side of it. The approach, as I recall, had current angling from left to right. Running the...

When I was a kid, Mom thought that Pocket Fisherman was a great idea and bought me one for Christmas. Knowing better, I gave it an honest chance anyway. Being limited to a bicycle for transportation at the time, it was easy to bring on rides to the nearby lake and streams. It did catch a few...

Indeed they did.

At 5' 11", I mostly use a 48-50" bent shaft and a 54-56" straight - depending on which canoe I'm in and whether sitting or kneeling. But different torso and arm lengths are going to effect your sweet spot also. As already mentioned, you're likely to end up with an assortment of paddles. I have...

That ship has sailed. Hopefully with someone who'll tell us about it.

That's very nice. It's amazing what can be done with digital drawing, but I still enjoy using the old drawing tools.