Recent content by Steve in Idaho

Again, I think it depends a lot on the particular canoe, the paddler, and to some extent, the paddle (I favor a long bladed ottertail when soloing a tandem). I think you have mentioned an 18' tandem, and I suspect that has a lot to do with what you're saying. The longest tandem I have paddled...

OMG! Little rotation, bent elbows, and no stacked hands - how on earth did he pull away from that double blade team? 😁

Well, there's a lot of nuance to discuss there, and I have to start with agreeing with your point to some degree. We know from the principals of naval design that a longer waterline allows a higher theoretical hull speed. We also can demonstrate that heeling most tandem recreational canoes can...

I am a disciple of Harry Rock's modern poling technique. As such, I have employed the "wildwater" downriver method whenever possible. That is pretty much using the tandem canoe while standing with a pole the same way a solo canoe is paddled with a double blade. Can't say I've been in a...

I think this is only the second time I've seen foot straps mentioned in association with a foot bar. How are your straps rigged, and how do they help you? I have an idea in my mind, but my assumption may be wrong.

Depends on the boat. In the Prospector at least, I found tracking to be neutral. At some length, we will all be overwhelmed. Especially with a paddle. The only times I want the bow to be especially light when poling upstream is when climbing a significant drop, attacking some turbulence, or...

I've been using one layer of whatever fiberglass I have on hand. S glass is best, but E glass and epoxy have held up just fine for me. I mix in some graphite for pigment and UV resistance. I used to use peel ply, but found that stretchy plastic wrap from the kitchen actually works as well if you...

Yes, that is my experience with the Boise River in the valley. Wherever it hasn't been channelized, it tends to meander. And in years with a heavy spring flow, channels move, gravel bars are rearranged, and islands appear or disappear. We also have some beaver activity that sometimes results in...

It depends on which canoe I'm in, what the wind is doing, and what I want to do. Generally, I prefer to be more or less centered in the canoe. If I'm solo in a tandem canoe and I want to reduce skin friction, I'll heel the canoe to one side or the other. As we all know, that also makes it...

Wenonah has had an adjustable hight seat. My Clipper Solitude seat is adjustable fore and aft, as well well as hight. It adds a little weight, but it's good to have. I think most canoe manufacturers aren't catering to those of us who are likely to appreciate the versatility of such a seat, and...

..... I am stuck here in canoe Outland. With all the people moving to Idaho, you would think at least one functional freestyle instructor would be among them. But apparently, no.....

I had read before about using the fluff for insulation, but I didn't know about the PFDs.

I have quite a bit of milkweed growing around my place, and I do encourage it. The blossoms are pretty, and edible too with the right timing and preparation. But in fifty years I have yet to see a monarch butterfly or caterpillar anywhere near my location. They were common where I grew up in...

Well of course I'm kidding..... sorta. I'm thinking.....what would it have been like in the Bowron if I could have induced a little rocker in the loaded down Solitude before leaving Isaac Lake? Maybe I would have ran the chute instead of lining it. Or what would it mean for an extended...

I think I paid $4 for the last pair I bought. Insurance or Medicare usually pays for them when someone is injured. When they're healed, many eventually dispose of them at thrift stores or yard sales. Why they don't hang on to them just in case they need them again is beyond me.