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Old Town Discovery Sportsman vs Old Town Next?

I think I for sure need a longer paddle as well. I had to be extra careful and paddle awkwardly w/ the 240cm so as not to get wet. I’m going to go pick up a 260cm.

Yellow, I will pass on the paddle but I do appreciate your offer. I think a 2 piece paddle with the adjustable angle will suit me better.

Are Carlisle paddles good quality? I assume they are since they are made by Old Town. I want something good quality for not much money (don’t we all lol).

Carlisle paddles have been around for a very long time and are made by Carlisle. They are inexpensive but very strong paddles made of plastic and aluminum, which can take a lot of abuse and hence are used by outfitters who rent canoes and rafts. Most paddlers, as they become experienced and if they paddle long distances, find Carlisle paddles to be too heavy and tiring. Hence, they eventually move up to a lightweight composite paddle. Unfortunately, you can't have light weight for low cost unless you make your own or find a bargain on a used composite paddle.

Weight becomes an even greater factor in the context of the very long double paddles that canoeists use as opposed to kayakers.

Nothing wrong with starting with an inexpensive paddle, learning on your own, and forming your own opinions. However, it may be worth considering a more expensive and lighter weight paddle in a composite material other than the very expensive carbon paddles. I'm personally not up to date on current double blade paddles, but I hear that Aqua Bound has some popular offerings. Others here probably have much more personal experience and knowledge of current products.

On edit: I just searched and found that Carlisle has been bought by Johnson, which also owns Old Town, and that Carlisle also now offers some paddles in materials other than their traditional plastic and aluminum. Maybe those are lighter weight.
 
Thanks! I see your point, and will look into getting something better and lighter. I would bet a lot of people (like me) spend a lot of money on a new canoe or kayak and then try to save by getting an inexpensive paddle which might take some of the fun out of it if your arms are constantly being worn down by a heavy paddle.

I’m not sure what is considered heavy for a 260cm paddle but will look around for something carbon fiber or some other composite material.
 
I just made a brief edit to my post about Carlisle.

Unfortunately, the really light carbon paddles are probably now all now over $300, but there may be fiberglass/Kevlar paddles that are less expensive. It's also a good idea to have a low cost backup paddle that you can use to push off the bottom or shore and not worry about breaking.

40 years ago I had Carlisle make me a multi-functional, button-detachable system that allowed me to turn it into two canoe paddles, two oars, one 9' double blade paddle, or a 12' pole. I only ended up using the pole arrangement with any frequency.
 
Since your paddle is your connection with the water, it is not a great place to try and save money. I know it’s a lot to swallow after buying a boat, especially in canoe-length double blade paddles. However, (and Glenn beat me to this) a beater backup is a good idea so no real downside to starting off with a more economical paddle.
 
Thanks! I see your point, and will look into getting something better and lighter. I would bet a lot of people (like me) spend a lot of money on a new canoe or kayak and then try to save by getting an inexpensive paddle which might take some of the fun out of it if your arms are constantly being worn down by a heavy paddle.

I’m not sure what is considered heavy for a 260cm paddle but will look around for something carbon fiber or some other composite material.
ieee! Please have a soothing beverage at hand and in a comfortable chair. It's common to invest in a boat and forget about the paddle. This might be of interest considering how hard it is to find a longer paddle, Its 35oz and nylon and glass and reasonable price.
This one is over half a pound lighter and more money:


I have found it extremely frustrating to run around to various stores looking for specific paddles.

I agree that two piece paddles are much easier to deal with ( until they get stuck!)
 
It’s like buying the most expensive hunting rifle you can afford and using a $30 rifle scope from walmart wondering why it won’t shoot straight haha.

The Carlisle I saw at an LL Bean outlet near me was fiberglass I believe. It was an adjustable 240-260 for $125.

Thanks for the link yellow, I’ll check that out!
 
I picked up a Bending Branches fiberglass paddle 260cm long. The comparable Carlisle fiberglass paddle was $20 cheaper but weighed over 7oz more. Could have gotten a carbon fiber Aqua Bound paddle that weighed I believe 5oz less than the Bending Branches but it was $20-30 more. I settled on the middle ground for now.

You know how it is when starting a new hobby, my brain is about to explode with all the options. I didn’t want to get too far ahead of myself in case I want to make some changes to my gear in the future.
 
I don’t have a convenient place to store my canoe to keep it out of the sun for at least part of the day. How critical is it that it be in shade at all times like they recommend in the manual? I have it on a couple saw horses for now, I wonder if I should grab a cheap awning or something to keep it in the shade?

I could bring it in my shop or shed but as frequently as I plan on using it this summer (at least once a week), it would be a pain to get out and put back every time…
 
I wonder if I should grab a cheap awning or something to keep it in the shade?
I found the awning to be the ideal solution for outdoor storage. If you can keep the boat out of the weather but still easily accessable.

At my previous home I kept my most frequently used canoe under a large awning behind the shed. I could walk under with the canoe on my shoulders. With one hand I could grab the ropes holding the canoe to the rafters and wrap the ropes around a cleat.
 
Thanks! I think that might be the way to go. I have it on the side of my house now as its the place that sees the most shade throughout the day but it is visible from the road.

It’s worth a few bucks to be able to keep it hidden out back and in the shade I guess.
 
I realize you already got a paddle at this point, but for others seeking advice, I've had this AT paddle for 5+ years and it's served me very well for soloing a 15ft tandem. Mine extends 240 to 250cm. I use it to solo my Wenonah Heron (35in max width) from the bow seat. 240cm is a little short but works, 250 works well, 260cm might make for a drier ride. It's proven itself to be really durable - I use it for paddling standing up and a bit of punting in flatwater. I haven't abused it too much but definitely don't baby it, and it's done great in terms of durability. The locking mechanism for the two halves is reliable and easy. Weight is good for the price, but I haven't compared it to others in terms of weight.

 
I took the canoe out the last 3 days. It seems I can last about four hours before my back starts feeling it. I didn’t check the time the first two days and I made it back to shore both days after 4 hours of paddling and fishing. If ai wanted to stay out all day it would be no problem to pull up on shore for a 20 minute break to stretch the back and legs and Id be good to go again.

I find it a bit awkward to paddle (not enough that it bothers me) but I’m sure a lot of that is me never having used a kayak paddle before and also having the seat reclined so far back.
For my uses I think it will be an awesome canoe. I’m the type of person that if I spend too much on something then I’ll be terrified to use it. After figuring out a good way to carry it that works for me the weight isn’t too bad. If I were doing any portages it would be a real concern but the farthest I should ever have to carry it is across the road from the parking area to the beach and if it were really a problem I could drop it off and then park my car.

I’m already planning an overnight fishing/camping trip to Moosehead lake as soon as I can make it happen. I need to talk a friend into buying one!
 
I find it a bit awkward to paddle (not enough that it bothers me) but I’m sure a lot of that is me never having used a kayak paddle before and also having the seat reclined so far back
jjmaine
Just a word to let you know what I found with my NEXT. Moving the seat forward or backward to trim the canoe makes a world of difference in how it paddles or "feels". Try paddling with the seat in different positions to see how it acts. With my NEXT, a very little change in trim makes a big difference in how it moves in the water.
 
Thanks, I will have to play around with that. My seat has been all the way to the rear since I’ve owned it and I have not changed it. I am guessing that can’t be the ideal position for trim with no other gear in the canoe other than a fishing pole, some tackle and a life vest.

What is the goal when trimming? To have the bow and stern sitting evenly out of the water?
 
Thanks, I will have to play around with that. My seat has been all the way to the rear since I’ve owned it and I have not changed it. I am guessing that can’t be the ideal position for trim with no other gear in the canoe other than a fishing pole, some tackle and a life vest.

What is the goal when trimming? To have the bow and stern sitting evenly out of the water?
That’s a good starting point. But you can also use trim to help manage wind and steerage. With a headwind, trim the bow down to limit how much the wind pushes your bow around, with a tailwind you can do the opposite.
 
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