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I've had mixed results removing grips but maybe I didn't let it get hot enough.

Great idea. I think if ZRE and GRB offered paddles with reinforced blade tips they'd sell a bunch of them. I know I'd buy one.

Did you have to cut the shaft and end up with a shorter paddle or were you able to disconnect the blade and shaft with heat/pressure?

I think you're right, you just don't see them around very often. I can only think of one that I definitely knew was a Whisper. One came up for sale in 2018 that I almost called about, but it was further away than I wanted to drive. This is a section from the Wenonah catalog (mid-80s?). I noticed...

I know what you mean but that can also be a good thing if the charging effort is fairly consistent and maintainable over time, like peddling a bicycle up a moderate hill with the right gear ratio and cadence. It doesn't seem like much effort considering you're going uphill. Plus, the feeling of...

I kneel almost exclusively in the Firebird, mainly because I use the canoe more for functional freestyle and twisty streams than for touring, although I have done some tripping with the Firebird. I preferred to kneel even then. In the Kestrel it depends on what I'm doing at the time, functional...

Thanks for the reply. I have a Northstar Firebird for twisty streams (if that's a big part of the trip) and the Hemlock Kestrel is good for lakes and ponds and negotiates streams fairly well. But I'm wanting a canoe that is more for fast day tours; the ability to do multi-day trips covering lots...

Anyone have experience paddling a GRB Newman Classic 15' 8"? I'm thinking of adding a fast solo touring canoe to the quiver and was wondering if anyone has experience with the Grasse River Boatworks / Newman Classic (not Classic XL) canoe. There's a fair amount of discussion of the XL version...

My third trip down the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River in Washington, twenty-five years ago. I should do a trip report with additional photos but here's a shot of us headed down river below the Vernita Bridge and first night supper. You can see a couple of the reactors that produced...

It's frustrating that you can't buy small tubes of antibiotic cream; just ends up in an ever increasing antibiotic waste stream. I've been reading more and more advice to not use antibiotics for cuts, unless there are signs of infection. Instead, the recommendation is to clean the wound...

That's not a bad idea. We're working up our Do Not Resuscitate orders and that could be included with the information for medications and other special considerations. Thing is, in an emergency most people (other than EMTs) probably wouldn't think of looking for special directions and a DNR...

I don't like carrying a single heavy pack anymore so I'm not sure these would have worked for me unless the "modular shoulder straps" can be attached to either section. But then they probably wouldn't have carried very well and defeats the purpose.

The two-pack system offered by Recreational Barrel Works is a good idea with some well thought out features and carries about the same volume as my big Granite Gear pack. I might have looked into the RBW system when I re-did my portaging setup but I'm reluctant to lift a heavy single pack...

Hi, Chris, I think it's possible but you'll have to be obsessive about weight savings as the primary goal and that's going to mean giving up some aspects that contribute to durability. I paddled a 17.75' Clipper Sea-1 canoe on several multi-day trips on the Columbia River (big winds, big waves)...

When I was still solo canoeing Class 3/4 white water I used different PFDs depending on water volume and/or temperature. I don't float very well so when paddling early season with cold water temps or big water (6,000 to 10,000 CFS) I would definitely use my high-floatation vest. It was bulky and...

The dealer that I bought my Firebird from asked if I wanted a sitting seat or a kneeling seat installed. He mentioned that they come set up for more of a sitting position by default. With the kneeling seat there's plenty of foot clearance, it's a good height for comfort while kneeling, and...

It'd be interesting to paddle a shorter version of the Swift Cirrus, sort of a cross between a de-tuned Northstar Firebird and a sportier Swift Prospector 13. Plenty of stability with a touch of playfulness. Exactly right, for a good reason. If you're in the business of selling canoes you need...

I have an older (but still serviceable) Extrasport PFD that I use in cooler weather. The fuller fit is like wearing a "waterproof" down vest. But I prefer the "kayak" style, with less body contact, because they are a bit cooler in the summer.

I have a Sunburst paddle and enjoy it for it's light weight and relaxing demeanor. :) I didn't mention the Sunburst because he indicated he preferred a wood paddle. I cut the shaft down about 4" from it's original 54" length because the blade is shorter than most and the shaft length was too...

Had a good laugh with that one. Impressive though.