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I've been thinking of wrapping my paddle shaft because my main solo boat has aluminum gunnels and I want to reduce noise. I haven't done it yet but found a couple videos. They focus on the rub area but I don't see why you couldn't extend it higher up the shaft to where you grip it.

My main hiking partner is a true Luddite who refuses to use a phone or GPS in his car or on the trail. I'm fine with map and compass being the primary navigation tools on the trail but having a device tucked away that can save the day just seems like common sense. No need to have your nose in...

I remember back in the 90s when cell phones were just becoming ubiquitous. Calls and texts cost money so we didn't give our personal cell number to our employers and instead carried a pager. Flip phones were basic so we also carried something like a Palm Pilot as a planner, calendar, and...

What I like about a cell phone is it's always with me so I don't have to remember to pack it. I camp, hike, canoe, dirt bike, ATV, etc. All things where some type of satellite communication in an emergency would be helpful. My gear for those various hobbies is stored in different places...

I agree that I'm probably overthinking layup. Other than my Phoenix I haven't owned a composite canoe or kayak since the 80s. Back then all we had were fiberglass and kevlar and we didn't worry about it. We enjoyed the boats, avoided hitting rocks, and repaired the damage when needed. And...

How would a Nova Craft Pal fit the requirements in my original post?

I ran across the video below where Northstar is introducing a new lamination called BlackHD that is somewhere between Blacklight and IXP to make it more appropriate for river running without the full weight penalty of IXP. For 2026 they are only offering it in their solo canoes. I was leaning...

I've researched this quite a few times over the years and the Daiwa kits consistently seem to be the most highly recommended. A two piece is fine for how I travel so I've never pulled the trigger on the Daiwa setup.

It's a shame Canoecopia isn't held in April when the campgrounds are open.

We're currently camped in SC on our way to Florida where we'll paddle the mangroves, springs, and gulf for a month or so. I plan to attend canoeacopia this March and buy a new tandem. We'll surely do our annual Fall trip to Jacks Fork & Current River again. My wife and I just moved to a new...

Nothing. I'm saving my pennies for Canoeacopia.

I remember being broke and paddling whitewater in the 1970s in homemade wetsuits. We'd buy rolls of neoprene and glue up our own, including gloves and boots. Right after the ice broke up was some of the best paddling and it was common for our hair and beards to be solid icicles. I'm glad that...

My parents were very active in a canoe club from the time I was a baby so I pretty much grew up canoeing and kayaking. We camped with the canoe club nearly every weekend from Spring to Fall. My brother and I raced tandem canoes starting when I was probably 10 or 11 and my first whitewater was...

No winter projects for me because we moved in August and my woodworking and metalworking equipment is in storage. The new place doesn't have the room or 240V power for my machines. Our contractor just left and he'll be starting my 40x60' shop in mid-February. It's frustrating not having...

Nothing like swimming to get over the fear of swimming. I strongly suggest taking a swift water rescue class. You'll spend most of the weekend in the water. Our instructor had us swim the whitewater course between each exercise. I still don't like swimming, which is why I prefer a kayak for...

I paddle a solo canoe (Northstar Phoenix) and my wife paddles a kayak. She started kayaking late in life and never became comfortable in moving water. Even class 1 intimidates her and she's had a few dumps that scared her. Because of this her preference is lakes. My strong preference is...

My main solo is a Northstar Phoenix in IXP. It's perfect for the shallow rocky rivers I prefer. The only downside is it's badly out of trim when my 60lb dog comes along. She doesn't come very often because rapids stress her out, but when she does the bow plows and it takes on a lot of water...

Every butt is different. I can't stand bucket seats. I want to be able to move around and shift position often. I prefer a flat webbing seat in a canoe. It works well for kneeling or sitting. I feel the same about motorcycle seats. I've put an aftermarket seat on almost every motorcycle...

It looks like they're finding more. https://apnews.com/article/ancient-canoes-lake-mendota-wisconsin-parking-lot-ee9b5f68a9e8c0f9bcf8af7ae9e9fd8d

My kids are in Wisconsin and every time I haul the canoes and kayaks up there the wind is too strong for the Wisconsin River to be enjoyable. We always end up doing something narrower. I assume some day my luck will hold and it'll be a good day for the Wisconsin.