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We've gone from flood to drought here in the Carolinas. Over the 4th of July weekend I went to see the north western end of Falls Lake. Location: Falls Lake, NC, near Hickory Hill boat ramp. Date: early July 2026 Craft: fiberglass Mad River Explorer Paddlers: 1 adult Falls Lake was about 6...

My canoe lived on top of my SUV in college. I had decent racks and a locking system. It is a tough life for a canoe, but it works. I keep a tightly wound reflective rope hanging on the back of the canoe. This keeps you, spouses, and random strangers from banging your heads. It also helps...

Very nice, enjoy.

I won't comment on injuries and if it is appropriate to ride at all. If it is OK for you to ride, the i agree with Sedges that wider, regular mountain bike tire are better. I've got a hybrid (a freebie) and it is pretty lousy. I'd much rather have standard mountain bike. As to roads, I think...

I use my carbon kevlar (no foam core) Yellowstone solo for exercise paddling in rivers. It has taken several really hard hits from snags. It is fine. I don't think I'd go for ultralight layups. If I bought a new solo I'd be tempted for a composite with an extra layer. I would avoid solos...

I'd hoped to paddle and run in a riverside park on our vacation this week. It turns out the Swannanoa river and local riverside parks were greatly damaged by the flooding in western NC last year. The area is recovering, most roads are open. Lots of businesses and home are still empty. Piles...

I like the mushrooms. They don't have sharp edges and are readily available. I think there was another thread about folks using old brake rotors. I'm not sure why. Maybe as drag anchors. The only problem with anchors is they help sink the canoe if you swamp and don't have additional...

While I was out this morning I saw a guy in a pickup truck with a poly kayak smashed over the tailgate. The tailgate was up and pushing the bottom of the kayak 4 inches up. I felt sad for the kayak. A crappy poly kayak was probably the right boat for him. For no other reason, then he would...

Kayaks, SOT, and paddle boards are: - easier to store - easier to transport - available new at a lower price - lighter at entry level price kayaks are: - more stable - more seaworthy for beginners Paddle boards are very easy to self-rescue Both entry level kayaks and paddle boards are...

I feel like there's another thread like this, but I can't find it. I lash my gear in the canoe. The gear is carried in waterproof containers and serves as flotation. We've practiced righting the loaded canoe and climbing back in. I'm always torn on what to do with the crash bag. I don't...

I often think about trips in terms of consequences. How likely am i have a problem? If i have a problem, what will happen? The little flat river I paddle for exercise is easy. I need minimum gear. I probably won't swim, and if I do, maybe I'll feel cold by time I get back to the van. A...

Here is the 3 strap + 2 tails rig. The first strap (black) is 14+ ft. It wraps through the front corners of the cart over the portage yoke, back down to the other side of the cart, then meets in the middle of the canoe. This secures the cart from sliding backwards. This alone is adequate...

I used a paddle to lift this rat snake. It grabbed onto the t-grip and wouldn't let go. I think it worked itself into a groundline hitch.

I have a 'glass Explorer, and the inside is indeed gray with no foam. I'd recommend it over a Royalex canoe for most paddling. Mine is about 34 in at the gunwales, so it is a much better solo than a 17 Duck Hunter. But it is nearly 70 lbs, so it misses your most important requirement of being...

I'm glad you typed this up and included a picture. This is essentially the setup I use. On a tandem, I like to place the cart between the yolk and the thwart, but going to the rear seat works too. There are some variations on this that can be done with lighter rigging, but I think this is the...

Not addressing your original question, but the biggest problem I had with my cart was the axle nuts coming loose. They were just simple machine nuts with no locking mechanism. I use threadlock on them because I don't disassemble the cart. But if I was gonna disassemble the cart, I'd use...

I have the same cart, and use it frequently. I put the cart between the yoke and rear thwart on tandem canoes. For long or rough portages at least the shortest straps need to be separate for each side. This prevents sliding side to side. I can't tell for sure from your picture, are there...

Paddle boards, most sit-on-tops, and many kayaks are safer for beginners because they have more flotation. You can get back on, even if that means laying down on a mostly flooded kayak and paddling it like a surfboard. It also helps many rec boats are short, slow, and wet. It makes it easier...

I think swimming is important. It's good for the upper body. Plus itt's good know your limitations.

I really like the sound of a 45lb no-foam, carbon kevlar layup. I have two composites without foam, a Yellowstone Solo in Blackgold, and a fiber glass Mad River Explorer. I use these most of the time. They are stiff and durable. I don't worry when I paddle them. I have a canoe and a small...