Many years ago, when I was in my 20's, I acquired a 17' aluminum Grumman as my first real canoe. I often paddled it solo, but the configuration of a thwart immediately behind he bow seat does not allow paddling from the bow seated backwards. So I learned how paddle from the stern and to trim using my camping gear, my dog, water jugs, or found chunks of wood. I admit that in those early days I sometimes even dangerously used rocks if the water was calm, being careful to not put them where they might get caught under the seat in case of capsize, while thinking about the potential danger.
One of my favorrite destinations was (and still is) an Adidrondack wilderness reservoir/lake, the long axis of which is unfortunately precisely aligned with the incoming prevailing wind, even when the weather is good. Too often I would start out in overcast weather with relatively calm wind, only to have perfectly clear weather under high pressure (but with strong wind) for my return trip back to the parking area. So I learned how to handle that big beast of a canoe solo and improved my single blade solo paddle strokes from the stern. I cautioned my wife at home to not worry and to not immediately call the rangers if I did not return at the exact time I predicted, especially if it was windy. That happened more than once. One time in particular I remember I was camped in a protected connected pond of the reservoir. I headed out in little wind but when I reached the long fetch of the main lake, the wind and waves grabbed my bow and no amount of paddling strength could turn me into it. it directed me downwind to the oppostie shore and I spent an unplanned camping night out until the wind calmed the next morning. No rescue necesssary, but much was learned.