Paddling advice for long, flat, skinny boats

[tketcham]

When it comes to paddle length, the shorter the paddle I use the quicker my fore arms tire from correction strokes. I would think that a longer paddle will be a benefit in turning a boat with a flat keel because of the added leverage. I also find that I get more power with a longer paddle compared to a shorter one with the same shaped blade. I also think that with a shorter paddle I need to keep up a faster cadence to maintain speed and I don't always want to paddle with a fast cadence.

The Advantage wasn't intended to be a canoe that requires correction strokes, it was designed to go straight and fast with a bent shaft paddle. The offside yaw that results from hit-and-switch paddling is inherent to the stroke, to keep yaw at a minimum requires good technique. And the Advantage turns but you have to give it some room.

I find that maintaining the same speed at a slower cadence using a longer paddle and a longer stroke isn't as efficient; I end up having to either add correction (J-stroke) and/or switch sides after fewer strokes. My preference is to maintain a higher cadence with more strokes per side. Or, I just slow down.

 

[lowangle al]

There're lots of variables when determining paddle length. The boat, seat hight, blade shape, the paddler, paddling style, conditions and even mood, among other things. Sometimes I prefer a shorter paddle, sometimes not. I always have two paddles of different lengths with me.

 

[Chip]

I just got a 50” bent by Bending Branches. Nice, and the rock guard edge should delay the onset of ragged edges, which my ZRE had. But, it’s heavier than the ZRE by 6 ozs. I’m working on the Advantage, so I haven’t tried it out yet.

The canoe shop in Annapolis doesn’t sell ZRE. Does Zaveral have dealers or are they a direct order outfit?

 

[yknpdlr]

How do your paddles get "ragged edges"? Whitewater with lots of rocks? One of my major rules not be violated when teaching newbies about how to care for their equipment, is the paddle blade never touches earth (rocks, dirt, or sand). Not while out of water and not on the bottom when in water. Similar rule as never grounding your canoe on the shore when landing and never "bridging" a canoe by loading it with gear out of water while not fully floating.