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Thoughts on Grasse River/GRB Newman Classic?

I had the same problem as your friend with his Blackwater. I couldn't keep the Shadow straight. I am not a bad paddler (finished the 90-miler a couple of times) but I think my technique was a problem with the Shadow. The other possibility is I don't weigh enough to get the Shadow in the water (that is a guess). Regardless, I didn't have this problem with other canoes I have owned (or own) ...Magic, XL Classic, Hemlock Kestrel. I have heard great things about the Blackwater, and now they make a shorter version. But, given my history with canoes i would have to try it and that is difficult. I have paddled both the Rapidfire and the Cruiser (there is a Swift dealer near me) and I like both very much. So, if I can get either one used I will jump on it.
 
Well, I picked up my GRB Newman Classic canoe a couple of weeks ago and have taken it out four times so far. It rained most of last week so I didn't get out much. I was getting used to the canoe the first couple of times but added seat risers, padding, and foot brace loops and yesterday and today I got out for 6+ mile paddles. I'm still learning the canoe's capabilities (well, learning what my weaknesses are with this capable boat) and I'm liking its potential, especially in today's 10 - 20 mph wind and small white caps. (There was just over a mile of fetch.) When heading into the wind the flared bow section helped ride over more than a few waves and when headed down wind the canoe has a fairly predictable "surfing" action, though you do have to pay attention. For such a fast touring canoe it felt pretty comfortable in today's conditions and I think once I get more familiar with the canoe I'll be OK with taking it out in even rougher water, though fighting the wind takes the fun out of it. : )

I tracked my route with a Garmin GPS today and below is the result. The wind was blowing from the west/southwest so you can see how it affected my progress, with the fastest speeds along the somewhat protected shorelines. (I wasn't trying to go all out but kept a decent pace.) I also slowed down while broadside to the waves and "surfing" because I'm still a bit tentative in this canoe. But I think I can get faster overall speeds once I'm more comfortable in the boat and certainly on a calmer day. This canoe should be able to really cover some water on a trip. I'm hoping to get out for a quick overnight test paddle with this canoe in October.

Chittenden Reservoir 2025-09-28 GPS speed.jpg

GRB Newman Classic 2025-09-28 web.jpg
 
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