Single Or Double-Paddle?

[Benny]

I can't imagine paddling a canoe with a single blade oar, even though it is done all the time. I learned with a double-blade oar, and I feel so awkward using anything else.

[switchback]

Originally Posted by Benny

I can't imagine paddling a canoe with a single blade oar, even though it is done all the time. I learned with a double-blade oar, and I feel so awkward using anything else.

You PADDLE a canoe or kayak. You row a boat or raft with oars. There is no such thing as a double bladed oar. With that being said, most folks traditionally use a single blade paddle when they paddle a canoe, and a double blade paddle for a kayak.

[wvbreamfisherman]

Yeah- the double bladed paddle is easier to use in a kayak since you sit closer to the water. I know a lot of folks that do use the double ended paddle in a canoe, but they generally use a longer one than for a kayak. I also know a guy that like to row his canoe, his is equipped with oarlocks.

I like my simple canoe paddle, but different strokes for different folks.

[Lorax]

Depends on the canoe I use at the time.
I have an Old Town Pack that is better suited for a long kayak paddle and recently, I'm taking a ten day trip in my Blackhawk Zephyr, where I have taken out the seat, made a lower seat and will use a long kayak paddle for multi day tripping and all day paddling. Any other time, I use a paddle with a gentle J-stroke.

You do see more and more people using the "double bladed canoe paddles" out on trips, especially in the solo canoes.

[Newanderthal]

If I had a Pack (totally need one of those Lorax) I'd use a double.

If you have two people in the canoe, you don't have much choice. A double will sling water on the person in front of you. My girlfriend would allow it for about three strokes, then she'd stab me.