Solo paddle for 14 canoe?

I've been going solo in a 14' open canoe for a couple of years now. In high wind or waves, I paddle on knee pads located just behind the center thwart. I still use my old stern paddle from before. In this position, the J-stroke is out, due to my more central location. I end up doing 3 strokes on one side .. then switching sides for 3 .. then back ..... ugh!

I'm wondering if anyone uses a kayak paddle for solo canoeing? Being on one's knees would put one higher off the water .. thus a longer total length than when kayaking? Also, what about the 'drip-back' off the high blade at each stroke?

Any help appreciated.

Have you considered installing a kneeling thwart so you would have a more comfortable seating position? The kneeling thwart will make it more difficult to load packs into the canoe if you are using it as a tandem tripping boat but I think you can get a kneeling thwart that is designed to be removable when you don't need it.

Yes, you will have water dripping in to the boat if you use a double bladed paddle. My solo canoe, a Swift Osprey, has a spray cover that I use in combination with a double bladed paddle to prevent water from dripping into the boat. The spray cover also cuts down on wind resistance A double bladed paddle is more efficient since more of your effort is channeled into propelling the boat forward and less into course correction. I usually prefer to use a single bladded paddle, but if I need to keep up with tandem boats and/or there are waves and wind to contend with, the double bladed paddle is the way to go.

Barry, I carry a double paddles all the time when in my OT Pack or Penobscot 16, for use against the wind, my double paddle has 24' extension, making overall lenght about 300 cms. This helps keeping up with tandems and Kayaks and much easier.

I use single paddle when alone at my own speed, but still have the double with me.

Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember, amateurs built the ark.

Professionals built the Titanic........................Art

Why go through all that trouble, when for $49.50 you can buy a Mohawk standard dobule paddle, and one of their 2 foot extensions and Wa-La, you have a double ended paddle that breaks down, sound a lot easier to me, I carry one all the time, no matter if I single paddle or not. They are great in the wind and if you are in a hurry. The reason for the extension is to keep water out of your canoe. I am looking for a lighter wooden break down double paddle but cannot find one.

Hope this helps you.

Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember, amateurs built the ark.

Professionals built the Titanic........................Art

I know that this thread is old, but I just got a Osprey solo canoe from a friend, made skin on frame. It currently has no seat and thwarts are too far toward the ends to lean against when kneeling. Are people kneeling when using a double paddle, or sitting.

I need some guidance - (sea) kayaked for years, recreation canoe as well, but I'm trying to figure out what I should do for a seat or new thwart in this boat