Never used a Mohawk but I have read good things.." good for the money" essentially

And  FYI I was at Swift in Gravenhurst on Fri. they have 20% off their Werner paddles.

I currently have a Bending Branches 280 cm Solo Canoe paddle. Which is a little heavy hence the looking and is maybe a little long for my solo boat but not much .. works very well in the stern from my tandem when needed too.

In a solo boat I personally wouldn't use anything shorter than 250- 260. I just don't get wet with my current blade which I know is many peoples main complaint with double blades. 

I have used as short as a 230cm which I felt was way too short.

There are definately many different opinions on the right size so I would try some out first. 

If I were buying a new one right now and trying to keep the cost at least reasonable while still getting a quality blade I would likely get a Foxworx K3 around 260-270 cms.

So is a double bladed canoe paddle the same as a kayak paddle.  Except maybe a little longer?

Yes Russ same thing. Usually just longer but as Shawn posts some prefer shorter. Go with whatever works I say!

I did a lot of reading before I bought and essentially this page I would say now sums up my opinion on it.

http://www.foxworxpaddle.com/using_double_blade_in_a_canoe.html

Tripper yes bought this year been on about 6 or so trips with it so far. Initially bought to use in the stern or middle seat solo in my mattawa but  I also picked up a used pack boat this year and have been using it with it as well.

Perfect size for the tandem boat. Maybe a little long for the pack. I will likely pick up a 260 or so lighter paddle for the pack. No emergency though my current one works just fine.

Like I said 2 biggest complaints I read about from people who don't like them were, they get really wet and they keep knocking the gunwales with it so not fun to use. Both of which say the paddle is too short. I'm bone dry at the end of a paddle.

Shawn yes in tight quarters it can be a struggle but I doubt a paddle 4-6 inches shorter on either side would solve that. That is going to be a problem with a double blade period I suspect. If it's really tight I just quickly snap it apart and use as a single blade.  Have also thought about bringing my daughter's 50 inch paddle to use in those situations.

Last edited by ShawnD (9/24/2015 6:36 am)

There is paddling technique that is often ignored. People that get wet or bang the gunwales usually bring the paddle way too far back and hence travel in a series of mini yaws.  Longer paddles just make that tendency worse.  You can avoid that by paddling well cab forward.. ending the stroke before your hips.
Using torso rotation with almost straight arms and using a push on one side while pulling on the other side.

if you  like a high angle stroke or static draws and pries yep wetness is a fact.  A spray cover helps.

For my solo canoe, I picked up a 260cm Werner Kalliste two piece carbon paddle. It was a custom order, but I got it on sale. Had I had the option of going longer, I probably would have. It was definitely worth the extra cost. With a canoe, you sit quite a bit higher and have quite a bit more width to cover than a kayak, and this requires a longer paddle. With a shorter paddle, you have a higher angle of attack which is less comfortable for longer distances, and tends to result in more water dripping into the boat, especially when there's a wind. I tried some longer fiberglass paddles (Slice Glass Solo in 260 and 280cm which is marketed for solo canoes), and noticed two problems. First, there was quite a bit of flex in the shaft (the paddle almost vibrated), and second the paddle was unbalanced (the weight seemed concentrated on the blades). The carbon paddle is very light, quite rigid, and feels very balanced. Your best bet is to find a place where you can try a few out. I was able to demo a shorter, broken Kalliste and I was instantly sold.

Regards,
Dave
 

Speaking about double blades..

Wonder if any one has ever tried using a paddle clip on a canoe?

To hold the padldle while fishing etc.. if it would hold it in place on a portage?

Something like these? Made for kayaks but wonder how they would work on a pack canoe?




 

Those look good as a tie down for portaging but it was more about a place to  quickly secure out of the way when on the water. If I need both my hands free bringing in a massive trout. 

Last edited by ShawnD (10/05/2015 12:07 pm)

The Mohawk paddle that I initially inquired about does offer extensions as an accessory. I don't know if they are usable with other brands or not.

http://www.mohawkpaddle.com/12_Inch_24_Inch_Extension_details.aspx