The Freedom of the Solo Canoe

When I first learned to paddle, the 17-foot tandem aluminum canoe was the standard. These canoes could withstand hard use and outdoor storage and we have several in our Great Blue Heron rental fleet. When new lightweight materials such as Kevlar/aramid and Royalex (now T-formex) became available in the 1970’s, many new canoe designs hit the market including specialized solo canoes for touring and whitewater.

In a tandem canoe, each paddler has a different role. Generally the bow paddler provides propulsion and identifies the course ahead while the stern paddler steers the canoe with a variety of paddle strokes. This division of duties is due to the distance of each paddler from the pivot point... the turning axis of a canoe. It’s usually but not always at the center. The stern paddler is further from the pivot point and has greater leverage to maneuver the canoe. Tandem canoes are efficient at covering distances, can transport more gear, and handle wind and waves effectively.

In solo paddling the functions of the bow and stern paddler are combined. The stroke in front of the hip provides propulsion while the blade behind the paddler provides steerage. Feedback from the paddle and canoe is immediate. In moving water and especially whitewater, all parts of the paddle stroke may involve propulsion and steerage.

Solo canoes are generally lighter and easier to maneuver. You can use either a single or double blade paddle depending on the canoe width and personal preference. The single blade is useful in tight spaces while the double blade is good to have when dealing with a tough headwind. Many experienced canoeists carry both.

For many years, my wife and I exclusively paddled a tandem canoe. Going solo meant we were free to determine the direction of the canoe and how to get there. It didn’t take both of us to go paddling. We could try new techniques and get immediate feedback. We gained confidence to make the canoe go where we wanted. Solo made paddling more enjoyable for us.

At Great Blue Heron Outdoors, we sometimes get asked about the difference between canoes and kayaks. We believe there are many areas where canoes excel. Solo canoes are considerably lighter, easier to load and to get in and out of. As a kayak alternative, we offer pack canoes where the seat is on the bottom and a double blade paddle is used. They paddle much like a kayak but have all the advantages of a solo canoe.