Kayak paddle for canoe

Advice
#1

Howdy,



I have a OT Disco 119K that I take out to local lakes/resevoirs in NEPA…I have had it about a year now, and have taken it on lots of outings…working on my strokes, and enjoying the water.



I am curious about using a double blade while out in it…specifically for longer days on the water (or on days where the wind is stronger). Is a longer “solo” double blade (BB 260-280) really necessary? Or could I get by with a kayak paddle that is say, 220 to 240? I am not a big guy…5’3". Thanks for any advice.

#2

Length
A 240cm double paddle should be long enough for a solo canoe. I find those super long 260 and 280 paddles unnecessary, even on a canoe with 28" gunwale width.

#3

my experience
I use a 250cm dubble in my solos when I run out of steam or my shoulders are bothering me. I think length would vary with boat width and weather it has tumble home or not. I prefer this length to shorter ones even though it was special order.

Turtle

#4

paddle length
I’m a short-waisted 5’ 5" (so probably the same height as you in seated position) and have regularly paddled a Mad River Adventure 16 in the bow position with a 230 cm Werner Skagit paddle, while my 5’ 8" partner used the same paddle in a 240 cm in the stern. The MRA16 is only 1/4" wider and an inch deeper than your OTD119. You would probably be fine with a 240 cm but if you could try a 230 cm that might work too, depending on your waterline.

#5

Back when I used a double-blade, …
… I used a 230. I’m fairly tall and I had to use a rather vertical stroke with that paddle. That’s good in terms of efficiency, but most double-blade canoe paddlers seem to prefer a lower angle stroke. Of course, that makes the boat waddle.

#6

In my Sawyer Summersong
I use one of my wing paddles set at 220 cm. I’m 6’ and 190 lbs.

#7

narrower boat

– Last Updated: Apr-30-14 4:34 PM EST –

Summersong is 4 1/2" narrower and 1 1/2" more shallow (probably higher waterline with heavier paddler, too). I think 220 would be a knuckle banger for one of us shorter folks in a Disco.

I agree, with a 230 it needs a higher angle stroke.

#8

Thanks
for all the help.