I spied a Northstar Phoenix at my outfitters recently that I suddenly became interested in. I’m more of a SOF Greenland kayak paddler, but I bought a used We-No-Nah Advantage solo touring canoe two years ago, as the price was right, which I’ve been using to fish a local flat river. It tracks like a laser, but it’s long, has just 0.5" of rocker, and has a turning radius like a school bus. It also has a sliding seat, which makes straight-line paddling a dream, but then there’s no room for my feet to kneel, which I’d prefer to do. There’s nothing really to brace off of when sitting, and so edging is pretty sketchy.
I’m considering selling it and buying a Northstar Phoenix instead. Since the Advantage has a tumblehome cross-section, I’ve been using a Euro-blade kayak paddle with it, but would want to get a canoe paddle if I bought the Phoenix to go all in. I’m not sure what to get there, either… something bent shaft perhaps. I’m curious if anyone has paddled the Phoenix or others in the Northstar lineup and has anything to say about them, or could recommend something similar that tracks well enough, but can also be edged and turned on a dime. I have a 35# cunucu dog that I may want to take along sometimes as well.
My usual Greenland kayaks (aka; rolling machines).
I bought a Phoenix late last Fall just before the ponds and rivers froze over so I’ve only paddled it on the little test pond at the outfitter. It felt like exactly what I was looking for - a solo canoe that both tracks and turns reasonably well. The rivers I run tend to have enough current that turning well is a requirement but occasional flat sections where I value some level of tracking. I think the Phoenix will fit the bill but won’t know for sure for another week or so when I can finally get it out on a river.
I’m a long time avid sea kayaker that became interested in canoeing a few years ago. Me and a gentleman struck up a conversation as I was loading my kayak at a local lake. I ended up buying a beautiful strip built 15’ solo canoe from him. I have to tell you, it is the single blade canoe paddle that hooked me instantly. I find it such a pleasure to use on many levels. My canoe is quite maneuverable, and I enjoy it. I’ve been on the lookout for something like an Advantage, or a Magic. When I read the Eugene Jenson quote “You can make a straight tracking canoe turn, but you can’t make a slow canoe fast”, I’m one you’ll see nodding his head in agreement. Working to turn has never frustrated me for some reason, and I’m fully aware that it does others. I’m in the same camp with sea kayaks. I’ll give efficiency the nod over appearing more accomplished at maneuvering. So I’ve kind of found myself at the other side of the spectrum. I wish I had something to offer regarding the Phoenix. I just want to encourage you to take up the single blade, with your Advantage too. I’d love to hear about your experience with a canoe paddle in both!
Phoenix is a great choice for someone paddling primarily rivers with some moving water, with enough rocker and a short enough length to be maneuverable in those situations. If you’ll be primarily on lakes, you might want to look at the Northwind Solo instead, which will give you a little more efficiency on flat water and more capacity for tripping.
Haven’t yet made a skin on frame kayak. Thought I would have by now. However, I have a boatbuilding friend that wants to do so. We are making plans to start on one each sometime this year.
I owned an Advantage in tuff weaver for several years. I liked it well enough. It was fast and I could stay up with kayaks easily enough. When going fast it would resist turning more than my sea kayaks. I use single blade paddles canoeing, both bent and straight. At one time they were a competitive racing design. I sold it to help finance my sailing.
I don’t have experience with the Phoenix, but from the stats it looks more versatile. I personally would enjoy paddling one. I currently own an old Curtis Solo Tripper (15’ 8"), a Mohawk 14, and an MRC Explorer 16 tandem. I still have access to an old Mohawk 16 Blazer tandem, and an MRC Guide. I mostly paddle the Tripper when paddling solo, but I also like to kneel behind the thwart of the Explorer when paddling it solo.
I’ve not paddled a Phoenix but from “skuttlebut” I’ve heard from other paddlers, its the Northstar version of the old Bell Wildfire, which I have a fair amount of seat time in. The Wildfire is a very very fine solo canoe, a David Yost design. The specks are similar - the Phoenix being 14.5 ft long as compared to the Wildfire’s 14 ft. Both have a max beam of 30" and both have 2.5" rocker at both the bow and stern. As I understand it, the tumblehome in the Northstar is a little different from the Wildfire and I’ve heard it suggested that it was changed to make it easier to remove from the mold.
Going by the numbers, it should handle a lot like the Wildfire. That is high praise. Personally I’d be skeptical about putting either through cl III rapids, but the Wildfire will take cl II just fine if paddled competently: Cl II+ if paddled well and with a bit of sponge work afterwards.
Neither would be my first choice for big windy lakes or with a large load as might be more desirable for long BWCA trips and such, but would be just fine for several day long river trips and most moderately sized lakes in moderate winds. I know folks who take their dogs in a Wildfire without difficulty.
I’ve always knelt to paddle a Wildfire, but don’t doubt that it could be paddled seated as well, though perhaps seated paddling would be improved by lowering the seat a bit.
If you can, take the Phoenix out for a test paddle. If, as I strongly expect, the Phoenix is like the Wildfire turning will be further improved by healing a bit.
