Wenonah Argosy Vs Vagabond

[ness]

I grew up Catholic, and went to Catholic schools. All that kneeling ruined my knees.

[Gavin]

Congrats on the new boat...You will get used to the single paddle in time. I used a double blader alot with my old OT Pack because it didnt track well and I didnt have much experience in a solo boat...I still use a double blader occassionally with my Vagabond for going upstream, but I use the single blade the rest of the time. You might want to go a bit longer with your single blader in a solo..I like wood best...its not cold in the winter, and they look a heck of alot nicer. Bending Branches makes some nice paddles, but none with a T handle. I use a Mitchell Open Boat Whitewater Paddle and I like it alot. The dont sell locally, but they will ship one to you. Have fun.

http://www.mitchellpaddles.com/paddles/cww/obww.html

[yakfisher]

OK, I now have a canoe,lets talk about paddles, please. What are the opinions as far as paddle blade shape, handle, etc to take into consideration in making a purchase?

Thank you

[ Bending Branches makes some nice paddles, but none with a T handle. I use a Mitchell Open Boat Whitewater Paddle and I like it alot.

[bobber]

man the choices are endless!! paddling .net has a good list of paddle makers and reviews. be careful most people get one that's too short !! i would suggest you test a few of your buddies out before dropping some major coin on one just to find out it's all wrong...and don't let some slick salesman sell you a LEFT handed one by any means!!~~~~~

[eric1978]

I use a Bending Branches 56" Arrow with my OT 119. Seems about the perfect length to me...I'm just shy of 5'9". It's a palm grip, which some people don't like, but I do.

I got an REI sale thingy in the mail today and they have Bending Branches paddles 25% off from May 21-31. I'm sure they have them online if you're nowhere near a store. Might be a good time to grab one up.

http://www.rei.com/category/4501466

[Gavin]

I tend to like my paddle a bit long when usuing my solo...I'm 5'11 and I like a 60" when using my solo...I have a couple of 56" paddles and they work OK in my Tandem, but I'd probably like a 58" a bit better than the 56" or 60" in my tandem. Sit in a chair and measure the distance from your seat to your nose, add the height of the seat in your canoe and blade length to arrive at a good straight shaft paddle size estimate. Features I like; wood because its not as cold to the touch in the winter time, A T handle grip so I can use the paddle as a hook if need be, a wide blade with a square reinforced tip. Sawyer makes some great paddles as well. Cheers.

[Al Agnew]

I agree with Gavin. Although I use Bending Branches paddles, I'd prefer a paddle with a T grip. But I have a supply of Bending Branches paddles already and can't justify another paddle until I wear them all out. One other thing...I want the reinforcement to run up the sides of the paddle blade as far as possible, as well as the tip. At 5' 8", I find a 58 inch paddle to be about perfect for me.

[yakfisher]

Argosy update. I picked up a Bending Branches 60" paddle and am liking it a lot. Something about a wooden paddle that just seems right. For the comfort aspect, I added a Sit Backer seat and what a difference that feels like it is going to make in the comfort department. I was only out for about an hour on Lake Springfield today but it felt good to be comfortable and not have back pains as is usually the case.

Thanks to all for the input and suggestions!