Quote:


  Sometimes Ice Out fools you. 
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solotripper wrote on Mar 6^th, 2019 at 1:45pm:

+1
I always feel a slight sense of "dread" when I encounter a large expanse of open water to cross in the early spring, and I really hoof it until I'm back in close proximity to shore.  On every trip, wind is my greatest fear by far.

Recently listened to the WTIP podcast about a couple and their dog that capsized on Nym late fall last year and every time I hear about something like that it causes me to pause and re-think my choice of paddling times.  Typically I'm on the water within a day or three of ice-out.

TomT wrote on Mar 6^th, 2019 at 7:50pm:


I like the idea of a lightweight carbon paddle for a single. But since I use my bulletproof Mohawk double for a walking stick when I'm carrying that 21 day food pack, I don't think a carbon double is in my future anytime soon. 

I'll just have to keep hitting the weights so that Mohawk " 4 x 4" feels like a "sports car".

I’ve settled on a double and a carbon bent shaft for solo trips. I use the single for fishing or creeks/rivers. The double is great on travel days. Someday I’ll get a carbon double. I now use a bending branches “slice” paddle that’s plastic and fiberglass I believe.

TomT wrote on Mar 6^th, 2019 at 3:36pm:


People who are lucky enough to be able to spend all season on the water can do just as well with their single paddle solo as I do with my double.

But for the ones that only get a trip maybe 2 a year and don't paddle the rest of the year, that double IF you can handle it is a blessing.

You see more and more solo paddlers bring them along and even some tandem paddlers.

Not for everybody, nothing is but if you're open-minded it's worth a look. I would buy a cheap one like my Mohawk paddle rather than an expensive one that you end up selling because it's NOT for you.

I agree ST.  I can manage waves much better with a double blade.  I usually get on the water 6-7 times before a trip and paddle for 1 & half - 2 hours working on endurance with the double blade.  Gotta work those specific muscles before you go or day 2 and 3 will be painful.

Quote:


This is when that Double Paddle shines IF you can get comfortable with it?

When I have to cross a large stretch of open water in the Spring, I want to get across as fast as I can.

I stop for a minute and drink a cup of water and eat a handful of trail mix heavy on the dried FRUIT. Dark chocolate would do it too.

I hit the open water at the fastest pace I know I can maintain for say a good 15 minutes. You can cover a lot of water in 15-20 minutes at a good clip.

This is where that muscle endurance paddlers want to have come's in.

Nothing is MORE scary than to be caught in open water, the wind is picking up and you're out of gas.

In early spring I would not be more than 10 minutes from shore if I tipped.  You are not going to be able to right a swamped canoe and you will not be able to pull a canoe to shore even if it is only 50 yards from shore.  I would be very careful in early spring conditions.  The next time you go to Quetico in the early spring go for a swim and see how long it takes to get really really cold.  It will be less than 5 minutes.

When I first started making trips North, all of them were in the early spring.  Hypothermia never occurred to me as a problem.   Now with more solo travel on my horizon I find myself looking at areas with smaller lakes.  But there are not many without having to first travel some much bigger lakes to get to them.

ST, I understand that physical condition and many other variables all play into the decisions, but I cannot roll back the hands of time.  Fitness can also be limited by things completely out of your control.  Then it becomes a game of knowing your own limitations.  Your advice is always sound.

IC, I am already following much of what you suggest.  I have been hugging banks for years and trying to stay aware of where I am and how condition are changing.  But needing to cross open bodies of water is also a fact of life on any trip.   Thank You for your advice as well. 

I just need to quit wringing my hands and whining and find a way to spend more time on the water.

Regards,

MossBack

I hug the shorelines when paddling in early spring and late fall, close enough that a VERY SHORT swim will get me to where I can stand up and get out of the water.  If you can go along a lee shore it is also much easier paddling.  If in heavy wind, being able to see your way out of the situation quickly, if needed, goes a long way to making you relaxed and confident in the waves.  No matter what season, it takes a very long time to paddle or swim a swamped canoe any distance to shore.
Regarding timing:  Mid-June to the end of August water temps are bearable.  Keep in mind that darker lakes and shallow areas, and rivers, are warmer in general and big, deep and windier lakes will be colder even in mid-summer.