I have a solo canoe that I have paddled a couple times a year.  I can get around, but I am no expert.  I have always used a J stroke and paddled on one side for a while, then switched to the other side.  Last Fall I got into some heavy head winds and started paddling 4 straight strokes per side and seemed to really make better progress.  I was able to keep up with the tandem I was traveling with.  I am wondering if I should ditch the J stroke in favor of the alternating straight power stroke.  I am just wondering how you all paddle your solos.    I am also curious about using a double bladed paddle with my solo.    Thanks