There have been times I’ve had to paddle like hell and times that it was easy. I’m not sure what ‘normal’ is. The currents above and below the falls are quite strong and it seems like every year someone gets flushed over one of the falls. Not being a solo paddler, I cannot speak to the differences with tandems. Wish I could give you a one size fits all answer. I would call the Park office before your trip and ask lots of questions.