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Then I get home and weigh myself before a welcome shower and to my amazement, I've normally always gained like 5 pounds or so. Go figure?

Not ALL weight is the same. I know from years working out that people who are new to strenuous exercise ( compared to their normal day) are often surprised they gain weight on their scale.  :-? :o

I used to tell them how do your clothes fit now?
They would tell me their jeans are looser.

  You're building LEAN muscle paddling/portaging.
  Muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less space.
  That's why you can gain weight but lose inches.

  Of course, it also depends on how much excess body fat you start with.

Going in early May, I'm still carrying winter fat, so for me I always lose weight.