Paddles
The best material for paddles is good selected spruce, and while this material is not so heavy nor will stand hard knocks so well as maple or birch, its lightness makes it the choice of many paddlers. For rough work the maple paddle may be chosen, and while heavier than spruce, it possesses greater elasticity, and this spring offsets to a great extent the larger weight of material. Cedar, ash, and pine make excellent paddles, and the Indians often fashion them from these woods.
In selecting a single-blade paddle, it is well to remember that the length will depend on the paddler’s height, for it is self-evident that a tall man will require a longer paddle than a short person can conveniently swing. Hence the usual rule is to pick out a paddle as long as the paddler is tall, and is a sensible one to follow, although there are exceptions. Personal preferences differ, and, also, a longer paddle will be required when paddling from seats than when a kneeling position is adopted. For general use, the stern paddle of 5¹⁄₂-ft. length will be long enough, while the bow paddle of 5 ft. will probably suit the average man. Ladies, boys, and girls will need shorter lengths.
The shape of the paddle blades varies somewhat, and while some prefer a broad blade and others a narrow one, it is well to pick out one of medium size. Large blades are tiresome for long trips, while the narrow blade balances best in the hand, but affords less resistance in the water. When picking out a spruce paddle, see that there is plenty of wood at the juncture of the blade and shaft, for it is at this point most paddles break. Spruce being a comparatively soft wood, it will fur badly, and the blades should be fitted with copper tips to prevent splitting. Maple paddles do not need this protection, but most builders err in making them too thick and heavy. Pick out the lightest and thinnest maple paddle that can be found, one that is fashioned of straight-grained wood, and test it for elasticity before making the purchase. A couple of coats of spar varnish will keep the paddles in good shape, but as a varnished surface is hard on the hands, most veteran canoeists varnish the blades and finish the shafts with oil. An extra paddle will, of course, be carried on all long trips.
Canoe Yoke Equipped with Adjustable Shoulder Pads, and the Pneumatic Carrier That Serves Two Purposes
The single-blade paddle is quite universally used, but the double-blade gives more spread for the lone paddler. Although the double-blade was designed for the “Rob Roy” type of canoe—a one-man craft, decked both fore and aft, the paddler sitting in a cockpit in the center—it is sometimes used for propelling the open Canadian canoe, and when the canoeist travels alone, the double-blade is a good choice, especially on open waters where much wind and high seas are likely to be encountered. Spruce is the best material for double paddles, and 10 ft. is the best length. As all double-bladed paddles are provided with a ferrule, or friction joint, in the center, they may be unjointed and each used as a pair of single paddles. In case the open end of the metal ferrule is objectionable, a wood plug may be fitted to provide a palm grip, similar to the grip of the single paddle.
Portages for Carrying the Canoe
When the weight of the canoe does not exceed 65 lb., it is easily carried by placing the paddle blades over the center thwart, the ends under the next after thwart and lashing them securely in place; then placing a sweater or coat over the shoulder to form a pad on which to rest the paddles to carry the canoe in an inverted position. However, when long portages must be undertaken the “neck yoke,” or the pneumatic canoe yoke, may be used. The neck yoke is fashioned from a block of pine, or other soft wood, to fit the curve of the shoulders, and the ends fit in the grooves made in the gunwales; or small pieces of wood may be screwed to the under side of the gunwale to serve the same purpose. The pneumatic cushion, which fits around the neck and is provided with straps to secure the paddles in position, is well-liked by some canoeists, but the wood neck yoke fits so well that it is hard to find a good substitute. A large and heavy craft can be easily carried by two men by turning the craft bottom side up and resting the weight on the back and shoulders. If the man at the stern lets the gunwale rest on his shoulders and his companion lower the front thwart to rest against his neck and shoulders, both may carry a light pack of duffle and will have a clear view of the trail ahead.