long GPs and Aleutian w Rapidfire
Posted by: ret603 on Dec-12-12 7:52 AM (EST)
As the ladies say, length matters. I use longer GPs and Aleutian paddles in my Rapidfire, any other canoe I paddle and kayaks. A rebuilt shoulder prevents me from using single blades. I counseled a paddler with a 30" rec. kayak who was going to give up paddling because of shoulder issues. For the last 3 years he has been happily paddling with his extra long GP.
Paddle drip is a issue with GPs and to an lesser extent with the Aleutian paddles. In the Rapidfire I wear waterproof pants in cooler temps and place a sponge in front of the seat. Squeezing out the sponge every 20 minutes eliminates the water in the canoe. On warm days the paddle drip is refreshing.
Dave