What boat would fishing and hunting guide Ryan Lilly recommend for solo canoe camping? A tandem canoe.
Lilly − who goes by the unofficial title of Old Town Watercraft “brand evangelist” − prefers a roomier canoe for overnight paddling trips.
“I would recommend a tandem canoe like the Discovery 158, 168, or the Penobscot 164,” Lilly said in a recent interview. “They track better. You get a lot more bang for your buck as far as paddle strokes, and you have a lot more room for gear.”
He likes a solo boat for casual paddling.
“For light day trips, I recommend a solo canoe,” Lilly said. “With our lineup, we’ve got the Discovery 119 solo or the Sportsman solo. They’re lightweight and easy to maneuver on and off the water. I use mine quite a bit for duck hunting. It’s a good boat to just throw and go.”
Of course, there are other makes and models of canoes out there and Lilly acknowledges that. But he’s a believer in Old Town boats.
Regardless of which brand you choose, there are special considerations when paddling solo − for a more pleasurable experience and living to tell about it. Lilly offered some expert advice on solo canoeing from choosing the right boat and equipment, to preparedness and how to handle a solo boat on the water and on the portage trail.
Try kayak seats for more stability
Seating is a major consideration. Traditional canoe seats are OK for casual paddling, Lilly said, but kayak seats can be a better choice because they’re mounted about eight inches closer to the floor and make the boat more stable on the water.
When paddling tandem canoes solo, he suggests turning the boat around and sitting backwards in the bow seat. That centers the paddler better and allows more space for packing gear toward the front of the boat for better tracking. Ideally, a canoe should be “trimmed” so the front of the boat sits slightly down in the water for better tracking and so the wind doesn’t grab the bow.
Many canoeists are using extra-long kayak paddles to make better time on the water and not have to switch off from side to side. However, canoe paddles can and should be kept handy for maneuvering the boat in tight spots. To that generic advice, Lilly suggested adding something else to your paddling arsenal − push poles.
Poling is a traditional method of propelling canoes. It was commonly used by indigenous people to navigate shallow water. It has attracted it share of modern-day enthusiasts. Poling is done standing up.
“I consider carrying a push pole,” Lilly said. “Sometimes poling (along the shorelines of lakes or on shallow rivers) gives you a good break to stretch your legs and saves your back too. And, when you get to camp, you can use it for a lodge pole for your lean-to shelter.”
Now for the paddles, long distances call for light options
As for paddle materials or design, Lilly believes that’s a matter of preference.
“For a day trip, plastic or wood is just fine,” he said. “But if you’re trying to cut weight because you’re paddling long distances, you’d probably want to look at carbon fiber or fiberglass options. They’re a lot lighter.”
He’s no fan of bent-shaft canoe paddles. His preference for overnight trips might surprise you.
“I do a lot of multi-day trips and I use a traditional beaver-tail style paddle,” Lilly said.
Regardless, all paddlers should carry a spare, he added.
There’s much to be said for the solitude that solo canoeing offers. But it’s all the more important when paddling alone to let others know where you are and when you expect to return.
“Plan your float and float your plan, even if it’s just for an hour or two,” Lilly said. “Plan where you’re going to launch, where your destination is and when you’re going to return and communicate that to loved ones.”
Battery-up, pack extra food and water
He’s a firm believer in using a satellite communications device for that purpose and to notify first responders if you − or other paddlers you might encounter − end up in trouble.
“Make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave and make sure it’s on at all times,” he said. “If it’s not on, search and rescue cannot ping it to get your location.”
Lilly also suggested packing extra food and water, should you become stranded.
He stressed the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times and packing a first aid kit.
It’s also important to get a complete and updated weather forecast before you get on the water.
“Wind is particularly a factor for human-powered watercraft with a partner but it’s even more of a consideration if you’re paddling alone,” Lilly said. “You have to paddle harder and work around the wind and your chances of capsizing or swamping your boat increase.”
He also recommended paddling close the riverbanks or shoreline in windy conditions.
Solo canoeists should also be more cautious when portaging.
“You want to make sure you take your time to avoid overexertion or prevent injury,” Lilly said. “On some portages it’s really easy to roll an ankle or slip and break a leg.”
He recommended investing in a wheeled boat cart for both solo and tandem paddling. The folding carts come in many configurations based on terrain and the weight of the boat you’ll be portaging. When properly placed on the cart and properly loaded, the carts can carry a considerable amount of gear as well. That could save you from having to make an extra trip on portages, Lilly explained.
He also suggested scouting your portages ahead of time, particularly just before a trip.
“Many paddling trails have blogs, Facebook groups or other resources where you can check on conditions — not just water conditions but portage conditions,” he said.
Park offices and natural resource agency sites also provide current information on portages as well as lake and weather conditions.
