Tagging the W as a canoe would be as technically correct as labeling it a kayak or a catamaran… It’s all of these and it’s neither, or shall we say that it’s basically a new watercraft with some canoe, kayak, and catamaran ‘genes’…
I’ve already written posts about canoing the W, and here are some new pictures:
The canoe paddle made from half a 9′ Mohawk double blade paddle outfitted with a T grip accessory is longer than most canoe paddles are, but it’s still a bit short for paddling standing in full comfort – if you’re tallish. We hope to be able to offer an extension for it soon.
And this is how you make a sharp turn – leftward in this case:
Leaning into the turn:
The left hull carries most of the W canoeist’s weight, and therefore it sinks deeper than the right hull, which carries little weight.
Being more submerged the left hull generates more drag than the right one, and thus it acts both as a rudder and a ‘pivot’ enabling sharp turns – that is relatively to this boat, which as a catamaran is a natural tracker. -The paddler paddles on the right side.
What about 7 foot standup paddling paddles?
Greg T
Greg,
We will start offering single-piece, 85″ (7′ 1″) long, single-blade paddles soon.
Their design will be the same as the Mohawk seen here, except the length.
You’ll be able to choose between a T-grip handle or a Pear-grip one, according to your preference.
Yoav
Thanks for your quick response.
How much will you be offering this paddle for?
Greg
Less than $100, plus S&H
Yoav
You got me a bit confused – Why would anyone buy a 7 foot canoe paddle? It would be impossible to paddle with it the regular way, that is sitting, kneeling, riding etc…
Gator Tim
The single-piece 7 ft , single blade paddle is for SUP – standup paddling on a surfboard. It’s a form of surfing that’s becoming popular in recent years.
For those who’d like a regular size canoe paddle (as seen in the pictures here) we will keep offering our 2 piece 9 ft long double-blade Mohawk canoe paddle, with T-grip handles.
We will also have 12″ long and 24″ long extensions for it.
Yoav
So you’ll offer the canoe paddle with two extensions: One would be the handle and the other a simple extension tube?
That doesn’t sound very sturdy.
Tim
You’re right – a single piece paddle is stronger than a similar two-piece paddle.
The multi-piece, single blade 7′ paddle will be good for light-duty paddling.
The single-piece, single blade 7′ paddle will be stronger but less versatile.
In any case, our Wavewalk PSP (one piece, double blade – “kayak”) 9′ paddle works well for both standup and lower positions, and it is extremely strong and reliable – even for poling in shallow water.
Yoav