That's Karen Knight, I've trained under her. Toot, toot. It wasn't fun.

Anyway ..... I keep wanting to post to this forum about how much learning to use the single blade paddle has improved my double blade life. I got into canoes mostly because several people ragged me into it, but also because I always wanted to learn more about 'em, and also because I don't like kayaking in cold weather any more and canoes keep me dry in winter. "Half the paddle, twice the paddler" is the old saw that really tipped the scales for me, it was like waving a red cape at snorting bull.

Getting a meaningful handle on the single blade helps my sea kayak life in too many ways list right now, but the main thing that sticks out in my mind is when you need to favor one side to keep the bow on course, when it wants to be swayed by wind or waves. It's hard to explain how and why paddling a canoe made this so much easier, so I guess I won't try.

I'll just say it really paid off to give in to my friends who badgered me for so long about trying canoes. I'm a true believer now ......... and still as much an avid sea kayaker as ever.