I completed a race this in year in a CLC 16 with a greenland paddle and averaged over 5 mph (just 4 miles, but I completed 8 miles the week before at the same pace). The CLC 16 is a relatively beamy boat at 23", so you should have no problem. Expect that it will take a little time to get your technique down. The stick gives good feedback if it is well made. You will probably ding up your railing a bit at first, so just be prepared for that.

Choose decent wood for your paddles. I built my first few out of any old lumber I could find, which is fine for getting your technique down, but man what a difference between good and poor wood. Recently I used one of those old paddles and the thing is like an oar compared to my new paddles. I've been converting my wife and had her using it. About half way out, I traded her for my current stick of choice because she couldn't feel the vibrations in her hands with the one I had her trying. I was truly amazed, the experience just was't the same. I'm making her a new one as soon as I can clear up my project list a little. The lesson was, use good quality wood.

Eric M.