If you try it, you'll find that a double blade paddle is much more efficient for all but a very few solo padddlers. Simply put, your blade is in the water almost twice as much and each stroke is a correction/stearing stroke without having to J stroke/rudder a single blade. They really shine in the wind when solo canoeing can be most frustrating. Paddle length is generally a function of your height, seat height and boat width at your seat. That said, a 240cm paddle is about the smallest I would go for your use and a 250 or 260 cm may be better. If you just want to try it, you can buy a Cheap 8' ( about 245cm) aluminum an dplastic double blade for $30 at sports authority that works.
Drips of water in the boat will happen since your swinging your blade over the cockpit. It can be lessened by lowering your stroke to allow the water to drain off your high blade before it gets over the hull.
Drip rings and neoprene paddle cuffs help too. A towel or sponge on the deck is a good idea too,
All in all it's the way to go when fishing IMHO.
Posted Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:46 pm