Page 82 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

CANOEING

BUTT END
Whittle

Me This

Contentious backcountry spare paddle
guideline divides canoeist community
by kevin callan

RECENTLY, A NEWBIE CANOEIST asked a simple
question on a social media page dedicated to back-
country travel. “Do I need to bring a spare paddle?”
At least, I thought it was a simple question.
“It’s the law to equip your vessel with a spare manual
propelling device,” I replied.
Whomp whomp. I was wrong.
My error created a stir.
As it turns out, a majority of canoeists commented
they always carry a spare paddle. Whether it was
the law or not, it’s just good sense, they said. A few
renegades replied they never have and never will.
One proclaimed he was a certified canoe instruc-
tor—therefore, I guess, he had to be right.
The anti-spare paddle defenses were varied. Some TWO PADDLES IS TOO MUCH OF A GOOD
stated you must be a poor paddler to break the only THING. OR IS IT? YOU HAVE 376 MILES TO
paddle you had—or just unlucky, I thought. Others MAKE YOUR ARGUMENT. TIME STARTS... NOW.
PHOTO: TAYLOR BURK
claimed a spare is smart when trekking in the far
north but not needed on wilderness trips closer to
home. I tried to imagine anyone using this same bring a spare on far north trips—I’ve also heard of And those canoeists always brought a spare paddle
argument to rationalize leaving behind a spare tire paddles swiped totally by accident on busy portages. too.
on a drive of only a few hours. I’ll tell you this, too: every paddler I know who has Whether you place a plastic whitewater blade be-
Many paddlers seemed to have the misguided broken or lost a paddle on a canoe trip opted to bring tween your packs, tuck an ottertail behind your seat,
notion they could easily fix a broken paddle with a spare on future trips. or strap a carbon fiber bent shaft under the gunwales
a couple of inches of duct tape or make a paddle The bottom line is that even if you’re Red Green, with a bungee, a spare paddle is less than a pound and
from forest materials. So, I know those commenters fashioning a floppy repair is a hassle, and it’s never guarantees you can continue on your trip if you snap
haven’t tried. One guy even bragged about creating as good. a shaft, split a blade or twist off a t-grip.
a makeshift paddle from a plastic kitchen cutting Why did I think bringing a spare paddle was a Nope, it’s not illegal to paddle without a spare. But
board and a marshmallow stick. Just imagine how regulation in the first place? The seasoned canoeists you know what they say. You never want to be up the
this triumph performed. I learned from always packed a PFD, whistle, throw creek without a…
Bringing a spare paddle isn’t just a safety measure; line, bailer and waterproof flashlight. Back then,
it’s practical. I might opt for a featherweight blade for law enforcement didn’t fine you if those safety items Kevin Callan is the author of 18 paddling books and
lakes, but I pull out my burlier spare for swifts and weren’t in the canoe the way they do now, but canoe- guides, including the bestselling Happy Camper series.
navigating rocky shallows. And for folks who only ists brought ‘em anyway because it’s common sense.

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