Can you use a kayak paddle with a canoe?

I went on 4 hour canoe trip last fall and my paddle broke. The only back up was a kayak paddle (there were a group of us in both types of bots). I was in the front of the canoe, and I really enjoyed using the kayak paddle. I especially likes that I didn’t have to keep rowing on one side and then the other. I own my own canoe, and I am strictly a casual user. Is there any reason why one could not use a kayak paddle in a canoe?

No, if it works for you and you’re comfortable with it, there’s no problem, although I tend to see solo canoeists using kayak paddles from the center of the boat, rather than the bow paddler. But, if it floats your boat, then have fun!

(Just a friendly FYI,… when in a canoe, you never “row” you paddle! Rowers sit with their backs to the bow of the boat, paddlers face forward.)

Kayaking at Broken Group Islands

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