Canoe packing with Paul Mason...

Codger_64

Codger_64

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Using a bit of hyperbole, Paul Mason made a quick video for Canoe and Kayak magazine giving tips for canoe packing for overnight trips. His kit still seems oversized to me, but to each his own.

[video]http://www.canoekayak.com/canoe/virtual-coach-packing-a-canoe-for-an-overnight-trip/#ooid=ZneG1sMjqOFHvvPPg6HST7D8pzW1mjny[/video]

I am still replacing my canoe camping kit and just bought a Seal Line 30L dry bag. Most of my gear will be crossover from backpacking. SO far this year I have only made day trips, but do plan some multi-day trips this fall.
 
You need to know who Paul Mason is, to understand and appreciate his packing habits. Suffice to say his dad was known to many as the "father of traditional canoeing" in Canada(if not the world). His daughter Becky is the more active and visible of Bill's two children, but Paul aptly carries on his father's legacy as an extremely capable and knowledgeable wilderness traveler.

About Bill, and his family:
http://www.redcanoes.ca/bill/
 
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Here is another one with Paul Mason and his 14 year-old daughter, Willa. Tandem canoeing basics.

[video=youtube;_N5fpusab4A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N5fpusab4A&NR=1[/video]

Having essentially grown up (and old) canoing, I tend to forget exactly why I do what I do as it has become second nature to do things in a way which works. The tips Paul and his daughter show in this short film are quite basic, but don't really come instinctually to new canoinsts who have had no instruction. I really noticed these common mistakes this summer among the novices renting canoes from the livery that I use for shuttle. Without fail, they are amazed and/or confounded by how effortlessly I do what they wish they could do such as... launch without dumping... travel in a straight line... expend less energy while gaining speed... negotiate obsticles with minimum effort. I do sometimes take time to instruct them, but often keep my mouth shut and just let them learn.

Here is another video showing a common method for cartopping a canoe for transport.

[video=youtube;4rkOllbcYxM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rkOllbcYxM[/video]

Andrew Westwood discusses and illustrates sitting vs. kneeling paddling positions. I normally sit unless I need a lower center of gravity and more power for a challenging swift water maneuver.

[video=youtube;5lyRGXJsaGA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lyRGXJsaGA&feature=related[/video]
 
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