Solo canoe layout with a dog

This is how I have my canoe setup when I'm on the water and have my dog Maddy (aka The Goose!) along for the trip.
Not only do dogs make for wonderful traveling companions, they also put some weight where you need it when solo tripping.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• algonquin
• camp
• camping
• canoe
• solo
• food
• howto
• interior
• outdoors
• pack
• paddle
• paddling
• park
• portage
• provincial
• rain
• trip
• tripping
• day
• weekend
• bushcraft
• survival
• hike
• hiking
• plan
• dog

[leolibrizzi]

Maddy is one lucky dog. What a life she's having. Does she get excited when she sees you packing up your gear?

[MaddyTheGoose]

@leolibrizzi She does, especially when she see's me putting the boat on the car. She knows her life is about to change, for at least a few days anyhow.

[floppysfollies]

I use a kayak paddle when I paddle my canoe,is there a reason why you dont?I keep a single blade on hand for the person up front if there is one and for tight navigation.Sitting in the bow end makes good sense but the cross support would hurt your legs.I usually use my seats and have the boat so full of gear that the back is fine.Great vid...

[MaddyTheGoose]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying the vids.

I've tried the kayak paddle with the canoe, but to be honest it wasn't the proper length. Though I have done sea kayaking and whitewater as well. In the end, it's actually the paddle itself that's one of the main draws for me to the canoe. I like the different strokes, styles and techniques and that it takes a bit of finess.

The double bladed paddles certainly are efficient and if I was going for pure efficiency I'd be using a different paddle and boat.

[rainman1344]

Wat if  maddy has to pee

[MaddyTheGoose]

Most dogs are able to give you that "hey, this is serious and I have to pee" look. Maddy will also get restless and pace. If at any point I want to see where her pee-meter is at I can just ask her "Maddy, do you have to pee?". If she doesn't she'll just look at me, but if she does she'll get all excited. Then I pull over on shore and let her have a romp.

[guitaradrian07]

what luck, I've been searching for hrs trying to find if I would be doing the right thing by paddling the canoe back to front if going solo. I'm refurbing a fiber glass canoe and I'd like to move the seats and improve the yoke positions. Thanks very much mate.

[postcardsfromheaven]

looks like a relaxing trip thats what i love about canoeing .

[flyefysch]

Love your videos. They're a great escape and very well done, and I imagine a great way for you to relive your trips. Looking forward to your future posts.

[NSTrainFan]

Im enjoying your videos. I don't canoe, but im getting into this whole backpacking stuff. Your dog is awesome by the way.

[PamOrl]

Glad you're back! I've been through all of your vids...I love all the tips you give throughout. Great stuff. Looking forward to more!

[Ccoach55]

thank you. . there are not enough videos about outfitting your canoe on here!