This question came from a paddling friend in Germany:
Is there is any good reason to paddle a touring Canoe with a double Paddle? In many Canoeing groups it is an absolute no no, going forward with a double paddle, even though some people discover that it is perfect on big Lakes, against the stream, family paddling etc.
Kent’s reply: To your question, in the US and Canada there are also purists who say a canoe must have a canoe paddle only. I used to say that.
But now I recognize that the experience of the river/water/lake is the most important thing, and how one travels there is a personal choice. And a kayak paddle is more efficient in wind and long distances.
Imagine if the ski areas had always said “skis only, no snowboards”. Or Nordic had said classic only, no skating. This would have been good for the pure skiers like me, but bad for the industry and snow-sport as a whole in the long run. Now I skate ski and love it.
At the same time, I hope the elegance of the canoe paddle, on one side of the boat, is never lost.