I began my paddling career as a single bladed dragonboat paddler. I now paddle all manner of kayaks from recreational to ICF. I also paddle all manner of canoes from outriggers to marathon C1 to 3x27s. I own both canoes and kayaks, I race both canoes and kayaks, and I’ve built and repaired canoes and kayaks.
I competed in 21 races in 2010 and the breakdown is as follows:
ICF K1 = 10
3x27 C2 = 4
4x32 C2 = 2
ICF K2 = 3
J180 C1 = 2
Two of my three big races this year (The three being The General Clinton 70-Miler, The AuSable River Canoe Marathon, and the 90-Mile Adirondack Canoe Classic) were done in canoes.
I own 17 boats. Excessive? Maybe. But I use them all. Yes I do. From the little plastic recreational boats all the way through to a high end customized ICF K-2 and a Crozier built V1-Pro, I paddle them all. I own two outrigger canoes.
I’ve been asked if I have a preference for canoe or kayak. Yes I do. For example, when I paddle big ocean water with crashing waves the size of my van, you will find me in an outrigger canoe. When I paddle glorious mirror glass flat water and want to go really fast, you’ll likely find me in an ICF K-1. When I want to embarrass myself by showing everyone that I always forget there are no tiller bars in canoes, I paddle a C1 in the wind. And when I want to experience the camaraderie and teamwork that only a tandem boat can bring, you’ll find me in a C2, K2, OC2, or even an OC4 or OC6.
It’s all paddling. It’s all fun. It’s all me. I am not “anti” or “pro” anything. I am a paddler. I don’t take sides on the canoe versus kayak issue. I just love to paddle.