What is it like compared to paddling a traditional canoe?
Well, let’s start with the similarities first. So, you are still in a traditional kneeling position, using a paddle with one blade, a T-grip, and blending strokes with the need to be able to paddle switch or/and cross-deck being an essential skill. The boat does have airbags filling as much spare space as possible but even then, it is still an open boat and will take on water through large features on the river and will need to be emptied every now and then, depending on how dry you keep those lines.
Differences you will find are the saddle you are kneeling on instead of the more common kneeling thwart forces you to kneel in a neutral position rather than facing slightly more to one side or the other. This is so that whichever side you paddle on you are free to switch to the other and still have an equal amount of rotational freedom when paddling.
This also encourages more paddle strokes to happen at the bow of the boat instead of the stern as the OC1 relies more on effective driving strokes instead of the more traditional power pry which can take some getting used to for some canoers. The saddle fitting or sometimes quick release straps people use to hold themselves in place with the OC1 combined with big airbags and being much shorter (around8-10 ft usually) enable the ability to roll these boats much easier than a traditional boat. Very useful when running longer rapids or somewhere a swim would not be pleasant.
However, despite being easier to roll than a 16ft open canoe don’t be fooled into thinking they are easy to learn to roll. This skill takes time, practice, and a good range of body movements to really dial in.
Check out some of our OC1 gallery images to see what boats we use and also other boats that are available out there and what these boats can really do!
