bellaroma I'm glad you mentioned paddling from back yard. I have the option of paddling from my yard, too, but I just haven't had the good sense to stick with that. My littlest boat sits about 10 ft from the water (640 acre lake with lots of wildlife) and it is my most comfortable boat---a little Perception Swifty, 9.5 ft, that I've had for 12 years. I always enjoy getting out on "my" lake in my little boat by myself with my camera, and I don't do it all that often.
I'm afraid I may have to sell my pack canoe (a solo canoe with cane seat on the bottom and foot braces, paddled with double blade paddle) as the foot braces require me to "toe out" more than is comfortable and puts a strain on my hips and back. It is my favorite boat. Now I'm wondering if a Placid Boatworks Spitfire would be more comfortable and I'm going to try my friend's Spitfire soon. It only weights 20 lbs
but it would cost almost $3,000. Maybe I could call it a medical expense, LOL.
Your SOT will serve you well---I do fine in the Phoenix. I can actually stretch out on it if I need to, but there is no substitute for standing up and walking around. I like the Phoenix a lot, and it only weighs 40 lbs. I just really love solo canoes more than kayaks.
If you get down to Florida on vacation sometime, I'd love to take you to some of my favorite places, most of which are within 30-45 minutes of home.
United States
