| If you've developed a genuine passion for canoeing | | | | Birchbark Canoes - It is made from birchbark which |
| solo, maybe it's time to invest on your own solo touring | | | | tends to get heavier when wet. Canoes made from |
| canoe. While there are kits and plans that allow you to | | | | this material also tend to be easily damaged. While |
| build one from scratch, you can also choose to | | | | there are repair kits specifically produced for them, |
| purchase one as this is more convenient and safer to | | | | they still require extensive skills and knowledge to use. |
| use. A solo touring canoe is also known as a tripping | | | | It is also more expensive than other types of canoes. |
| canoe. It is made of light materials and designed to | | | | To end on a good note, using them will make you feel |
| provide passenger comfort and increased cargo | | | | more one with history because canoes made from |
| space. | | | | this material have been in use for a long time already. |
| There are two types that are in use today: | | | | Cedar Strip Canoes - If you want a classically |
| Prospector Canoe - This type of watercraft has a | | | | designed unit, you should purchase one that makes |
| symmetrical hull and an arc that spans from bow to | | | | use of cedar strips. Similar to birchbark canoes, |
| stern. | | | | however, they also get heavier when wet, are more |
| Long Distance Touring Canoe - This type has a | | | | expensive than usual and difficult to repair by yourself. |
| rounded hull and full shapes, both of which make it | | | | Regular maintenance is also required, like sanding and |
| easier for the canoeist to steer and maneuver its boat | | | | varnishing, if you wish for your cedar strip solo touring |
| in strong rapids | | | | canoe to keep its original beauty. |
| Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Solo | | | | Kevlar - Epoxy Canoes - Although extremely |
| Touring Canoe | | | | expensive, a Kevlar-epoxy solo touring canoe is very |
| Situational Conditions - If you plan to use on challenging | | | | lightweight - approximately 32 - 52 pounds - and this |
| situations and where you virtually have life-and-death | | | | makes it especially suitable for day-tripper. They also |
| battles with each wave that comes across your way, | | | | have a high impact rugged hull, this gives it better |
| you're better off with a unit that's made of durable | | | | protection against turbulent waves. People must be |
| material. | | | | especially careful when repairing them because repairs |
| Size - Check the size of the canoe and try to mentally | | | | require exactness and care. |
| measure if it can comfortably carry all the usual stuff | | | | Fiberglass Canoes - A solo touring canoe made from |
| and equipment you're bringing when you go tripping on | | | | fiberglass is of average weight and price. It is however |
| water. | | | | very easy to repair, especially when you have a |
| Brands and Prices - These factors usually go hand in | | | | fiberglass canoe repair kit on hand. As long as you |
| hand. A branded unit will naturally cost more while a | | | | take care not to have any of its wooden parts |
| generic solo touring canoe comes with affordable | | | | exposed, you'll be able to use this maintenance-free |
| pricing. | | | | for a relatively long time. |
| Types of Material | | | | Having your own solo touring canoe is a smart |
| Solo touring canoes are made from various materials. | | | | investment to make in the long run. With canoe rental |
| Choose one that best fits the purpose you intend the | | | | fees waived, you'll have more money to use and go |
| solo touring canoe to serve. | | | | canoeing in more exotic places. |