[Paddlewise] Singles 'n Doubles

Went out for a leisurely paddle in the hot sun today with my son and his fiance'
-- lotta lazin' around, woofin' at friends on the decks of their houseboats,
dodging put-put runabouts, and loafin'.  Most concentrated effort we made was to
examine closely (through the binocs) what that eagle was eating.  Looked not
real yummy, but he/she was very involved.

But all that is beside the point.  This trip was the first shot in my single yak
after many outings in our folding double (Folbot G II).  And, you know what?  I
had forgotten how much *closer* to the water you are in a single.  How much more
of a rhythm there is to paddling a single.  In the G II, I'm the stern motor and
rudder controller.  It seems very business-like and  *purposeful.*  I
methodically stroke along, matching the bow paddler's cadence so we don't clack
paddles, and I never feel that oneness with the boat I feel in my single.

So, am I alone in this?  I really *enjoy* the paddling I do in a single.  The
blame thing responds to every wiggle of my hips.  The double ... well, in that
boat, I feel like the stern part of the two guys under the horse costume in the
parade.  Every movement has a definite goal and we are duty bound to go
somewhere.  Mostly, it is a duty, not a joy.  Mind you, there are advantages to
the double.  I get to talk quietly to my sweetie -- and to share sightings of
birds, otters, and the like.  Lunch is more available.  And, the double is more
comfy on an extended paddle.  But, doggone it, it just isn't as much *fun!*

Anybody got tips for re-injecting the rhythm into paddling a double?  Do I need
to go to counseling with my G II?

-- 
Dave Kruger ...
double-challenged, in
...
Astoria, OR
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