Using a Single Blade Paddle with a Pack Boat: A Practical Guide

Pack boats are a versatile and popular option for solo paddlers seeking a lightweight, stable, and comfortable vessel for backcountry trips or casual outings. While most paddlers opt for a double-bladed low angle kayak paddle when paddling a pack boat due to its speed and efficiency, a single-blade paddle can be an excellent alternative; especially for those who value tradition, technique, or who frequently paddle in narrow or obstacle-filled waters. Here's how and why you might use a single blade paddle with a pack boat, along with tips for maximizing performance and comfort.

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Why Use a Single Blade Paddle?

1. Traditional Canoe Feel Using a single blade allows you to engage in classic canoe strokes like the J-stroke, C-stroke, and draw strokes. You may already be experienced in these techniques or simply prefer them over the double blade. It's ideal for those who appreciate the slower, more deliberate style of canoe travel.

2. Improved Maneuverability at Low Speeds Single blade paddling allows for more nuanced control, especially at low speeds or in tight quarters. You can more easily execute prys, draws, and other corrective strokes that are useful in winding waterways or while approaching a landing.

3. Lighter and Simpler A single blade paddle is often lighter than a double blade, making it easier on the shoulders over long periods and reducing overall pack weight. It also takes up less space and is easier to store or portage.

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Choosing the Right Paddle

For best results with a pack boat, choose a single blade paddle with these considerations in mind:

• Length: You will want a short shafted and ideally bent shafted paddle. You are a good 8-10 inches closer to the water in a pack boat and you don’t want to have to raise your paddle above your eyes to be able to do a proper stroke. The higher your hand goes above your eyes, the more stress gets put on your shoulder.  A 48” bent shaft paddler such as the Bending Branches Java 11 or Viper work well.

• Blade Shape: A wider blade allows for easier cadence and reduces fatigue with a lower hand position when resetting your stroke. Bent-shaft paddles can improve efficiency by maintaining a more vertical blade angle through the stroke.

• Grip Style: A T-grip provides control for technical paddling, while a palm grip is more comfortable for all-day cruising.

kneel pad and prop block in 12' Classic

Knee pad and Prop Block

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Sitting vs Kneeling

Pack boats are designed to have your center of mass on the floor of the vessel. The higher up you raise your weight the lower overall the stability of the boat. The initial stability of the boats and its beam both play a part into whether it is better to sit or kneel

Sitting

When in the seated position, the width of the boat can get in the way of a proper paddle stroke. This causes the stroke to arc more and requires more corrective action. If your goals is a more relaxed ride, this is not a problem. If you are looking for more performance a less beamy boat such as the 12' New Trick (25") is great for paddling in the seated position.

Kneeling

When kneeling, a beamier boat , such as the 12' Classic(30.5"), is preferred as its overall stability and control is less affected by the shift in center of mass. It also allows for a wider more stable spread of the knees. The use of a prop block between the legs can improve comfort while maintaining as much weight on the floor of the boat as possible. This can be made with something as simple as a couple of yoga blocks or custom made from minicell foam common in the white water space. Kneeling bars are not recommended as they add new stresses to the boat that were not part of its original design as well as place your weight very high up on the hull reducing stability.

"I leave the original Hornbeck seat in place and put my prop block on top of that. The seat helps reduce hyper flexion of the ankle and if I ever get tired of kneeling I simply remove the block and sit down" -Andrew Rasmus -He prefers to kneel in the 12'classic and sit in the 12' New Trick

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Boat Selection

When deciding which pack boat is best for single blading you need to consider:

-Are you kneeling or sitting?

-Wider boats are more comfortable and stable for kneeling (the Classic line)

-Skinnier boats allow for a more upright paddle stroke when seated (the New Trick line)

-Is this your primary propulsion or backup?

-As a back up paddle or means to maneuver in tight spaces the single blade plays less of a

role in your overall choice.

-Are you looking for performance or simply a relaxed ride?

-The New Trick will be more performance oriented and maneuverable

-The Classic line will be more utilitarian and relaxed

Technique Tips

Using a single blade in a pack boat requires a few adjustments in technique:

1.Switching Sides Strategically Though the goal with a single-blade paddle is to minimize switching sides, doing so periodically helps maintain symmetrical muscle use and avoids fatigue. Use quick cross-over strokes or alternate every 10–15 strokes.

2. Use J-Strokes or Correction Strokes A J-stroke—where the paddle makes a subtle outward twist at the end of a forward stroke—helps correct your direction without needing to switch sides constantly.

3. Engage Core Muscles Good paddling comes from the torso, not just the arms. Rotate your torso with each stroke to use larger muscle groups and paddle more efficiently.

4. Stay Relaxed Pack boats are stable and forgiving, so you can focus on smooth, steady strokes rather than power. Keep your grip relaxed and your stroke consistent.

When It Works Best

Single blade paddling is ideal in the following situations:

• Quiet lakes and calm rivers

• Short to moderate distances where efficiency is less critical than comfort or tradition

• Trips that include portaging, where a lighter paddle is beneficial

• Cold or wet conditions where staying dry is a priority

Conclusion

While the double blade paddle remains the default for many pack boat enthusiasts, the single blade paddle offers a graceful, effective, and enjoyable alternative. With the right technique and equipment, you can enjoy the best of both canoeing and kayaking worlds. Whether you're navigating a mirror-like lake at dawn or slipping silently down a winding stream, a single blade paddle brings a timeless, satisfying rhythm to your pack boat adventures.

So the next time you load up your pack boat, consider packing a single blade. With a little practice, you might just find it’s the only paddle you need.