Bcone1381 Posted August 25, 2014 Report Share Posted August 25, 2014 This weekend my 20 year old son and I are taking a trip to Algonquin Provincial Park. Algonquin is a Canadian canoe camping Mecca with a plethora of lakes interconnected by portage trails. We will base our camp at a campground, and go out on two nice long day trips. The day trips I am considering are about 30 miles each and have 10-15 portages. I have some outstanding maps with awesome detail. They are designed for canoeist. Backwards engineering tells me they figure their predicted times based on a speed of 4.75km/hr. (or 2.95 statue miles per hour). This makes them 13 hour trips. My son's health surpasses mine, and I run everyday accumulating in 60-80 miles a month. My 5K time last month was 23:00. So, I am thinking our leisurely paddle and portage time will be faster than a canoe loaded with gear. We will be paddling a 35 lb. Cast-a-way, and a 29 lb. Ravenswood with no camping gear. Based on this information, can we count on a speed of 4 mph and maintain enjoyment? I have never done a time/speed/distance calculation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 Based on this information, can we count on a speed of 4 mph and maintain enjoyment? I have never done a time/speed/distance calculation. 4 mph is a pretty good speed and probably to high for a Cast Away to maintain for hours on end. 2.5mph to maybe 3 mph is probably more realistic unless your one of a few that paddle hard all the time. Most paddlers paddle 2.5-3 mph just out paddling. It takes a more athletic, stronger and motivated person to maintain a 4 mph or higher clip. To maintain that for 2-3 days for the AVERAGE paddler would be quite an accomplishment. PS If you have a smart phone, download an app like Ulysse Speedometer, start it and put it in a dry box and go paddling. When you get back check your average speed. I think you may be surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncleralph Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 I agree with Jeff in the previous post. Maintaining a 4 mph pace for 30 miles is in the realm of a serious amateur paddler that has built up to that speed and distance over time. Can it be done - absolutely, but it is generally not going to be something that the average weekend paddler will achieve. Ralph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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