I have looked at some old threads, but wanted some current input. When solo paddling with the double blade paddle water tends to drip on my legs, below the knees. I have been thinking gaiters might be the solution. A good sponge and sham wow soak up the bilge water adequately but I would love to find a way to keep my legs dry. Anyone try this, any experience? What do you do?

I sure like my chota caney fork wading socks. Kind of like knee high waders.

I've never thought to use them canoe camping, but I have a pair of GoreTex Outdoor Research gaiters that I use for winter camping and when I'm out in the mountains. For these purposes they are indispensable, but for just keeping water off your legs when paddling, they may be a bit more than you need.

Try adjusting your paddle stroke or, perhaps your paddle is too short. If done properly, drips from the paddle should not be a problem.

I'm new to using a solo canoe. I just got one this summer and bought a 240 cm kayak paddle. It worked much better than a regular single blade but I had the same deal with water dripping on my legs and in the canoe - a lot of water. I did some reading and a longer paddle seemed to be what most suggested. I looked for an extension to use on my yak paddle but couldn't find one to fit the diameter of the shaft. I made one out of a piece of thin walled aluminum pipe and it solved the problem. It adds 12" to the overall paddle length. No more drip in the canoe.

Good advice about the longer paddle. However, I tend towards a high angle stroke and that raises the blade and hence drip. The longer paddle is good for the lower angle stroke and does reduce the drip and I use it, but tend to revert to my primary style.

Don't your double paddles have drip cups?
Look at any kayak paddles if you don't know what I am talking about...rubber cups above the blade on each side, designed to keep the water from running down and dripping on you. They need to be out at the top of the blade, not in by the hands. If you have them and are still getting wet you are doing it wrong...but that is a personal choice.

As was mentioned above, your paddle is too short, I have a SR Tranquility and use a 280cm double blade and don't have that problem. Plus the rubber rings that are supposed to keep the water from traveling back down the shaft once you've raised the paddle, must not be allowed to go below the water line, and should be set far enough out from your hand so as to have the water drip off outside of the canoe, not in it. So, you need a longer paddle, a 240 is way too short. In my opinion, a 280 is as short as you want to go.

I got mine from Piragis for $150.00 several years ago. Its manufactured by Bending Branches, so you may be able to order one on-line cheaper. And, of course it comes apart in 2 pieces.

Ok, I get the longer paddle, again wonderful for the low angle paddler. That is not me. So lets get to the OP, does anyone use gaiters or other devices to keep the water drips off legs. It is not a huge volume, just enough to be cold this time of year.
And I have been double blade paddling for over 15 years and am well aware of drip cups and their placement, etc. My Werner paddle was selected after trying several options and is ideal for my use.
Thanks.

I don't see why gaiters wouldn't work, but what about knee-high boots or rain pants as an option?

First time I used a double blade, I discovered the lower the blade angle the less water dripping. If that's not for you, CCS will make you a canoe cover complete with spray skirt.

Gaiters will do the job and then some. They are a great gear item to have along on most trips and would be perfect for the use you describe. I don't use a double blade but I will use gaiters on a shoulder season trip where I expect all day rain. I wear the gaiters underneath my rain pants. Even without water drops from a paddle, in a steady rain that water rolls down off your rain pants and into your boots ( if you are sitting). with the gaiters under your rain pants, all water rolls off down over your boots. Works great. If tripping in spring, with maybe some snow in the woods still or on some of those times when it rains hard for 24 hours, gaiters are also great for walking through the woods to explore or collect firewood. Keep in mind though that in warmer weather gaiters are very warm. Even gortex gaiters.

Moonman.

quote bhouse46: "Ok, I get the longer paddle, again wonderful for the low angle paddler. That is not me. So lets get to the OP, does anyone use gaiters or other devices to keep the water drips off legs. It is not a huge volume, just enough to be cold this time of year.
And I have been double blade paddling for over 15 years and am well aware of drip cups and their placement, etc. My Werner paddle was selected after trying several options and is ideal for my use.
Thanks."

Not sure how gaiters will keep water off your thighs...? You might look for some rain shorts to slip on over your pants.

Many times I wear a light pair of rain pants.