The Harmony is at home on creeks and rivers as well as on ponds and lakes. It shines on meandering streams and rivers that require lots of technical maneuvering. It was originally designed as a day tripper and pocket cruiser but also excels at Freestyle. It's rounded bottom and chines allow it to be easily heeled, carving/skidding 180 degree turns, with grace. Intermediate and skilled paddlers will find that it tracks nicely on the straights. At 28 lbs. (+- depending upon the layup) it responds quickly to every paddle stroke and is effortless to portage. It performs well for kneeling paddlers with straight shafts or bents but has adequate stability for sitting. With a heavier layup it can competently handle class 2 whitewater runs.
If you're looking for a shorter, light weight tandem or a canoe that can be used as a solo as well, The Harmony would be a great choice.
Designed by Marc Ornstein
Marc Ornstein has been paddling canoes for most of his adult life. His experiences include whitewater play-boating and tripping, touring, and Freestyle. He is an ACA/USCA instructor with River canoeing, level II certification, solo/tandem and level III Freestyle canoeing certification, solo/tandem. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Freestyle Committee of the American Canoe Association.
He owns and operates Dogpaddle Canoe Works, where he designs and builds custom canoes and canoe paddles. He is a four time national gold medalist in Freestyle Canoeing. All four of those medals were won paddling a Dogpaddle Illusion which he designed. The Illusion is a smaller version of Harmony.