Canoeing
Canoeing is a cigar burn issue where one side of the wrapper burns faster than the other, creating a long, uneven burn that resembles the hull of a canoe. It disrupts the balance of flavors, wastes tobacco, and can ruin the overall smoking experience if not corrected promptly.
While canoeing can result from environmental factors, it’s often preventable with proper lighting, storage, and technique.
What Causes Canoeing?
1. Uneven Lighting
If the cigar isn’t properly toasted across the entire foot, the burn may begin unevenly and worsen over time.
Fix: Always toast the foot evenly before taking your first puff.
2. Wind or Drafts
Smoking outdoors or near airflow can push heat to one side, causing it to burn faster.
Fix: Smoke in calm environments or shield the cigar while puffing.
3. Over-Humidification
If one side of the cigar is more moist than the other—often from poor humidor airflow—it will burn slower than the drier side.
Fix: Rotate cigars in the humidor regularly and ensure proper RH control.
4. Inconsistent Puffing
Long pauses between puffs can cause one side to cool more than the other.
Fix: Puff consistently (every 30–60 seconds) to maintain even combustion.
5. Construction Flaws
Rare, but a poorly rolled cigar with uneven tobacco distribution can cause burn problems.
Fix: Stick to trusted brands known for quality control.
“A canoeing cigar is like a crooked guitar string—it throws everything out of tune.”
— Cigar Aficionado – Fixing Burn Issues
How to Fix Canoeing
-
Touch up the slower-burning side with a torch lighter
- Apply flame directly to the wrapper to catch it up
- Purge the cigar by gently blowing out through it—this clears stale smoke
- Rotate the cigar while puffing so the unburned side faces downward (heat rises)
- If necessary, trim the canoeed edge and relight evenly
- Avoid relighting too aggressively, which can worsen combustion issues
Canoeing vs. Tunneling
Burn Issue | Description | Primary Cause |
Canoeing | One side of the wrapper burns faster | Uneven light, wind, over-humidification |
Tunneling | Filler burns faster than wrapper (inside-out) | Moisture imbalance, poor lighting |
How to Prevent Canoeing
- Light evenly across the entire foot using a torch lighter
- Avoid smoking in wind or near fans/vents
- Dry box cigars before smoking if they feel soft or spongy
- Maintain RH between 65–69%, and ensure humidor airflow is balanced
- Rotate cigars in the humidor periodically
- Avoid puffing too fast or too slow—find a steady rhythm
Citation: Halfwheel – Burn Corrections 101
Related Glossary Entries
Summary
Canoeing can throw off the flavor and balance of your cigar, but it’s easily avoided with attention to lighting, storage, and smoking pace. Recognizing the warning signs early—and knowing how to correct them—ensures your cigar burns evenly and performs as the blender intended.