If you look carefully, he is using a kayak paddle [double paddling]. This is now a common mode with small canoes, especially single handing. When moving properly, it is possible to go for hours with a good lightweight kayak paddle. A big advantage of this type of canoeing over kayaking is the ability to adjust boat trim and move about in the boat.

An interesting factor is the weight and length of the paddle. My long, super lightweight spruce paddles are at least 50 years old and are the envy of my fellow club members. I also love rowing my whitehall skiff. The weird thing about modern materials is that, despite all the development and improvements, the spruce paddles weigh less and have more "life" than the modern high tech stuff.