RE: [Paddlewise] Ballast

Jackie,
The comment regarding sponsons is a joke referring to Mr. Unmentionable's
penchant for raping the laws of physics and logic in his defense. I do
not advocate any device as a substitute for skill, but rather I believe
devices should be a supplement to skill. Also, I do not expect all sea
kayakers to become class IV whitewater paddlers, but I do wish that sea
kayakers would consciously seek to improve skills whenever possible. There
are lots of simple little drills that can be done while paddling to
improve technique without undue effort. My personal favorite is paddling
with the boat on edge for an extended time (1-5 minutes). This does
wonders for edging and hip snap strength, as well as directional control
because boats turn easier when leaned.

I can believe that pooch_yakkin' does wonders for bracing skills. If you
want to increase the level of challenge, you might consider upgrading to
a St. Bernard. :)

Kevin

On Fri, 13 Feb 1998, Jackie Fenton wrote:

> 
> > From: "K. Whilden" <kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu>
> 
> > I really hope that nobody is considering ballast as a substitute for
> > paddling skill. There is no better stability aid in a kayak than your own
> > body!!!!! (except sponsons of course, which are obviously not subject to
> > the law of gravity.)
> 
> 
> Kevin,
> 
> If you consider sponsons a better stability aid than your own body,
> why is this better than using ballast?  Wouldn't this too, fall
> in the category of not developing adequate skills according to your
> logic?  I don't understand the difference.
> 
> Have you paddled the Khatsalano (unsponsoned version)?
> 
> There are some touring boats that are much better paddled when they are
> loaded.  Would you consider that "extra comfort in paddling" a substitute 
> for good skills?  And when I don't add some type of ballast to my boat when 
> I have my co-captain (see http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/poochyak.html ), she 
> can make the event turn into quite a workout.  Actually, she's great for
> practicing bracing :-)  I can paddle the boat with her on deck while not 
> carrying ballast, but I just can't take pictures.  Especially when a 
> pelican lands nearby.
> 
> 
> Jackie
> http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/
> 
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> 
> 
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