RE: [Paddlewise] Ballast

Hi Kevin,

> From: "K. Whilden" <kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu>

> 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. 

I think ballast fall into this category... a supplement.  Sort of like
rudders (uh oh, she's brought up THAt subject!).  Sometimes rudders are
useful depending on the boat, and sometimes, beginners use them for
steering rather than develop the appropriate skills.  btw, you can say
"Mr. Unmentionable's" name on this list.  It's safe :-)  (looks both ways)

> 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. 

Agreed.  Many do, but there seems to be an awful lot of rescues of
sea kayakers without appropriate skills from that recent coastguard report
(such as those who could not even re-enter their boats). 

> 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 think paddling parallel to the beach in surf (not big stuff) is good 
for developing bracing skills (besides being fun).

> 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. :)
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   \\ .'            (`y  _(_at___~_  v') "" "" ""  ""          `. 
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     ~~~  ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~ jf~
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    "You ought'n to talk about open-water fetch when Tiny is along."



Jackie 
http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/

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