Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast

juliom_at_cisco.com wrote:
> 
> You are right in that improving your skills and getting used
> to rough conditions should compesate for stability, but there is
> a difference between sea kayaking and white water.

Actually several differences, but they do complement each other.

> In the river, if you get tired, you just pull out wherever is
> convenient. At sea, getting to a place to take a brake may take
> you more than half and hour, with the agravant that you have
> to deal with the surf zone when you are at the limit of exhaustion.

There are other ways.

One problem I had with Tim's sponson push is his failure to advocate a
complete system. The really useful item to have at sea (which Tim also
sells)
is a sea anchor. A properly sized and rigged sea anchor will keep you 
bow into the wind, and nearly stationary on the water.
Even a kayak that is only moderately stable will be easy to keep upright
in
this position and you can improve your stability by sliding down into
your cockpit, this lowers your center of gravity, and reduces you exposure
to 
the elements. You can add sponsons if you like (or need them) and even get
some
sleep.

> For that reason, people who do transoceanic trips carry a good load
> of ballast. You need to be able to stay upright when your arms
> and torso refuse to move anymore and you are thinking "why did I do this?".

The gear I would be carrying for a ocean crossing is more than enough
ballast.
:-)

> Also ballast cures other problems, like excesive weathercocking.

If the boat is shapped right and the ballast is in the right place.

> > Can somebody please remind why there is so much interest in ballast?

To get a large boat that can be used for expiditions to sit down on her 
lines properly so that a smaller paddler with little gear can paddle 
comfortably.

Every boat has one condition of load (total displacement) that is optimum
for handling and performance (this does change some with conditions), it
is part of the paddler's skill to know what this is and to load the boat
to as nearly the optimum condition as possible for any given conditions.

> > If this is for improving stability, then I consider adding ballast an
> > inferior approach.

Stability is only a small part of the puzzle.

> > 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.)

I met a lady like that once.  :-)))

michael
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