In a message dated 98-02-19 07:08:56 EST, cprstn54_at_att.net writes: << Do most serious tall paddlers go in and out straight legged? Or do they think it important to be able to use your legs (or one leg at east) in getting in and out? >> The Arctic Hawk by Wilderness Systems is a replica of a 1900's west Greenland kayak built for a white man that would weigh 200+lbs. If the Inuit would of been building the boat for himself it would of been narrower and hence less *user friendly*. The cockpit issue is one of safety. The traditional boat would have a small cockpit because the idea of coming *out* of your kayak was unheard of. If heavy seas are breaking on deck, the smaller the cockpit the less chance of loosing the seal (cockpit, not mammal!) My traditional skin frame kayak (built in a workshop with Mark) is a 1800's replica and has a 16"X 20" cockpit. I'm 5'11" with longish legs. Yes it's a *bitch* to get in and out! But...... it's a replica! I think the new deck design Mark is working on for Wilderness should help sell more Hawks for sure. Nothing like being able to get long legs free! Good Luck. Steve www.aldercreek.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Feb 19 1998 - 06:31:32 PST
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