[Paddlewise] What is performance anyhow?

From: Robert Starling <Robert_at_Starling.Com>
Date: Sat, 09 May 1998 09:32:32 -0400
>Again, other than top speed, what performance advantage does the Nordkapp
>have over the Chinook?  Assuming this story is true, than the Chinook has
>more performance in that it allows kayaking in rougher conditions.  Can this
>be true?  I never paddled either boat, but I bet that true blue Nordkappers
>would disagree.  Or when the conditions get really hairy are they wishing
>they were in Chinooks?
>
>Jerry

In my experience paddling various incarnations of the Nordkapp, it is at its
absolute best in rough water.......that is... in the hands of a capable
paddler.  The responsive nature inherent to the Nordkapp's hull design make
it easier for an accomplished paddler to respond immediately to the quickly
changing sea conditions.  To me, the Nordkapp just begs to get way up on
it's edge and feels very stable there, the rolling pitching nature of rough
water in a sense keep it on edge, thus my comment of the boat being at its
best in rough water.

The Chinook's inherent stability is without question.  You can easily stand
up in one.  I've never taken a Chinook out in 6-8 foot seas, nor have I
tried to surf one but I can only imagine that it would feel a little slugish.

As to the validity of the anecdote quoted in your posting of
instructor/Nordkapp versus paddler/Chinook.  Something is missing among the
elements of the story.  Unless there were extenuating circumstances, this
doesn't sound like an instructor with a Sea Proficiency
rating...particularly someone with instructor credentials.  But, anything
can happen......

Robert Starling

________________________________________________________
Robert Starling                                              Member ASMP / PPA
Starling Productions, Inc.
Orlando, Florida

Phone 800 361-0041      Fax  407 521-0031

http://www.starling.com     NetGuide Magazine  Internet Site Of The Day

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Received on Sat May 09 1998 - 06:34:50 PDT

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