My wife and I are soliciting opinions for types of boats to add to our fleet. We have been paddling for 8-9 years on the west coast of British Columbia. Based on previous postings we are probably advanced beginners creeping towards intermediate, who try to avoid adrenalin experiences and, in my case especially, cold water. We will tend to err on the side of cautiousness. We have done several 5/6-day trips and one-nighters but are more frequently moving towards shorter day trips and even 1-2 hour outings. (We can launch at the mouth of the Fraser River in about 15 minutes from home....perfect for a quick evening paddle on a warm summer evening!). We are both on the small side (5'6", 120/150 lbs). We currently have 2 old Pacific Water Sport Sea Otters (glass). Like the proverbial old shoe, they are comfortable and we are sentimental. They strike us as being higher volume, have a higher profile and are probably heavier than what we need for day tripping. We are looking at adding some boats that might complement the otters for these shorter trips, and that would be lighter, more maneuverable and sportier in handling, without significantly increasing instability. They would ideally also facilitate solo paddling in the sheltered waters around here (and so should be easier to get on and off the car). With some increased sportiness we may look to increasing skills and comfort zones a bit. I initially thought something alot shorter and lighter might fit the bill, but my initial foray to our favourite shop didn't reveal much in this type of category. So... I am soliciting comments and recommendations, and at the same time wondering if we go with something newer and maybe a touch shorter (some very preliminary thoughts might be the Arluk II or III, or Solstice ST or SS) will we likely notice a significant performance improvement in terms of sportiness/zip, to make it all worthwhile? Any other boat suggestions and related comments would be very much appreciated. Sam Isaacs saisaacs_at_netcom.ca *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
The Coaster by Mariner. You would have to contact the "Mariner" Shop in Seattle. See ad in Sea Kaykaer Mag. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Unfortunately I can't recommend any boats since I fall into the other end of the spectrum. But, in case you didn't know the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium will be in Port Townsend, WA. Sept. 18 - 20. It will be a good opportunity to check out LOTS of boats etc. You can find additional information at: www.viewit.com/wcsks Sharky *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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