RE: [Paddlewise] A few Q's

Hi all,

In a message dated 9/24/98 1:25:09 PM EST,
Tom_P_McAuliffe_at_fastmultimedia.com writes:

<< What is the deal with the attitude that SOT's are not "real" kayaks?
 I'll put the Necky Dolphin up against any kayak on the seas  >>

In a message dated 9/25/98, Tomckayak_at_aol.com writes:

<<It takes a little longer to develop the skill and confidence with a decked
kayak. But you are inside and in control. No need to swim every few
minutes.>>

I think that it probably takes just as long or longer to develop skill and
confidence with a high-end narrow surf ski, one of the fastest boats out
there.  I do a agree that most of the plastic SOTs are very stable and user
friendly.  Their performance suffers because of their stable design.

Control is a problem with a SOT unless you use thigh straps.  Without the
straps you are subject to be bounced around.  You can roll a SOT with thigh
straps. There are some nice surf SOTs out there.  They really carve up a
wave. Those are signs of control aren't they?

I don't agree with the "need to swim" statement though you may have had
different experiences than I  have.  Here it Thailand, SOT are the boat of
choice because of the heat.  On the commerical front, SOT are a great way to
introduce new potential paddlers to our wonderful sport.  We don't have many
folks falling off our boats.  It does happen though.  But that happens with
decked boats too.  I think it might even happen less often with the wide
plastic SOTs because of their inherent stability.

And, in a message 9/25/98, Neil Harrison writes:

<<I would think it's hard to do an open water crossing with a week's worth
of gear strapped to the back of a sit-on-top...but then I'm primarily a
whitewater paddler so I wouldn't know for sure.  I do own a sit-on-top and
it's the best bay/surf fishing vessel ever made!  I love it, but would
rather be in a closed deck if I'm offshore.>>

Neil is certainly right, SOTs do lack storage space.  That is a problem with
the current designs anyway.  Hopefully, the future will bring us new designs
with more storage room.  However, if you pack it tightly and go as light as
possible, there are SOTs with gear storage hatches that can be used for a
week-long paddle.  Ocean Kayak's Scupper is one such boat.

I do island crossings all the time with a SOT.  One of the virtues of SOTs
is easy self-rescues.  The boat doesn't fill up with water when capsized...
a definite bonus if you're in the middle of a crossing!  You just hop back
on and the problem is solved.
If I was to do a major offshore trip, I'd like to add thigh straps for
control.  I'd feel just as safe as I would with a decked boat.  BTW, the
Molokai Challenge, a surf ski race from Molokai to Oahu, is certainly open
ocean.

I think it all boils down to what you like to paddle. SOTs are certainly
capable of doing just about anything that a decked boat can do.  I'd like to
hear the opinions of people who disagree with that statement.

That's it for now from latitude 8. Thanks!

Cheers,
Dave

Dave Williams, SeaCanoe Training Director
Home tel: +66 76 254-514
Work tel: +66 76 212-252
Fax: +66 76 212-172
dave_at_seacanoe.com
http://seacanoe.com


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