Re: [Paddlewise] learning curve and forgiveness

John Winters wrote:
>So, controllability can be active or passive in nature. Were I making a
>long open water crossing a boat that could take care of itself even when I
>was tired or stupid might be best. If I am playing along the coast a boat
>that responds to every lean or stroke might be more fun and, consequently,
>"better".

Ralph Diaz wrote:
>Let me get back to learning curves, at the risk of making this overally
>long.  In order to get comfortable in some narrower boats, you need to
>spend a lot of time in the saddle.  I remember when I was considering a
>Nordkapp 10 years ago, an instructor saying that if I wasn't prepared to
>spend a year at it paddling at least once a week in winter and several
>times a week in season, I should avoid this boat.  I have a friend who I
>know spent a good part of year following such advice and constantly
>practicing bracing and rolling until one day he did finally get
>comfortable in the boat.  A Feathercraft K-1 would have you at that
>level of comfort in a day or so; a Feathercraft Khatsalano (assuming
>little paddling experience) would take considerably longer.
>

If it is true that long saddle time is required to get comfortable in the
Nordkapp, does that imply, to use J Winters' term, that the Nordkapp
requires active rather than passive control?  But isn't the Nordkapp famous
for long distance travel in rough conditions, rather than for playing along
the coast?

Does it take a year to get used to the Nordkapp because it does not handle
well?  Certainly, after a year in the Nordkapp, one would become a much
better paddler.  But wouldn't a even Nordkapp trained paddler then be better
off, on a long open water crossing, in a more forgiving boat.  To paraphrase
J Winters, even a Nordkapp trained paddler could get tired or stupid.

I just use the Nordkapp as an example.  Never paddled one.  But two boats I
have experience with in 20 knot down weather paddles are the Arluk II and
Solstice GTS.  Both are 22 " beam, 18' and 17'7" length respectively.  I
like both boats but the GTS is quite a bit easier handling down wind, I.e.,
more forgiving.  This seems to me "better".  What advantage is to be gained
from the less forgiving boat?

Jerru


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