[Paddlewise] High Performance, Stability, etc.

John Winters wrote:
>
>On another note,  Ari mentioned capsizing his Nordkapp while learning to
>paddle it. I find it interesting that capsizing seems to be an integral
>part in learning how to paddle a boat that is reputed to be so seaworthy.
>It would be interesting to start another thread that defines what
>characteristics a high performance sea kayak would possess. I wonder if
>ease of capsize is one of them and wonder if the rest cannot be achieved
>with more stable boats.
>

Ari Saarto wrote:
>Again: I do think that "safe", stabile wider kayaks with
>more flat bottom can actually become a risk.  One starts to
>learn with them and finally learning of some basic skills
>might become more difficult. .....
>High performance?  To me it is safety combined to
>sensivity. A long expedition can be exhausting [which can
>be a safety problem ;-)] if your kayak resembles
>kitchen-sink...

A tireless expert like Paul Caffyn in his Australian/Nordkapp
circumnavigation is not likely to capsize in any boat.  But is not helpful
to compare narrow tippy boats only with wide kayaks resembling a kitchen
sink, as Ari does.  There are plenty of 22" or 23" beam kayaks that are
quite stable and comfortable, even in rough conditions.  Extra stability is
not detrimental unless the boat is so wide that you don't have a good grip
on your boat with your knees and hips, or that it makes leaning slow or
difficult.  I don't believe that any 22" or 23" boat is that stable.  Also,
boats of that width are not more difficult to roll than the very tippy ones.

For a non expert but competent paddler who likes to go out in moderately
rough, but not awful, conditions the extra stability brings higher
performance in the following sense:   I am far more confident in paddling
these moderately rough conditions in my stable 22 incher than in some of the
tippier boats I have tried.  I can surf, lean confidently, and remain in
control, instead of worrying about staying upright.  In the tippy boat I
stay inside the jetty, i.e., I get less performance out of it.

Also, very important for us older paddlers is pee performance.  Can you
remove the sprayskirt of your tippy boat in choppy conditions to do your
business?  It is easier to brace with the paddle in your hand than with that
other thing.

Jerry

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