Re: [Paddlewise] FW: Speed Trials

Gerald Foodman wrote:

> ...
> I was with Fred M. on an 8 mile paddle in the ocean from La Jolla to
> Mission
> Bay.  The wind was about 15 knots from behind, as were the swells, the
> whole
> way.  Fred was in his ultra light, graphite Arluk II, I was in the
> Mariner
> Express.  He is generally quite a bit stronger than me,  but I was way
> ahead
> the whole paddle.  The Express is so much easier to control in those
> conditions that I was just surfing all the time.  He was low bracing.

I find this to be a very interesting example, as I have also had a
memorable downwind surfing experience with a fellow in an Arluk II.  One
of the best days that I have ever had surfing wind waves was on a day
when we had 25-30 knot winds blowing over a relatively long fetch.  I
went out to surf alone, but as is often the case I soon met up with
another paddler, who was also alone. This guy was a local whitewater and
sea kayaking instructor, and he was paddling a light blue Arluk II.
(Some of you may know to whom I am referring.) He was surfing those wind
waves as smoothly and as effortlessly as anyone I have ever seen--in
complete control, flying along like the wind.  Moreover, his Arluk II
was *extremely* fast into the wind as we sprinted out for another ride.
(Faster, I am sure, than an Express.)  So what am I driving at?  Whether
or not a particular boat is difficult to control depends on who is
paddling it.

Dan Hagen

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