Re: [Paddlewise] Arctic Sea Kayak Race 1998

niilo alhovaara wrote:
> 
> ASKR 1998, July 27-31: A participant’s view
> (ASKR: www.nif.idrett.no/padling/askr.html)

  ...<snip of report>...

> ...Every Race participant used a wing paddle and
> had the kayak fitted with a rudder. Same thing as to
> the ASKR crew. Comments, anyone?

Thanks for the excellent report.

As for the paddle and rudder issue, the use of wing paddles in a serious
race is certainly not a surprise. Nor is the use of rudders, given the
very long waterline length of the boats that were used in the race. As I
understand it, one of the boats that has done very well in the ASKR is
the Eian Fritid Spitzbergen (a Norwegian design now made under licence
by P&H), which has a waterline length of over 18 feet and essentially no
rocker. Even many of us who dislike the use of rudders have acknowledged
that they have a place on such boats, but I am not sure what the
relevance is for those of us who use our boats for touring and play. I
prefer a more maneuverable (and rudder-free) boat, but if I were to take
up racing seriously I would certainly consider changing my equipment.

Dan Hagen
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