RE: [Paddlewise] Rudder facts (was Weatherhelm)

From: Dave Williams <paddler_at_loxinfo.co.th>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999 18:58:37 +0700
Jackie Fenton wrote on Thursday, October 7th:
<<I wonder, though, if what is considered a design shortfall by some may be
seen as an asset to someone else... i.e. Audrey Sutherland's inflatable.Can
you call her inflatable a design shortfall?  There's no question she has the
skill.  Seems she's found what she wants to paddle and in some conditions,
it requires a rudder. >>

I would be comfortable saying that all inflatables have a design flaw...
it's called a flat bottom.  Paddling an inflatable in any sort of crosswind,
or other wind for that matter, is a real hassle.  Having paddled Aire and
Sotar inflatables for the last 6 years (and not liking it), I speak from
experience.

Don't get me wrong, they have their place, but the only thing I can say good
about them is that they are airplane transportable and you can carry a big
cooler :-)  If you're looking for any kind of performance or handling, don't
count on an inflatables.

Cheers,
Dave

Dave Williams
dave_at_paddleasia.com
http://paddleasia.com
Phuket, Thailand

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Received on Thu Oct 07 1999 - 04:52:47 PDT

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