Re: [Paddlewise] Unintentional Deception

From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 14:40:23 -0400
At 01:37 PM 10/13/99 -0400, Reeves, Debbie (Debbie) wrote:
>Last night I received the REI Holiday 99 gift preview catalog.  On page 90,
>selling for only $380, is a bright red Perception Swify recreational kayak
>[9'5" x 29"] with its bow overlaying a stunning photo of 2 sea kayakers
>paddling along an exposed coast in tropical-looking, turquoise water.  Both
>these kayakers are clearly paddling full size sea kayaks.  

I don't have access to the picture but I took a look at their web site
and they do try to make a distinction between "touring kayaks" and
what they call "Day Touring/Recreational Kayaks".   

What I *do* disagree with is the statement in their description of
the recreational class boats:

"In general, day touring boats are designed with beginners and recreational 
play boaters in mind."

Since recreational boats are usually fairly inexpensive they look pretty
attractive
to beginners, but in my opinion these boats are designed for paddling
conditions,
and not necessarily for "beginning" paddlers.   Due to their width,
typically flat
hulls, and short length they're very good for solely recreational paddling on
quiet waters.  They're good if you want a craft that is going to be very
stable on
quiet waters for fishing or picture taking.

They are not, however, a very good choice for a beginning paddler, if that
person
wants to become an intermediate/advanced paddler.  The excessive initial
stability 
restricts ones ability to edge/lean the boat, the typically poor secondary
stability makes it difficult to learn how to brace, and the width, flat
hull, and
wide cockpits make it extremely difficult to learn how to roll.


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Received on Wed Oct 13 1999 - 11:41:45 PDT

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