[Paddlewise] Wet is Bad

Can't say Mariner huh, so how about Coaster and Express EX. Ursa Micro and
probably the fiberglass Sportee too (although I personally haven't tested it
in such conditions). If you look at John Lulls "Paddling Ocean Rock Gardens,
a Tsunami Rangers Guide" you can see quite a few Coasters in action.
I can only remember a few times I was able to get the bow of the Coaster or
Express EX under the water while surfing straight down the face and out in
front of 6 to 8 foot dumping breakers. Actually the shorter tighter curl on
a 4 or 5 foot dumper is more likely to put the bow under. Incidentally on
those few occasions when I was able to bury the bow it only went and inch or
two under and quickly came back to the surface, continued surfing and didn't
ender. I'm sure those like John Lull who have vastly more surfing experience
in a Coaster than I has even gotten them to do an ender on occasion to but I
have not been able to do so even when I leaned way forward to try and force
the bow under.
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com

original message:
>>>Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 14:28:44 -0800
From: "AlderCreek" <acks_at_teleport.com>
Subject: re: [Paddlewise] wet is BAD

Matt wrote:
<<Why? Because when your bow is trapped under water you lose control of it
to
the water. The water washing over your cockpit might get inside of even a
good fitting spraydeck. I don't want a boat that puts its bow 14" underwater
and the cockpit 6" under in following seas even if the increased tendency to
broach as a result is well controlled by a skeg or rudder. I would consider
that dream a nightmare.>>

I guess you were referring to my post on the storm paddling we did at
Christmas?

I guess one man's dream might be another's nightmare.  =:-o)

So have you paddled a kayak that does not bury on a steep 6'-8' face when
you surf a course straight down the face?  Don't say a Mariner cuz I've seen
them pearl in surf with the best of them.  Even a  blunt bow whitewater boat
will sub out in these conditions.
The conditions I was referring to were a bit more than typical *following
seas*.

I find that controlling the bow when it is under water is similar to
controlling it above water, just more dynamic and different.


Steve Scherrer
Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe


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