Re: [Paddlewise] Race Training.

I am really wondering if so much specific paddling technique training will
eventually help win a race. Here's my experience: A couple of weeks ago I
did a "race" with a friend of mine. We had paddled for a few days on a
camping trip, and were obviously dying to get back to the ranger station on
the last day. We had both exactly the same boats (loaded with camping
gear). We raced for 20 min, and indeed, because my friend had a slightly
better start, he was about a boat length in front of me. But interestingly
enough, this distance never changed over the 20 min race. I could keep up
with him, but not overtake. Even though I was still able to put more effort
into my paddling, it seemed that my boat just didn't want to go any faster.
This made me wonder: is there a maximum hull speed for kayaks? I know there
is a maximum hull speed for sail boats: at a certain point more wind, or
more sail doesn't increase the speed anymore. If this also holds for
kayaks, than at a certain point it doesn't help anymore to put more power
into your paddling strokes because your kayak has reached its max hull speed. 

Which would mean that the race, when paddled with exactly the same
equipment, can only be won by endurance: who can maintain max hull speed
for the entire race? (or by making references to his sister ;-)

Peter

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