[Paddlewise] Dancing in a double

Dave Kruger wrote:
<SNIP>

>>I liken it to ballroom dancing, in
which the partners move their bodies and feet in tune together, one
"leading,"
to be sure, but both mutually and subtly feeding cues to each other.  We
also
enjoy sharing food and conversation in the double.  For us, the double
allows
more intimacy, and we can talk in lower tones than if we are in separate
singles.<<

Funny, even though I was in a Feathercraft double (where the cockpits are
closer than some) I found that I had to practically yell to have my partner
hear me from either the front or back position. Miscommunications were
common because of this. The front paddler's ears are facing the wrong way to
hear from behind and the front paddlers mouth is also facing the wrong way
to be easily heard. Side by side in singles its just an easy turn of the
head to be face to face and have a nice conversation and if you want a hug
you can get together for that too much more easily in a single.
I agree paddling in a double together for a week might be a good test before
getting married.

Dave later wrote:
<SNIP>
>>Matt, do you dance? <<
<SNIP>

I love to dance but don't do it often enough and developed the taste for it
later in life. In an earlier post I said that one of the reasons I went to a
symposium was for the dance. I do tend to like wild rock and roll and am
totally untrained and get pretty wild. once I slow danced with a partner who
made me feel that I was a great dancer but I imagine it was she who was the
great dancer. As you know, I also dance on skis and back in the 70's was
part of a couples act (as well as competing solo) in national freestyle
contests.
I have also used a double in some kayak races with a female partner and we
got along great but then it was only for and hour or two at a time not
several weeks.
I would rather tow my partner than have to paddle in a double from either
position. Then I won't have to deal with: 1)paddle splash--I put on my
Sou'wester rain hat, difficulty communicating, 2)paddle clash--and the
tension of trying to avoid it for the stern paddler, 3)wet ride for the bow
paddle--as a double being longer and with more weight out towards the ends
does not rise as well to the seas as a single although (I'll give Ralph a
freebie here) folding kayaks that flex can be somewhat dryer--other things
being equal), 4)so wide you feel like you're about to give birth in the
stirrups just to work the rudder pedals, 5)longer paddles (less efficient
and more difficult to control) are necessary--so the stern paddler can reach
over the boat and so the bow paddler doesn't set too high a stroke rate for
the stern paddler to keep up, 6)having to agree or negotiate every decision.
NO THANKS!
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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