RE: [Paddlewise] missouri river trip

Hi Buddy, Mike and All,


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Mike McNally
> Sent: Monday, March 27, 2000 8:06 AM

<SNIP>
>
> Regarding a rudder: go to the mariner kayak site and read the
> information on paddle technique for paddling without a rudder.
> http://www.marinerkayaks.com/  Then go out to a lake with 25mph winds
> blowing and see if you can manage a straight coarse, at most headings,
> by paddling on both sides of the boat. That should tell you whether or
> not you need a rudder.

I would agree that going to the Mariner site and reading their tips for boat
handling is an excellent idea.  Learning how to handle your craft without a
rudder is a worthwhile and rewarding endeavor.

I do however disagree _strongly_ with the advice to take your boat out in 25
mph winds to see how it handles.  If I'm not mistaken, Buddy (the original
poster), stated that he was a new paddler.  25 mph winds are very strong for
a novice.  I would definitely recommend developing good boat handling skills
in calm conditions and then slowly building up to more challenging
conditions.  It is challenging enough learning proper technique when
conditions are easy.  It is more difficult when conditions are rough.

It is important to remember that conditions are relative to past experience.
You may find a 25 knot breeze a joy to paddle in, for others it may be 40
knots, but for some 15 will be testing their limits.  It is best to build up
slowly in a fun, safe, and controlled environment.

The best advice I have to offer is to find competent instruction.  It will
make you a safer paddler and your time on the water will be more enjoyable.
If that isn't available in your area at minimum get a copy of Kent Ford's
Performance Sea Kayaking video.

After all of that you may still find that you want a rudder.  They can come
in handy for lining up your boat for photos or if you want to sail etc.  A
rudder is a poor substitute or skills but it isn't necessarily a bad
addition to them.


>You might not have to worry too much about side
> winds as there would likely be a valley effect with the wind whistling
> down the river, in most places.  I wonder if you could take a kayak
> paddle apart and use half of it as a canoe paddle (for days with high
> crosswinds)?

Werner makes a T-grip for their 2-piece paddles but I don't see an advantage
here.

Cheers,


--
Rob Cookson
		3 Hats Design
		INTERNET  PRINT  ILLUSTRATION
		5201 15 Ave NW
		Suite 220
		Seattle, WA 98107
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		mailto:rob_at_3hats.com
		http://www.3hats.com

>
> > Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2000 14:31:15 -0600
> > From: Knox <knoxb_at_lvnworth.com>
> > Subject: [Paddlewise] kayak trip information
>
> > I recently purchased a Folbot GII with a trip DOWN the Missouri River in
> > mind.  I live near Kansas City and would like to fly the boat north and
> > float home.  This is my mid-life adventure...it was this or a Harley.
>
> > Surely someone has done this since Lewis and Clark...I was
> wondering what
> > information might be available out there.  I've never kayaked and I was
> > born and raised in West Texas where water was for drinking, not floating
> > upon.
>
> > I camp, hike, and fish, so I understand about food, water, PFDs, etc.
>
> > What am I missing?  What could I do stupid that would endanger
> my life or trip?
>
> > What special equipment should I consider?  A foot rudder?
>
> > I'm not smart enough to know what to ask.
>
> > Thanks,
> > Buddy Knox
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