[Paddlewise] : A Can of Worms: British vs. American Kayaks -- Thoughts and Questions from a Novice [long]

Sounds to me that you have been reading an out of date or unrevised book by
Derek Hutchinson explaining the advantages of British kayaks and the
differences between them and most North American kayaks from back in about
1984 when he first wrote this propaganda (in the guise of a textbook). Times
have changed and several others have already pointed out these
generalizations are no longer true (even those parts that were actually true
back in 1984) out so I'll skip the details.
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com

From: Joshua Teitelbaum <teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il>

<SNIP>

It is my understanding (I do this with the utmost humility in this forum,
please...), that these boats tend to be sportier; by this I mean that they
are:
    Narrow (& tippy), relatively fast, good tracking (slow to turn) low
volume (less windage/less cargo), snug-fitting (more control/less
comfortable) & extremely durable (& heavy) all of which adds up to an
extremely seaworthy craft that requires effort and skill to pilot and enjoy.

While American boats tend to be:
    Wide (& stable), slower, maneuverable (poor tracking) higher volume
(more
cargo/more windage, loose fitting (more comfortable/less control) & light
(but somewhat fragile) all of which adds up to a very comfortable craft for
gentle waters that requires little skill to pilot and none to enjoy.

(The above characterizations are those of a Paddlewiser who back channeled
me a while ago -- he remains anonymous since I have not asked his
permission to post his comments.).

<SNIP>



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