Re: [Paddlewise] A Can of Worms: Flags don't predict performance

At 08:40 AM 5/15/00 -0400, Nick Schade wrote:
>I need to chime-in in disagreement with the generalizations. Each boat
>needs to be evaluated on its own. There is no performance criteria that can
>be accurately predicted by looking at the flag decal on a kayak. There are
>stable and slow British kayaks. There are tippy and fast North American
>boats. There are British boats perceived as rugged which are very poorly
>built. There are rugged N American boats.

Ah, but the one place where Brit boats are undeniably superior is CHARISMA.

Let's be honest. Take the Nordkapp, for example. This is an old design that
many people will admit has some deficiencies compared to more modern boats
-- even Doug has modified his to the point where it's scarcely
recognisible. But pull into a parking lot full of kayakers with a Nordkapp
on top of your car and most people are going to think that you're a kayaker
that's a few cuts above the norm. That'll put those jokers with those
plastic boats in their place! ;-)

What's more important -- form or substance?

-- Wes

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