Re: [Paddlewise] (Un)Stability

Dirk wrote:
>when it comes to kayaks or canoes,
> . . . they are in fact unstable, except when
> sufficiently ballasted, sponsoond or unpractical 'wide'.
> Something that the 'layman' will know/recognize very well,<

Dirk's point is well taken and moves the discussion beyond the technical
measurement of stability (resistance to rotation) to the overall stability
created by boat and paddler together.  While initial stability allows one to
rely on the boat as a stable platform on which to rest or take pictures,
etc.in relatively calm conditions, and secondary stability provides a
warning that full rotation is about to occur, it is ultimately the paddler
who must stay balanced and keep the kayak from full rotation.

Having started with the Folbot Super 40 years ago and later worked my way
through a Chinook to an Arctic Hawk, I have observed this.  The Folbot, at
36" wide, had great initial and secondary stability and required little or
nothing from the paddler in all but the most challenging conditions.  The
Chinook was (initially) stable on flatwater and had good secondary stability
in moderate waves, requiring more balance of the paddler, but not that much.
When I shifted to the comparatively narrow, hard-chined Arctic Hawk, the
initial stability was so lacking that I did nothing but wiggle back and
forth -- terribly disconcerting and, at times, downright frightening.  The
secondary stability was terrific, but only if I was sufficiently balanced to
make use of it.

Then I learned something:  With its excellent secondary stability, the boat
would not roll unless I lost MY balance.  As long as I had a paddle in the
water and was either paddling or bracing, it made little difference what the
boat was doing.  Eventually I became comfortable with the Arctic Hawk, and
in most conditions today, I wonder why I ever thought it tippy.  But in big
seas, especially with cross chop, I still take a minute to stop and think:
As long as "I" stay upright, the boat will do just fine.

Dirk's comments are right on.  Paddling a kayak is like riding a horse --
once you learn to go with the motion of the boat you don't notice the lack
of initial stability nor worry about the secondary stability.  You learn to
keep yourself balanced while your conveyance does its own thing.

Rick


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