RE: [Paddlewise] Khatsalano kayak: personal experience

I'd like to emphasize certain issues in what I wrote:

1. My experience was indeed very limited (not more than 1 hour of playing,
surfing and paddling together in this kayak).
2. The construction of particular kayak is very important. I can't say
anything about what I didn't try. It could be better, but unfortunately I
can't test it.
3. My skills are limited and the conclusion was only mine.
4. Kayak is a very personal issue. There's no black and white, I agree. I
didn't like Khatsalano-S behavior, others can think differently. It also
doesn't mean others are less experienced than me. I've got zero diplomatic
skills, sorry if anybody got offended. I really didn't mean. It can be
probably offensive for people who love this kayak and invested bunch of
money in it. Sorry.
5. I didn't say it is impossible to roll Khatsalano-S. IT IS POSSIBLE, but I
felt it was definitely less smooth than rolling other kayaks. For my wife it
was much harder. And she's not bad kayaker, she's 4 stars BCU. But again,
everything is relative.
6. I can believe it is possible to use Khatsalano-S in extreme conditions
(if you solve the leaking problems). The key question is: how does the kayak
behave in rough sea RELATIVELY to other kayaks. You know very well that one
can survive rough sea on a car tire, but it's not what it was built for.
7. About oranges and other fruits: indeed, I compared folding Khatsalano-S
to hardshell kayaks. But that's exactly what I wanted to check! I don't like
boats, nor yachts, nor canoes, and nor catamarans. I chose kayaking because
I love kayaking. And kayaking for me is not only paddling. And there's
nothing bad if somebody prefers to stay dry in a kayak. It's just a question
of what you love.

:-)

Michael Hoichman
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************