Re: [Paddlewise] Khatsalano kayak: personal experience

Thought I'd add my two cents since I've paddled my
Khats-S a lot in the surf.  For background, I'm
completely self taught and consider myself competent,
safe and smart paddler.  I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs and have
been paddling for 12 years.

> 1. Slow (comparing to the greenlander-style boats).

I've never had a problem keeping up with others in
mine (whether I'm paddling with my stick or Euro
paddle), but it will never be as fast my skin on frame
with a 19" beam.

> 2. Rolling: I needed to use quite aggressive
> high-brace at the end of the roll. 

I got into the whole Greenland style of paddling two
years ago.  I haven't had a problem switching between
my two kayaks to perform Greenland style rolls (both
layback and those that require a more aggressive hip
snap).  I actually think sculling the Khats is easier
b/c the inflatable sponson likes to keep the boat on
its side and not upside down.

> 3. The sitting inside is very uncomfortable, the sea
> sock is probably the
> only solution for the folding kayaks, but it is very
> inconvenient.

Granted, the sea sock takes a little while to get used
 too, but this boat is by far and away more
comfortable than my sof, or my wife's stripper.  I
spent 8 hours in it on my last paddle without getting
out and had no tingling problems.

> 4. The surfing was bad: the kayak dangerously bended
> after taking a moderate
> breaking wave (~1.5 meter) . . .

I flew with the Khats to FL. and took the boat out in
6 - 8 ft. surf.  I had a great day in the Khats,
caught some nice long rides, nailed a few combat rolls
in the surf zone, and missed a couple too.  I managed
to pitch pole the Khats bow to stern into the sand on
too steep of a wave.  Paddled in afterwards, inspected
the boat, and it was fine.  Wanted to take the boat
while a Nor'easter blew through Delaware the other
weekend, but I didn't have any cold water gear or
rescue equipment.  Maybe another day.  

I was nothing less than amazed at the punishment the
Khats took.  I didn't expect it to handle the abuse 
so well.

> 5. The rudder accidentally opened and bended during
> surfing.

Amen.  I hate the rudder.  Tried it once, never used
it again.  Let my wive try it a month ago while
paddling in a stiff breeze and the pedals slipped out
of her reach and even came off track completely. 
Needless to say, now she's lopsided from only paddling
on one side.  

> 6. The stern hatch accidentally opened during
> surfing, and the water started
> entering the kayak.

Haven't had that problem, yet. . . 

> 7. Any change in kayak load (even small amount of
> water) changed its
> behavior. It could be difficult to predict its
> behavior in trips (where the
> weight can be changed).

Never had the fortune to go on an extended trip, but I
wouldn't doubt it.  I think the boat behaves poorly in
a stiff breeze.

> 8. I was told that the kayak should be lifted by
> lifting both rear and front
> sides simultaneously. I can hardly imagine how
> should I land with the kayak
> during the trip (fully loaded). Should I ask 2 more
> people help me carrying
> it to the beach?

Yes, b/c that boat, well my boat, is heavier than a
Nordkapp( well over 60lbs. at least).  I've been over
this on the list before and won't bore anyone again. 
I actually rest the thigh brace on my shoulder and
carry it--no damage yet.

> 9. Rescue: how exactly can you risqué a Khatsalano
> with help of another
> kayak? You can't lift it, right? You have two
> choices: get the sea sock out
> of the kayak and empty it, or use a pump. Remember
> that you really need a
> risqué only in rough conditions where you can't
> exactly use the pump. Also
> pulling a sea sock doesn't seem to be a good idea:
> the kayak will be flooded
> with the first wave.

Never had a durability with regard to rescues.

I really like my Khats-S.  A lot of people look down
on the -S version.  My first choice would have been
the regular, but heck, my wive gave it too me as a
surprise, so who am I to complain?!?  It's a nice
change of pace from my more demanding skin on frame. 
Anyways, there's a boat out there for everyone.  Maybe
the Khats isn't perfect, but I love it nonetheless.

Lew Crenshaw



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