Re: [Paddlewise] Mariner Kayaks (was: Why does rocker andcarving work?)

From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2001 15:42:57 -0500
Shawn Baker wrote:
> 
> >According to Matt [Broze], Mariner kayaks turn by being edged alone.  No
> >initiation required. Something about the asymmetric shape of the hull.
> 
> > Tilt right and the hull turns left and visa versa.
> 
> They do, they really do!  It's the craziest (but one of the neatest)
> things I've ever felt.  I borrowed a buddy's Mariner Max this summer,
> and simply paddled in a dead-straight line.  Lift the right knee, turn
> to the left.  Drop the knee, and heading straight again (on a new
> course).  Lift the left knee, and turn back onto the original heading.
> All without a single paddle stroke.  

That is a neat effect, but it's not limited to Mariners. I paddle my
Dagger Meridien through twisting marsh creeks by paddling straight ahead
and lifting my knees to turn. Works a treat. I find it helps to look
ahead through the turn, but that may be superstitious ;)

It's not limited to kayaks, either. Open canoes do the same trick.

What do you mean about the asymmetric shape of the hull? Almost every
kayak I've ever seen is asymmetric front-to-back and top-to-bottom. Are
Mariners asymmetric side-to-side?

-- 
Steve

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Received on Tue Dec 04 2001 - 13:49:55 PST

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