From: "Michael Orchard" <mspadorchard_at_attbi.com> > All this talk of ballast and sponsoons... all may do as designed, but the > product mounted on a boat would not end up being what to me is a kayak... > > Apparrent simplicity...and beauty is in the simplicity of design, and > therefore much more interesting to operate, and less likely to malfunction. All true, but it leaves many paddlers with no options if they end up in the water. Since rolls and such are limited to the minority, stabilization aids are necessary for the others. Paddling only in groups with knowledge and practice in assisted rescues would suffice, it doesn't address the paddler that gets separated from the group or those who like a solo paddle. I find sponsons interesting, but would never use them myself. I know that I can roll or rely on a paddlefloat (in my hand if not on a paddle). Nonetheless, they are an option for others. I think the exercise suggested by Nick of optimizing the sponson is a good one and if better sponsons result, someone will benefit. The trick is getting someone to take the ideas and run with them. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Dec 30 2001 - 09:31:36 PST
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