What are the benefits/detriments of an ocean cockpit vs. a keyhole cockpit? The ocean cockpit will be more difficult to get in and out --- often sliding in and out straight-legged from a seated position on the back deck (but, for me entering and exiting my Pintail requires slight hyperextension). However, for bracing and rolling and general klutzing around, you will never get thrown out or fall out. Takes a little work even underwater (but not much). A keyhole cockpit is very easy to get in and out of the kayak, but, in my Pax 18 with its monster keyhole, I fall out all the time -- although I'm installing a set of whitewater knee/thigh/hip braces that should do the trick. And make it harder to get in and out. Note: if/when you're in big surf -- especially the garbagey dumping stuff we get out on our bit of the Atlantic -- there is a distinct advantage in being able to get out quickly. Like before the next garbagey dumper lands straight down on you. Personal preference is for less cockpit, more deck. Ocean is neat. Jack Martin .. as I recall, a Pintail, Pax 18, North Bay and some other stuff back there that's even dustier than the above. I have pictures somewhere ... *************************************************************************** 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 Mon Feb 11 2002 - 16:22:51 PST
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