Re: [Paddlewise] How far is average for a Rec boat...

At 10:59 PM 5/12/02 -0400, Al Vazquez wrote:
>"Richard L. Casale" wrote:
>
> > My question to you experienced paddlers is, how far do you often go 
> when you
> > are out for a casual (or even serious) paddling session?
>
>Richard,
>
>As you probably suspect, a lot depends on wind, waves, current, as well as air
>temperature and humidity. But here are some of my experiences.
>
>A "decent rec boat" about 16 feet in length with a decent paddler can cover 20
>to 25 miles a day under  "good" conditions.

IMHO, "rec boat" and "16 feet in length" are mutually exclusive.  Once a 
boat achieves a length of more than 15' or so, I think it's gone beyond the 
"rec" boat class...although it might be entertaining to see someone that 
thought they were getting into a "rec boat" try a Foster Rowe Rumour (which 
is 16' long).


>That pace may be hard to maintain
>consistently over a number of days, however, even under ongoing "good"
>conditions. With waves or wind against you on a hot, humid day, or a very cold
>day, you might only make 6 or 8 miles a day. A friend of mine did 40 miles in
>one day with very favorable wind and current on a long expedition.

A couple of seasons ago four friends of mine did about 40 miles in one 
day.  It was likely a bit more than that as they paddled from the north end 
of the local lake to the south end and crossed it twice along with 
way.  For the first 6-8 miles or so I was told that the conditions were the 
roughest a couple of them had ever paddled.  It took them about 12 hours to 
complete the trip.

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