[Paddlewise] Baffin Island Incident

Doug,
I read with interest your Baffin Island Incident article in the July SK.  As
a Solstice GTS paddler I noted that all 4 of the paddlers were in Solstices,
although you did not mention the model.  But the point that interested me
was that a proximate cause of the fatalies was the difficulty turning into
the wind.  I find the GTS superb in windy conditions but it does take some
strength and technique to turn it.  For example, In 15 kts my inexperienced
sister-in-law was unable to turn it up wind at all.  You also made the
correct point about the rudder hindering this change of direction.  In winds
greater than 20 kts I generally raise the rudder if I want to do a 90 deg
turn.  Once there course is easy to hold with or without the rudder, even in
those winds.  The rudder is basically an energy saving device on long
straight runs.

But from a safety point of view it is imperative that a paddler be able to
control the boats direction in any expected wind.  Therefore a Solstice GTS
would be a dangerous boat to have for a moderate strength woman weighing
less than say 130 lbs.  I don't think that the suitability match of boat to
person is sufficiently emphasized in safety discussions.

Jerry

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