[Paddlewise] 6 Months in a Leaky Boat

On occasions I have admired Doug Lloyd's paddling prowess. On occasions I
have speculated on his judgment. On this occasion I question his probity.
I rarely post to Paddlewise. I enjoy and learn from reading the diverse
discussions, but as a passionate paddler who is very involved in the
kayaking industry I try to remain objective and refrain from partisan
postings. It therefore saddens me that the Irwin brothers tremendous
paddling achievement has been debased by Doug Lloyd's fallacious reporting.
Garth and Kevin used exceptional kayaks for their expedition. Garth used a
Current Designs `Expedition'. I'm positive it served him well, it's a sea
friendly kayak with great gear carrying capacity. A friend of mine paddled
one in his successful circumnavigation of Vancouver Island in 2002. I worked
for Brian Henry - the founder of Current Designs - for a few years and know
the quality, finish and integrity of Current Design kayaks. Kevin used a
Seaward `Quest' for the trip. The Quest is another awesome kayak. It's
ideally suited for expeditions. As Seaward Kayaks is my current employer, I
also know the quality, strength and integrity of their kayaks. The
differences in manufacturing techniques between Current Designs and Seaward
is not a matter that I have ever discussed with Doug Lloyd, despite his
claim. "I do have insider information from someone who works for Seaward
that the lay-up schedule isn't as good as Current Designs". The
manufacturing techniques are different. Current Designs uses vacuum bagging
and `H' channel, Seaward kayaks are handcrafted with interior and exterior
fiber glass seams.
I haven't spoken to either Garth or Kevin, but some of my colleagues at
Seaward report that Kevin received no sponsorship from Seaward kayaks. They
also report that Kevin was extremely pleased with the performance, handling,
strength and integrity of his Quest and he doubted that any other kayak
would have withstood the rigors of his paddling. (I understand he's a great
explorer of rock gardens!) The Sales Manager at Seaward is presently trying
to arrange economical shipment of Kevin's Quest to New Zealand. He loves his
kayak so much he wishes to keep it.
Paddlewise is a forum for paddlers. I quickly learned, in a former career as
a journalist, to verify all my facts. No editor would ever let me submit any
article which contained assumptions or innuendoes. As I was reminded, to
assume makes an `ASS' out of `U' and `ME'. Paddlewise is an informative and
often authoritative forum, therefore I cannot accept sloppiness from a
person who claims to be an objective journalist. Especially when he uses the
excuse, "Where I strayed was juxtaposing this with my personal conclusions
about the Quest's lay-up -- but that is more an issue of poor wordsmithing
that false reportage." I strongly disagree. I, most certainly, will never
take Doug Lloyd's reportage seriously again, unfortunately the forums and
publications for which he writes will also suffer credibility.

c. banner
Thetis Island. B.C.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************