Re: [Paddlewise] sculling brace and day hatches

PeterO wrote:

One of my problems is that the blade tends to dive when using the power face
down on the water as the text books advocate. When using the power face
upwards, sculling seems much more stable as the blade tends to automatically
find the right planing angle.

Hi Peter,

I had a very strong sculling brace on my right side (control hand) but
couldn't manage it on the left. A visiting BCU Level 5 coach asked me to try
it with the back of the blade. Surprise, surprise, it worked. He pointed out
that showed the problem was I didn't have good enough control of my blade
angle using my left hand.

Since then I have noticed how much more accurate I am with strokes on my
right, and it is something I'm working on. I overcame the sculling brace
problem with a paddle float and an extended paddle. This allowed me to
ensure all other movements, body position etc. were correct. Once the blade
angle was the only problem I taped a block of closed cell foam on the BACK
of the blade. This meant I could plane the blade correctly, but it had
sufficient buoyancy to support me if needed. Not perfect yet, but working on
it.

On another subject, there has been discussion on the advantages of day
hatches over deck bags.

Here's my two cents.

On my Arluk 1.8 I have two net bags. The one behind my cockpit holds two
para flares, a paddle float, a stirrup, and secures the blades of my split
paddle. The front one holds a hand flare, water bottle, pump, sunscreen,
snacks, and a Nikonos 3. In the event of a surf landing my cap and
sunglasses quickly go in as well. During rescue training I go around and
gather up all the flotsam lost from under others deck bungys.

I've just returned from a paddle in my kevlar Nordkapp, which has a day
hatch. This boat has been in a state of repair since 1998, and I finally got
around to finishing it. The launch was last Sunday, and what a pleasure. The
kayak is bare, except for deck lines, and with no net bags every thing has
gone in the day hatch. Tried it out in a gentle SW (cold front, 15-20 kts),
and with care I could use the day hatch.

Today is a little different. The conditions are best described as
boisterous, and progress was challenging. Mind you, the surfing home was
great. Trouble was, I couldn't get at my water or food, and had I been
paddling for longer than the hour I was, this would have been a problem. I
probably could have opened my hatch, with care, but the waves breaking
around my waist would have immediately flooded the compartment. Carrying
safety gear like flares or a VHF in there would be madness, because if they
are needed then things are out of your control. This would not be a time for
careful balancing.

I will be putting net bags on the Nordkapp, and I would love a day hatch in
the Arluk. Both bags and hatches have their uses. The bags hold the stuff I
want to reach NOW, and the hatch holds things that would be good to have at
hand. An important difference.

Cheers

John Kirk-Anderson
Banks Peninsula
NEW ZEALAND













































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