RE: [Paddlewise] Loading & handling

> From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
> Date: 2/22/2003 4:14:03
> Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Loading & handling
>
> I apologize to Mark for the "Read the Directions" comment. I meant no
> offense by it. 
>

My apologies also to Matt.

It was a long day and I over reacted. He just hit one of my buttons.

For what its worth: 

Matt's "shifting some of the water further back" idea did help.

The test paddle I did showed that it was almost exactly a 2:1 weight ratio
that produced the best handling.

I took a fresh look at how I was packing and found a few items that I could
switch between front and back that both increased weight in the rear and
reduced weight in the front. With that adjustment I was able to keep the
initial loading rear heavy (around the 2:1 ratio I had before) even with a
little water in front of my feet.  With less starting weight in the front
and more weight loss from the front (from water consumed) it looks like I
can stay near that 2:1 ratio for all the days I paddle without having to
refill water bottles with sea water or even rearrange any gear. 
 

--- Mark Arnold
--- mjamja_at_earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.






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