PaddleWise by thread

From: sluf <KMKenney_at_prodigy.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 12:28:19 -0400
Hi All,
   Just returned from a six month cruise aboard an Aircraft Carrier
doing the Iraqi thing, and finally had a chance to put together and
paddle my new Feathercraft Kahuna. May have already been done to death,
but I thought I'd share my initial thoughts about the boat now that I
finally have had a chance to use it.
   First, many thanks to Ralph Diaz for taking some of his valuable time
to e-mail me with his thoughts about upgrading from a K-light to the
newer Kahuna. I know he's way busy, but he still managed to answer my
questions and send encouragement. He's a true Gentleman in every sense
of the word.
   Also, thanks to Lyle from Folding Kayak Adventures for the
understanding and quick shipping of the kayak. Doing business from 8,000
miles away can be trying at best, but he and his folks bent over
backwards to help make the sale easy.
   OK, so is the Kahuna a better boat than the K-light? My thoughts are
yes, for most things. It was definitely worth the upgrade in my mind. My
K-light was one of the older nylon and Hypalon ones, and even with the
best seam sealing I could do, it still leaked a bit. The Kahuna is made
with the newer "Sealskin" welded skin and is completely waterproof which
is nice. The other thing I noticed is that my K-light skin seemed to
shrink over time if I hadn't put the boat together in a while, making
the assembly harder. The Kahuna, at least right out of the box, fit
perfectly. I expected the first time assembly to be difficult, but it
was a snap.
The K-light was pretty easy to put together, and even taking my time
would usually take no more than 30 minutes to assemble. Ralph had said
that the Kahuna would take a bit longer, but I didn't notice any extra
time. The longer frame halves are a bit more finicky to get aligned
inside the skin correctly, but not a whole bunch harder. I really like
the extension method used in the Kahuna. In the K-light I had to put two
tube ends together, align them, then slide a sleeve over the join to
stabilize it. I always found this step to be hard to complete, and
usually it got me swearing pretty good. The Kahuna uses a sliding
assembly and pop up buttons to stabilize. You basically lever the two
pieces out and a button pops up when it is at the right length. Very
easy to do, and it makes the kayak much more rigid both longitudinally
and laterally. The boat still flexes in the water, but considering it is
2 feet longer than the K-light, it really felt more solid to me. When I
put it on top of my car and cinched down the fore and aft tie-downs I
had to be careful, because the Kahuna is so stiff.  The K-light started
to bend at each end pretty quick, so I really wouldn't have been able to
over tighten the straps on it.
While assembling the Kahuna there are lots of little things that just
make the assembly easier, such as the clips that allow tightening the
frame members to the skin. On the K-light you had to thread straps
though buckles, but here it's just clicking the clips together and then
cinching down the strap very elegant and quick. Feathercraft hasn't
fixed the pedal droop problem, where the pedals rotate down over time,
but my fix from the K-light (drilling a hole in the pedal tip and
looping cord over the chine bar) worked fine in the Kahuna as well.
The Kahuna feels faster than the K-light, but since 6 months of no
paddling, I can't really tell for sure, as I'm nowhere near my top speed
right now. The Kahuna tracks well, but so did my K-light. The Kahuna
didn't exhibit any tail wag when I really started stroking, like the
K-light sometimes did, but again I doubt my paddling strength is where
it was before I left on cruise. The K-light is more maneuverable, pretty
much turning on a dime. The Kahuna takes longer, but does not feel
cumbersome, it's just isn't as nimble as the shorter K-light. I was
amazed at the fact that the Kahuna, even though it's a bigger boat,
pretty much feels like it weighs the same as the K-light did. I guess
the new materials are really that much lighter.
I also got the upgraded expedition seat, and here is an area where the
Kahuna is much better than the K-light. That new seat is great! Very
comfortable and solid. I'm glad I asked for it.
So overall I am glad I upgraded. I will sure miss my old red K-light, it
was a great, fun boat to paddle. I'm sure that my new Kahuna will soon
take its place in my heart. I already can't wait to take it back out
again.
 
Regards,
Kevin

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 08:06:22 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "sluf" <KMKenney_at_prodigy.net>

> Hi All,
>    Just returned from a six month cruise aboard an Aircraft Carrier
> doing the Iraqi thing, and finally had a chance to put together and
> paddle my new Feathercraft Kahuna. May have already been done to death,
> but I thought I'd share my initial thoughts about the boat now that I
> finally have had a chance to use it.
>    First, many thanks to Ralph Diaz for taking some of his valuable time
> to e-mail me with his thoughts about upgrading from a K-light to the
> newer Kahuna. I know he's way busy, but he still managed to answer my
> questions and send encouragement. He's a true Gentleman in every sense
> of the word.

Thanks for your very kind words.  When I received your earlier email with
questions while you were in theatre aboard ship, you could be sure I would
drop everything to respond as quickly as I could for someone serving in
harm's way.  Thank you for your service, CDR Kenney.


> The K-light was pretty easy to put together, and even taking my time
> would usually take no more than 30 minutes to assemble. Ralph had said
> that the Kahuna would take a bit longer, but I didn't notice any extra
> time. The longer frame halves are a bit more finicky to get aligned
> inside the skin correctly, but not a whole bunch harder. I really like
> the extension method used in the Kahuna. In the K-light I had to put two
> tube ends together, align them, then slide a sleeve over the join to
> stabilize it. I always found this step to be hard to complete, and
> usually it got me swearing pretty good.

I never had a problem with that particular step in the K-Light because I
developed the knack with working with so many different ones I saw over the
years either sent by the company to look at or in helping many individuals I
ran into who were vexed with that assembly task.  When I reviewed the Kahuna
in my newsletter a few years back, I made a point of saying that those who
had that knack with the K-Light would see slightly increased assembly times
in the Kahuna while those who had problems with that step in the K-Light
would find the Kahuna assembly easier because it is straightforward.  So,
the Kahuna is an "equalizer" of sorts in terms of assembly times.

Good luck with your Kahuna

ralph diaz--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Rev. Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 09:04:36 -0800
Ralph responded to Kevin....
you could be sure I would
>drop everything to respond as quickly as I could for someone serving in
>harm's way.  Thank you for your service, CDR Kenney.
>
Ralph
We also hope and pray your son have been kept safe during his tour in Iraq.
Please thank him for his dedication to our country.
Bob
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 14:37:30 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rev. Bob Carter" <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net>
To: "paddlewise" <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 1:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna


> Ralph responded to Kevin....
> you could be sure I would
> >drop everything to respond as quickly as I could for someone serving in
> >harm's way.  Thank you for your service, CDR Kenney.
> >
> Ralph
> We also hope and pray your son have been kept safe during his tour in
Iraq.
> Please thank him for his dedication to our country.
> Bob

As it turned out, his division, the First Cavalry, which officially received
depolyment orders was kept in Texas while the other division (4th Infantry)
from the same base, Fort Hood, waited to go through Turkey and then wound up
going instead to Kuwait and then into Iraq.  By the time the First Cavalry
was to send its gear to ports in Texas and load themselves on to planes,
organized combat was over. So the First Cavalry was stood down from those
deployment orders.  Thank you for your kind thoughts.

ralph

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 17:53:17 -0700
> the extension method used in the Kahuna. In the K-light I had to put two
> tube ends together, align them, then slide a sleeve over the join to
> stabilize it. I always found this step to be hard to complete, and
> usually it got me swearing pretty good.

Didn't have a K-light but this sounds familiar - same swearing and sweating
tube-alignment system as it was in my already sold Russian Ladoga kayak. May
be Ladoga was even harder.

> Feathercraft hasn't
> fixed the pedal droop problem, where the pedals rotate down over time,
> but my fix from the K-light (drilling a hole in the pedal tip and
> looping cord over the chine bar) worked fine in the Kahuna as well.

Good tip for me.  I would be interested to hear if anybody fixed a
drop-forward problem of Feathercaft pedals.  May be starps were not tight
enough, but one pedal slided forward out of the rail.  As a result, rudder
cable got caught in the V-block (blade support) at the stern.  I had to
"land" in a 3-ft deep water near some shore cliff to fix it.

> Kahuna, even though it's a bigger boat,
> pretty much feels like it weighs the same as the K-light did.

It does weigh the same.  I think due to lighter urethane hull isntead of
hypalon.
Alex.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 19:42:42 +1000
Kevin wrote: -
> finally had a chance to put together and
> paddle my new Feathercraft Kahuna. May
> have already been done to death, but I
> thought I'd share my initial thoughts
> about the boat now that I finally have
> had a chance to use it.

G'Day Kevin and Paddlewise,

That was a very useful description of assembly, thanks. Any comments on
drying times and conditions. Could it be dried in a hotel room in a day?

I'm very interested in the Kahuna as my greatly loved Klepper is not quite
portable enough to take away on business trips, which occasionally have
weekend paddling opportunities. Another thing I'ld like to know is whether
the Kahuna is suitable for choppy conditions at sea (1m to 2m sea - 15 to 20
knot winds - 2m to 4m swell). I'm not sure how practical it is to evaluate a
boat in those terms but would be very interested to hear of peoples
experience.

All the best, PeterO


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Kirby Stevens <K_Stevens_at_telus.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 08:14:38 -0700
[Moderator's Note: Content unaltered. Excessive quoting (i.e.  headers/footers/sig lines/extraneous text from previous posts, etc.) have been removed. Please edit quoted material in addition to removing header/trailers when replying to posts.]

Thanks  everyone for their comments.   I have been monitoring the discussion
on the kahuna as I am considering purchasing one.   I will be meeting with
Feathercraft tomorrow to see about buying a couple.    You know one for
Saturday and the other for Sunday.     One doesn't want to paddle a wet boat
the next day, do they?   hahahahahha

Thanks.

Kirby
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 13:15:52 -0700
> on the kahuna as I am considering purchasing one.   I will be meeting with
> Feathercraft tomorrow to see about buying a couple.    You know one for
> Saturday and the other for Sunday.     One doesn't want to paddle a wet
boat
> the next day, do they?   hahahahahha
>
> Thanks.
>
> Kirby


How about buying a couple more in different colours? Yellow one to
compensate for cloudy skies, olive if you just need to blend with
environment and contemplate, and red one if you have something to celebrate?
Alex.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 13:35:49 -0700
> Any comments on
> drying times and conditions. Could it be dried in a hotel room in a day?

Absolutely.  Won't take more than 5-8 hours at room tempreature. I put 2
large ribs inside (anything of that size will do), to keep the skin peaked
to let it dry from inside. No need to assemble the whole frame.

> Another thing I'ld like to know is whether
> the Kahuna is suitable for choppy conditions at sea (1m to 2m sea - 15 to
20
> knot winds - 2m to 4m swell).

Never paddled in such conditions so far, but Kahuna somewhat nosedives if
you load 25-35 lbs of gear in front section.  Sprayskirt helps a lot,
though.

Alex.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: sluf <KMKenney_at_prodigy.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 18:54:01 -0400
Hi all,
  Well as for the drying times, the K-light always dried well inside a
small room in about 8 hours, and the Kahuna is infinitely drier inside,
and the skin has low hygroscopicity (tendency to absorb water-- you can
look it up :)
So I bet it dries faster. In the florida sun outside, mine dried in
about 45 minutes.
  As for the conditions you mentioned, I have paddled my K-light in
similar conditions just offshore from San Diego Bay. I can't say I was
entirely comfortable due to the short length of the boat, but I did
manage to get back in one piece. Would I recommend it? Probably not, but
you could use it that way and survive. I'm sure others have more
experience with such conditions than I do. The wind really hasn't been
an issue, as the K-light never really weather cocked much, and I would
assume the Kahuna exhibits similar tendencies (It seemed more difficult
to turn, so I would guess would be even less affected by wind-- just a
guess though.)

Regards,
Kevin


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 20:23:45 +1000
G'day,

Thanks everyone for the information on drying a Kahuna and your experience
of its performance at sea. It takes me up to three days to dry the Klepper,
so the Kahuna seems ideal in this regard as well as for its portability - on
the other hand I know a Klepper will stand up to conditions I never want to
be in. The Kahuna sounds as if it's close to its limit in sea conditions
which are close to my limit as well - perhaps not much margin for error
there.

By the way I can roll a Klepper but certainly not with Dubside's finesse as
Ralph describes - just your very average Pawlatta roll - it wasn't any
harder than rolling a hardshell once I got my knees locked in, which I think
means you have to be the right shape to roll it. Presume similar
consideration applies to the Kahuna.

Guess its time to go prospecting for gold, so I can afford a nice dry Sunday
best boat as well. But it would have to be black with white trim! And a
fleece lined seat.

All the best, PeterO


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Jeff <jkayak_at_sopoint.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 19:53:04 -0400
Kevin,

I've had a Kahuna for a little over a year after owning a K-Light for two. I
would concur on your observations about the improvements (although I had the
welded Sealskin K-Light which was also dry). I feel it's definitely a faster
boat and more stable in following seas. The clips are great "assembly-rage"
prevention devices!
 
> The other thing I noticed is that my K-light skin seemed to
> shrink over time if I hadn't put the boat together in a while, making
> the assembly harder.

This will also happen to the Kahuna after long storage or too much sunlight.
However, it's not really a problem. Wet the skin before assembly and it will
stretch as you lever the keel.

As for the foot pegs sliding down, I have placed rubber o-rings on the bow
chine tubes to provide greater friction against the skin. This will also
keep the foot-pegs in place.

I can also recommend the Feathercraft hip-fit kit for more "feel,"and maybe
padding the front crossrib with foam to minimize the pressure and scraping
on the shins. 

Happy paddling,
Jeff

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Jeff <jkayak_at_sopoint.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 21:14:22 -0400
> May be starps were not tight
> enough, but one pedal slided forward out of the rail

Best practice is to make certain that the foot pedal screw is pushed up
against one of the bolts on the rail. This prevents it from sliding even if
it becomes a little loose.

>Any comments on drying times and conditions. Could it be dried in a hotel room
>in a day

I concur with Alex about the rapidity of drying. I also carry a large towel
for swabbing the excess water from the inside to speed the drying. Even
after long wet rides, the Kahuna is relatively dry inside (using the
sea-sock). In the sunlight, the outside will dry in less than an hour.

>Another thing I'ld like to know is whether the Kahuna is suitable for choppy
>conditions at sea (1m to 2m sea - 15 to 20 knot winds - 2m to 4m swell).

I don't know about the Kahuna, but I'm not suitable for 4m swell! I would
guess a more accomplished paddler could manage. I've seen 1-1.5 m seas and 2
m Ferry wakes along with lots of diverging chop, standing waves, tricky
tidal currents, etc., in NY harbor and environs. For these conditions, it is
very confidence inspiring. Following seas are less copascetic. Although it's
better than the K-Light in this regard, it has broaching tendencies. The
Kahuna will definitely weather-cock in 20+ Kt winds, but it is controllable.
I've experienced I would guess 30-35 kt winds without disaster. BTW...I
don't use a rudder.

As for the colors: Red is best on Saturday (especially if you're single).
With luck, you won't need a kayak for Sunday...

What I'd like to know is: Can anyone on the list roll a Kahuna?

Rgds,
Jeff

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 21:38:33 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff" <jkayak_at_sopoint.com>
>
> What I'd like to know is: Can anyone on the list roll a Kahuna?

I doubt that he is on the list because I don't even know if he has a phone
but Dubside from Philadelphia was at the NY Kayak Shop two weeks ago and did
about15 different roles including nearly all if not all the ones that are
needed in the national championships in Greenland.  I watched him learn with
his K-Light at St. Joseph's Univ. pool in sessions run by Anorak and the
Philadelphia Canoe Club (I learned on a hardshell.  Given my reputation as a
folding kayak guru and penchant for "folding kayak uber alles", I wore a
Groucho Mark mask that kept slipping off :-).  He then got a Kahuna and fell
into clutches of a den of NJ Greenlanders, attended the Greenland oriented
Delmarva Paddlers Retreat and under the influence of real Greelanders and
just rolled and rolled including several types of handrolls.

I have seen others do several different types of rolls with the K-Light but
not the wide array that Dubside has perfected.   But the others rolling the
K-Light were not familiar with the boat, i.e. it wasn't theirs.

ralph diaz

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Emile Zen <emilezen_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 04:09:21 -0700 (PDT)
ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> wrote:
Dubside from Philadelphia was at the NY Kayak Shop two weeks ago and did
about15 different roles

Ralph, et al:

Do you know if the sponsons were fully inflated?  I'm wondering if it would be better (for learning or demonstration purposes) NOT to have them fully inflated.  Is there a risk that the skin will slip out of the coming?

I am still learning, but have managed a few brace rolls with an extended Greenland paddle.  Seems like it would be easier without inflating the sponsons.  (And that's not intended to downplay Dubside's remarkable accomplishments, but maybe to boost my fledgling aspirations.)

Emile



---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM).
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 08:45:55 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "Emile Zen" <emilezen_at_yahoo.com>

> ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> wrote:
> Dubside from Philadelphia was at the NY Kayak Shop two weeks ago and did
> about15 different roles
>
> Ralph, et al:
>
> Do you know if the sponsons were fully inflated?  I'm wondering if it
would be better (for learning or demonstration purposes) NOT to have them
fully inflated.  Is there a risk that the skin will slip out of the coming?

The sponsons were fully inflated.  Given the colder temperatures of the
water vs the air at the time, the sponsons would have deflated some when in
contact with the water.  But Dubside does all his rolling tricks even in the
summer in New Jersey waters that probably hit 75 to 80 degrees, so sponsons
are definitely not inflated.  I don't believe the coaming on the Kahuna and
K-Light will come off nowadays.  The connection is much more positive in
that area than it was previous to about 1995 or 1996 when they made changes.
The skin beaded hem that fits into the groove in the coaming has been
greatly improved.  Years ago, the coaming conceivably might have come off
under the body contortions of rolling but not now.

ralph

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 09:45:10 -0700
>
> I'm wondering if it would be better (for learning or demonstration
purposes) NOT to have them fully inflated.  Is there a risk that the skin
will slip out of the coming?
>

I didn't try to roll, but coamig come off on two short trips.  I think I
tucked it pretty accurate at the beginning. I had to stop and tuck it back
again (deflating sponsons for this purpose).  It didn't come off for a
second time. Mine Kahuna has Big version of cockpit, though. According to
spevs inner cockpit size is 32"x16".  In reality it's 33"x17" inmy boat,
i.e. longer and narrower.  Can it be this discrepancy to blaim?  Skin is
tensioned pretty tight - aft extension bars on the 3rd hole (longest),
cockpit bars - on the 1st hole (just can't extend it to the 2nd, too tight).
Alex.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: Jeff <jkayak_at_sopoint.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 17:05:02 -0400
Ralph, 
 
Thanks for the info. I must have come to the NY Kayak paddlefest a little
late. Most unfortunate as I would like to have seen for myself. I have found
the Kahuna very difficult to capsize, so I assumed it would be as difficult
to roll up. Hmmm...a den of NJ Greenlanders, sounds ominous! I hope rolling
under the influence of Greenlanders is not a ticketable offense.

Jeff

> From: "ralph diaz" <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeff" <jkayak_at_sopoint.com>
>> 
>> What I'd like to know is: Can anyone on the list roll a Kahuna?
> 
> I doubt that he is on the list because I don't even know if he has a phone
> but Dubside from Philadelphia was at the NY Kayak Shop two weeks ago and did
> about15 different roles including nearly all if not all the ones that are
> needed in the national championships in Greenland.  I watched him learn with
> his K-Light at St. Joseph's Univ. pool in sessions run by Anorak and the
> Philadelphia Canoe Club (I learned on a hardshell.  Given my reputation as a
> folding kayak guru and penchant for "folding kayak uber alles", I wore a
> Groucho Mark mask that kept slipping off :-).  He then got a Kahuna and fell
> into clutches of a den of NJ Greenlanders, attended the Greenland oriented
> Delmarva Paddlers Retreat and under the influence of real Greelanders and
> just rolled and rolled including several types of handrolls.
> 
> I have seen others do several different types of rolls with the K-Light but
> not the wide array that Dubside has perfected.   But the others rolling the
> K-Light were not familiar with the boat, i.e. it wasn't theirs.
> 
> ralph diaz

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna
Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 00:04:31 -0700
> Best practice is to make certain that the foot pedal screw is pushed up
> against one of the bolts on the rail. This prevents it from sliding even
if
> it becomes a little loose.
>

Jeff, I don't get it. Foot pedal screw acts like a brake - pedal won't slide
if I screw it too tight. Or, with incomplete tightening, it will slide in a
narrow space between 2 rivets on the rail (they are rivets).  But I was
thinking of adding a sort of stoppers at the fore ends of rails.  To remove
one rivet and screw in or rivet in something with higher head - may be with
a thick washer.
And regarding that previously mentioned straps hooked to pedals and sliding
along  stringer above, to prevent pedals rotation. I doubt I got it right.
(posting's been deleted).  Upper stringer is pressed tight against inflated
hull, nothing to slide on.
Alex.

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

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:34 PDT