> .... We had feathercrafts, so we > weren't worried about capsizing in calm weather (or getting back in > the boat if we did). >Why is it that feathercrafts are thought not to capsize? I've heard it >from someone wanting to go on a trip of mine, who had no experience in >wet exit or recovery, who said it was OK 'cause she just got a >feathercraft. Ho, ho, ho...this is definitely a myth. I capsized my K-Light on the very first outing by pulling too hard on one side, and on my very first day-trip in NY Harbor found myself with nasty Hudson River water running up my nostrils courtesy of NY Waterways. I have personally seen K-Light's and Kahuna's capsized by moderate-sized wind waves combined with nervous and inexperienced paddlers, and I've heard of an experienced paddler receiving a dunking after being blind-sided by a 6-foot "mystery," wave. I now have a Kahuna which definitely feels very stable, no doubt due to beam/sponsons. It also has great secondary stability and has yet to give me a swimming lesson. But I wouldn't delude myself into thinking it couldn't capsize. I hope other Feathercraft paddlers don't either. It certainly is no excuse for skipping the skills training. Most paddlers aren't worried about capsizing in calm weather, but since when can that be guarenteed? Sincerely, Jeff jkayak_at_sopoint.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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