[Paddlewise] Rec Boats

----- Original Message ----- 


> The recreational boats are in a lesser class, and do not belong on exposed


> waters ... unless one likes swimming [grin].


> Dave Kruger











I sometimes think rec boats don't get their proper respect. I know I didn't


realize how much I enjoyed my OT Loon 160T until I got a "real" kayak (QCC


500xl). While I've only been paddling a year, I've paddled my Loon out in


the ocean of Orange County, CA in the same conditions that I've been in with


my QCC and the only difference is I don't need a paddle float or bracing


strokes when I'm in my Loon. I have dry bags filled with MT 2 liter soda


bottles for flotation and I made a half skirt for paddling solo, the


advantages of an eight foot cockpit. I imagine ocean conditions around here


are a little more tame than other areas; I don't take it out when there are


large breaking swells, but I've landed it on the beach at Laguna while


paddling double. I've even taken it out a couple of times right after a


storm in probably 8+ swells and lived to tell about it. I admit though, I


don't mind the idea of swimming. I just have had a lot of fun in it, no


rudder, solo or double. I still feel a lot more comfortable in it than my


QCC, but it's just too heavy to carry and paddle all the time. Like most


kayaks, I still think your safety is more a function of your ability than


your boat.  


Mark Sanders



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