Peter, If there was something about waves that reduced drag on the hull then you would expect the same conditions that let you paddle the SOT as fast as the other kayaks would also make the other kayaks faster so you would then not be able to keep on in the SOT. Unless you are going the same direction as the waves (i.e. occasionally surfing) the waves are going to increase drag on the boat. However, this effect will be more pronounced on some hull shapes than others. So it is possible that the SOT is not slowed down as much as another boat in certain conditions. I suspect the reason boats feel more sluggish on flat water is the lack of reference points for speed. In rough water there are always new waves approaching so even if you are dead in the water you get the illusion of motion. I'm sure many people have spent time paddling against a head wind and felt like they are doing OK until the look at a landmark only to find it hasn't moved. Nick On May 21, 2004, at 5:56 AM, PeterO wrote: > Michael wrote: - >> It definitely does if there is no wind and waves. >> I always feel sluggish in such conditions, even >> though I know it's an illusion. > What is happening to the wave energy in a slightly choppy sea (not a > following sea)? Is it possible that waves of a certain height and > period > reduce the drag on a hull? > <snip> > I hesitate to quote experiences in a kayak as they have no validity in > a > technical explanation! But of course I'm going to:~) Anyway I notice in > slightly choppy water I can readily paddle a sit on top, as fast as the > fastest sea kayak we have over here. > > The fastest sea kayak we have in Australia is something called a > Mirage - > ironic name considering the nature of my question! Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 824 Thompson St Glastonbury, CT 06033 USA Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847 http://www.guillemot-kayaks.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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri May 21 2004 - 09:41:13 PDT
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