Re: [Paddlewise] Mirage kayak - was Viscosity vs Verbosity

Kirk had posted:
>>>Embracing the antithesis of the Doug Lloyd 100 pound nordkapp
philosphies.<<<

I replied:
>> Ah yes, I know you like your disposable kayaks, Kirk. :-)<<

He then replied (snip):
>For those of us on some stretches of the north american east coast, our
rough water is your harbor chop.<

>We don't _need_ a bullet proof hull.<

Well, I don't absolutely _need_ bullet proof either, but as part of my play
philosophies, I do like to practice seal landings. On club trips out around
the Victoria breakwater, I've been know to ride the waves up onto the lower
breakwater blocks just for fun. Though, one of those new-generation cruise
ships ran into the breakwater the other week during gusty winds while
attempting docking. It now needs to be pulled out of the water for repairs -
and that's one heck of a big vessel. I just flip my boat over at home and
add a little more epoxy, which isn't required very often.

I also like to land on remote islands or get off the water where there are
no normal landings, when bad conditions get worse and I'm over my head as it
were. Knowing your hull, fully expedition loaded, can take a beating gives
you more options and more confidence.

I would like to get a super-light paddling boat one day for conditioning. I
was offered free instruction and use of a flat water Olympic K-1, but just
didn't have the time to coordinate with the owner. The local Speedster
paddlers (surf-ski kayaks) "industry" is doing very well in Victoria, though
it is sad to see Current Designs pulling up shop and heading State-side next
month. That's a major loss to the Victoria economy, including the jobs that
will be gone. The sexiest boat I've seen is a single outrigger (OC-1).

http://www.outriggerconnectionworldwide.com/

Requires a canoe paddle, yes I know, but a nice speed-freak boat indeed. At
the local inner-harbour music concert last year (where thousands of small
vessels fill the inner harbour for a summer's night of classical music by a
full orchestra), the guy in the Stingray was surrounded by swooning women.
You used to need a Corvette Stingray in the old days to catch that kind of
attention.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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