If we limit this to locomotion for a single individual I think you would find the bicycle way more efficient than the kayak given a level playing field anyhow. And I do mean smooth level ground for the bicycle and calm water for the kayak. The variable would be the drag at any given speed and the efficiency of the transmission of the persons energy into motion. The kayak mushing through the water would have lots more friction and the mushiness of the water also effects the efficient transmission of the paddlers energy. Thinking about that for awhile I might put my money on ice skating. Of course, if you count the energy needed to freeze the ice on a path from Seattle to NYC into the equation the bet is off. I'm guessing the 747's efficiency was based on calculations just for level flight in the thin air at somewhere around 35,000 feet and didn't count the takeoff and climbing expenditures of energy. The bike calculations were probably not for a fully faired multi-passenger record breaking model either. Matt Broze www.marinerkayaks.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 Tue Dec 12 2006 - 04:42:14 PST
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