Re: [Paddlewise] Are Sea Kayaks Seaworthy?

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:09:04 -0700
Craig Jungers wrote:

> Melissa alluded to the answer, I think. More than almost any other 
> ocean-going vessel, the seaworthiness of a kayak depends on the skills
> and judgment of the operator.

And the stamina.  When we wear out, we are toast, in rough conditions, 
perhaps not so much if equipped with one of the various 
stability-enhancement devices (aka sp*ns*ns).

There is widespread, deep ignorance among non-paddlers about the virtues of 
a kayak, however.  My power boating buddies always harass me about "that 
tippy little boat," but when things get really gnarly on the Columbia, I 
can make way with a greater reserve of safety than they can in their 
square-transomed, power-trim-tab-stabilized, over-powered, over-loaded 
gasoline hogs.

And then there's surf:  try to deal with a 15-20 ft power boat in 
three-four feet of water in the impact zone.  They just do not side-surf well!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Sat Oct 27 2007 - 12:09:06 PDT

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