Re: [Paddlewise] Another Tiderace Review

On Sun, Mar 16, 2008 at 1:34 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

I'm still thinking a lowered Nordkapp LV might be the perfect combination of 
form, hull speed, maneuverability, and touring potential. I will keep an 
open mind. I still am disappointed that local kayak retail stores largely 
ignore the segment of the paddling community that is interested in more than 
just touring kayaks.

Craig replied:
An open mind is probably the safest bet right now. Things are changing. I 
wouldn't be surprised to see more demand for "playboats" that are out of the 
traditional mould as 20-somethings move from w/w and into coastal play. 
There are already articles in the w/w mags where paddlers are saying things 
like, "I thought ocean paddling was for wimps but they showed me the way."



That's where I'm at right now - trying to figure out if I really need a long 
kayak for tripping. Busy with family and lots of ocean playground relatively 
close, a playboat might be in order for short-duration fun potentiality. 
Heck, it wouldn't need to be reinforced to 100 pounds, as I could actually 
steer around rocks instead of smashing up and over them. I'm anxious to try 
out the Whisky 16 from Point 65, though it might be too much of a tub - it 
has a huge weight carrying capacity.



I've been drawing up my own plans, scaling dimensions and working out deck 
configurations for both a strip-built and a GRP version with more form. I 
was searching deep on the web and found something exactly like I was 
anticipating. I contacted Trinity SeaKayaking in Newfoundland today; they 
sell the EasternIsland hand laid GRP kayaks by one of their local builders, 
the one called the Makkovik being the one I'd envisioned and is now in 
production. They are coming out with some new models in a couple of weeks on 
their web site. I don't think production is high, kind of like the Rockpool 
kayaks (the reason why the Tiderace kayaks went to Poland). So, don't anyone 
order one until I've made my mind up!



http://northwestatlantic.blogspot.com/2006/12/new-kayak-model.html



So at 50 years old, I still got some ocean play time left in me. Just gotta 
finish that bye-bye Nordy 12 step program!

Craig again:

As for me, I doubt seriously that I'll do any trips longer than an overnight 
or two and the only open water will be to get to where the fun is. And even 
that will be toned down. Maybe it's just spring time but I've noticed 
arthritis in my hands lately and it's started to make me worried about 
paddling distances. I may have moved to the muthah ship just in time. I only 
hope the engine starts. LOL

I really enjoyed this discussion Doug. Thanks. :)



Okay, I'll stop the discussion now. Good luck with that arth-u-ritis thing. 
I used to watch my grown father cry with it, his hands dipped in hot wax. 
Funny, I was just thinking what has happened to all those Paddlewisers from 
about five years ago - the list used to be very active, even Nick's bulletin 
board warned of 50 emails a day. Many of the list members were 65 to 70 
years old. One doesn't hear from them much any more. And Matt never groaned 
after a day on the ski slopes back then.



Well, I'm good to go once I get my groove back (a shorter and wider one 
maybe). I'll be paddling until they put a toe tag on this kelp-head bucko, 
hopefully long after a lot of you have gone on to, what was that, oblivion? 
But I'll be right behind ya. None of us can stay at sea forever. But oh boy, 
can it be a lot of fun until then!!!!!!!!!



Thanks for the discussion too, Craig - you man with a bazillion great 
moments in his life sailing on the sea and living large on the land.



Doug Lloyd
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