Re: [Paddlewise] Which types of boats?

Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:38 AM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

> I see Sterling has improved his site a bit. What's with the Illusion? Tell
> me more (please).
>
>
The Illusion might be right up your alley. It looks like an Ice Kap at first
glance but it has a *lot* more rocker both bow and stern. Here is a link to
George Gronseth's Kayak Academy (he's a sales agent for both the Ice Kap and
the Illusion... both built by Sterling):

http://www.kayakacademy.com/catalog/Illusion.html

The Illusion is George's design and they've come up with a clever system
they call "CV" for "Custom Volume". They've designed the hull and deck so
that they can reduce or increase the volume fairly easily... and they have a
creative little cockpit simulator that can give you a good idea of what
volume you feel most comfortable with.

I first saw the Illusion at the Tacoma kayak get-together last summer and
then at the Port Townsend Seminar I watched George's presentation of
paddling techniques (Paddling in Wind) during which he used his Illusion as
he demonstrated various techniques.

I guess it needs to be said that George Gronseth makes it look easy anyway.
At the beginning of his presentation he promised that he'd offer seven ways
to maneuver your kayak in wind that did not include ruddering with your
paddle or extra paddle strokes and he held to that. Ninety minutes of really
good information.

The Illusion performed well during his demo and several of us wondered if
most of the spectators were aware that the large rocker in the boat made it
unlikely that many of *them* would be able to duplicate George's
maneuverings; or at the least do it half so adroitly.

I have not paddled the Illusion but I like its looks. Pam has paddled it and
she told me a few minutes ago on the phone that she thought it was right up
there with what she thinks are the top boats (her Express, the Ice Kap and
the Illusion).

I know you now have your LV Nordkap, Doug, but you might want to take a look
at the Illusion. Seems to me that it would fit the bill for a boat that
works the way you seem to like them to work.

Craig
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