RE: [Paddlewise] Advice on boats

Jerry wrote
>I don't agree with getting a boat that is difficult to handle, just in order
>to learn it.  For this reason I don't have a unicycle.

G'day Jerry,

Let me give an example as I have a Pittarak and a Mirage.

The Pittarak is a rudderless expedition boat that doesn't have well defined
secondary stability, needs really good edging skills to handle well in a
following sea, or to turn on the spot. It is also sturdy, excellent into a
headwind and in short, large, choppy sea or clapotis. Its the easiest boat to
get off a surf beach that I know of because of its rocker, sharp bow and
strength and the most comfortable I've ever paddled. This is the boat that
ensured without any great conscious effort that I gained a useful set of
skills in manoevering a kayak in choppy following seas.

The Mirage 580 on the other hand is a ruddered boat and a perfect example of a
fine kayak that is fast, and straightforward for most kayakers to handle in a
wide variety of conditions and perfect for tough expeditions. However, it has
a fixed rudder which makes getting it off a surf beach possible but awkward if
the rudder digs into the sand. It has a reputation for being a a bit difficult
to turn on a dime and I know noone who uses it without the rudder.

When I first tried the Mirage (with the rudder removed) I was suprised to find
that it turned easily, because I was prepared to edge it properly. So the
possibilities for this boat are greatly expanded, for example it can be
manoevered easily from standstill in rough water for a rescue. If I had
paddled nothing but this boat I would probably have thought it hard to turn
quickly, or to use without the rudder.

So the skills unconsciously learn't and the strength developed while kayaking
in a boat that forced me to use my whole body serve me very well in other
boats. The value is in the muscle memory gained as well as the sheer joy of
complete engagement with the boat and the sea.

All the best, PeterO
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