[Paddlewise] Feed the Need

I finally got out again in my used Nordkapp I picked up last year to replace 
my similar vintage 100 pound Nordkapp that I decommissioned and cut up, the 
used Nordkapp being bough after being frustrated with a stitch and glue by 
Doug Alderson that while a good price and a great gear carrier, didn't do a 
thing for me for daytripping. I did have a nice calm-water paddled with a 
friend - but I was really out of it having been working 13 hour days for 
almost a year now, and so forgot by harbour rules and crossed with my buddy 
too early and got chased down by the Harbour Patrol, complete with flashing 
blue lights. Of course, anything less than adventurous or exciting just 
wouldn't be a Doug Lloyd paddle according to my friend from work who dared 
paddle with me. Story at (warning: some religious content)

http://www.westcoastpaddler.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=3058.

I did my best to enjoy my new-to-me Nordkapp and a sultry paddling evening. 
Normally, evening paddles this time of year are solo out at Race Rocks in 
the huffy-jerky tumultuousness of corner winds and tide action, but I'm 
purposely trying to mellow out a bit. It's frustrating. While my buddy loved 
just getting out and soaking up the west coast ambience of easy movement and 
the low-production endorphins, I can't handle it anymore!

I really need a kayak that can deliver fire and spice I need something 
maneuverable and with a bit more stability. Maybe Gerry is right. The 
Nordkapp LV is a fine kayak and finally available in Victoria  - an 
immediately. I did a review on the OR site recently:

http://store.oceanriver.com/store/product.php?productid=17152&cat=330&page=4

But I'm just not sure it is the one for me yet. I'd much prefer to buy built 
and sold in Canada. I did try the Tiderace Xcite last year and saw some of 
the advantages Gerry and others talk about. The Tiderace kayaks are 
expensive to get here.

I've been dealing with Pacifica Paddlesports in Victoria trying out the new 
Spartan VI but it isn't really what I want. I want a low back deck, centered 
recessed day hatch just aft of the cockpit, good rocker, rudderless control, 
and a high seem line. There are other things too. I'd heard a new kayak was 
coming out from Boreal design  Quebec, called the Vaag. I found out today it 
is by Maelstrom Kayak but will be made through a partnership with Borreal:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hh9HzyPVSxw/ShAbYjIXUtI/AAAAAAAACyM/cVph1CjIT-Y/s1600-h/Vital.jpg

http://www.maelstromkayak.com/cms/

Or Google Maelstrom and hit the translator.

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.carnetsdaventures.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/2009_boreal_maelstrom.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.carnetsdaventures.ca/2009/05/partenariat-entre-boreal-design-et-maelstrom-kayak/&usg=__WdF50z329WC8GgpGOTqpDqdZvyI=&h=252&w=470&sz=114&hl=en&start=11&um=1&tbnid=Z--rWjexZOye6M:&tbnh=69&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmaelstrom%2Bkayaks%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1W1GGLR_en%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

Peter at Pacifica will try and get some in. I could order one in a super 
heavy layup too, just for me. Killer kayak. Straight up.

Until then, I'll keep working and saving. No time to build a kayak right 
now - ailing relatives and lots of responsibility. But if I do get back out 
to some bad ass paddling, I know I'm going to need something that can really 
take care of me. I know myself. Of course, anything would be a piece of cake 
after what I've done with a tender Nordy for over almost 30 years....

Doug Lloyd
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