Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

Jerry,

Your reply is below that and my initial post is below that.

A paddler/instructor/indusrty insider I know can't wait for the Maelstrom to 
make it out to the west coast. With the current selection of kayaks to 
choose from including the North Shore models, the now better made Finnish 
Tidrace models and the infinitely customizable Sterling Illusion, plus even 
a me-modified Nordkapp LV, et al, I have a good selection or at least 
potential. I need to get some of these kayaks in the water and evaluate. Now 
that I'm distancing myself from my old Nordkapp I'll have a better objective 
perspective on overall performance related to my goals. The other night, 
suddenly the Nordkapp HM seemed just so old school to me - just like that. 
For the ultimate in wild adventure though, the one that gets me home means I 
can have another wild adventure the next day too. At 50 plus, ones thinks 
about that more. I do love the LV so far - but a lot of boat out of the 
water and for what gains? Not sure.

Cheers,

Doug


> Doug,
> I had never heard of the Maelstrom/Vaag but it looks very interesting, 
> perhaps more rocker than the Tiderace, and a half inch wider.  In contrast 
> to the Nordkapp LV, both the Tiderace and the Maelstrom have a bit of 
> chine and, no doubt, a bit more stability.  To my thinking this can only 
> be an advantage; a bit more relaxing and a bit better carving.  At least 
> for normal stuff.  Which is better for a wild adventure I do not feel 
> qualified to say.
>
> I happen to have paddled yesterday with a guy in a new Nordkapp LV and it 
> was striking how much rocker there is in that boat.  He was about 160 lbs 
> and the boat was empty, but it seemed that both ends were well out of the 
> water most of the time.  (We were on the ocean in maybe 3 ft swell and 
> light chop.)
>
> For selfish reasons I would like to see you get one of these vessels 
> because I hope that you would come to prefer their easier handling 
> attributes, especially in rough waters, and so validate my own 
> preferences.
>
> Jerry

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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