Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:41:22 -0700
On Sat, Jun 13, 2009 at 7:10 PM, Jerry F <gfoodma_at_earthlink.net> wrote:

>
> It seems to me that a typical day paddle might be 10 to 20 miles, not 2,
> and in windy rough conditions, so that the 'only' 1 mph speed difference you
> cite seems huge to me.


I wouldn't paddle the F-1 (or a Coaster) 10 or 20 miles to a rock garden or
tidal stream to play; I'd be far more likely to paddle 2 or 3 miles.


> That the Mariner II is directionally stable is also a very big advantage
> for this type of travel, over even the Mariner Express.


But when you get there you are in a kayak that isn't suitable as a playboat
(in my opinion, at least).


> Clearly if one just wants to play in conditions, then the Coaster, or
> Romany, or one of the new kayaks cited,  is a better choice.  If one wants
> to cover distance, then the Mariner II, although the new Tiderace Xplore at
> 18' by 21" might be as fast as the Mariner II.


If I want to cover distance I fire up the muthah-ship and set off with the
kayaks loaded on top. :P

>
> My original point, however, remains that for either A to B travel, or for
> play, in rough conditions there is no advantage to the tippiness of the
> Nordkapp type hull.


I've thought this for years. But the problem seems to be that some people
actually like the lack of initial stability or twitchiness. To me it's like
choosing a bucking horse to run a steeplechase but others seem to revel in
having a boat that practically no one else can paddle. (There are people who
choose horses for much the same reason, actually.)

If you offered a white water paddler a kayak with the stability of a
Nordkapp (s)he would likely laugh in your face.

If Doug had done the majority of his paddling in a Coaster and not a Nordy
perhaps he wouldn't have suffered so much brain dam..... er, cold water
immersion. :P

Craig Jungers
Ducking for cover in
Moses Lake, WA
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Received on Sat Jun 13 2009 - 21:41:30 PDT

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