Re: [Paddlewise] Kayak Profile

On Tue, Mar 30, 2010 at 11:57 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

>  Yeah, and I also know the Mariner line (which you usually mention, but
> didnt this time for a change!) is legendary for carrying the paddler over
> the waves rather than diving into them.
>

I knew I forgot something!  I recall being in my first Mariner (the Express)
with Pam in the San Juan Islands paddling amongst the rocks next to Harney
Channel when a 40-foot powerboat in full squat position went by. With no
room to maneuver I was sure that the wake would make my life hell. Instead
the kayak rode up and over the wake without so much as a significant splash.
I felt that my "oh sh*t" just before the wake hit was an overreaction. LOL

> The Elan is one Id love to try one day. In terms of ugly American kayaks,
> the Elan is an exception. It really is a thing of beauty combining form and
> function. Wish I had the bucks. One day.
>
I agree that the Elan is a beautiful kayak. I think that the Express is just
as lovely though. My next door neighbor, who knows nothing about kayaks,
once told me he thought my blue Express was the prettiest boat he'd ever
seen. I now have a red Express and I don't think it's as pretty. (The one in
your link is blue, I noticed.) Elans are hard to find but I think there is
one on the list at Kayak Academy for around US$1800.

Just to even things out... the Coaster has to be the ugly-duckling of
kayaks. Snub nosed, bobbed tail, flat midships. What could they have been
thinking?  Oh.... wait.....

LOL

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************