RE: [Paddlewise] Kayak Problems

Lots of cheeky monkeys on this listserver group so I'm surprised PeterO
missed that, Gordin. But it's all good; SKUK and Valley boats both rock,
though apparently Mariners rock less - which in a good thing, depending on
what type of rocking we're talking about. The Valley boats certainly have a
fine pedigree that only a dweeb would fail to acknowledge. 

I may head over to Vancouver next week and check out Ecomarine as they have
the Northshore kayaks in stock as well as the new Quebec-based Malestrom
kayaks, the later being very fun, maneuverably responsive boat designs
indeed, which is the way I want to head (even if it is just to keep Jerry
happy). :-)

http://ckayaker.blogspot.com/2009/08/maelstroms-vaag-174.html

I rather think I'm too picky when it comes to my perfect kayak, but I strive
on toward the perfect compromise design. If I can find the perfect hull, I
can deal with the rest of my requirements easily enough - requirements and
desires that include a pod cockpit, through the middle bulkhead hatch, no
exposed rear and foredeck hatch, dual skegs, etc. I certainly want cockpit
ergonomics that so far, few companies have addressed for out-on-the-edge,
hard core interfacing with the ocean. 

And while the Nordkapp LV has a potentially great hull for my proclivities,
the cockpit sucks. I'd even say it was dangerous. The Rockpool-inspired
ergonomics are far superior, though the old ocean cockpits could be modified
to keep the paddler ensconced where they belong and allow dual knee raising.
I also think most kayak hulls are pretty poor in terms of durability. Guys
n' gals make all kinds of claims about glass over ply or glass over strip,
etc, propriety layups, but really, the higher end Tiderace hulls are the
only ones anyone make even coming close to what I want.

And so it goes. As for the next few days, I won't be thinking too much about
these things. My used, beater Nordcrapp I recently bought is nice and light,
easy to carry, uncomplicated, isn't outfitted or built well enough to permit
seeking anything wild right now, so I'll do some normal, easy kayaking.
Normal is okay for a time. There is a time for everything under heaven, you
may have heard.

Doug Lloyd 

 
Gordin replied:

Sorry Peter,

That "awful" comment was totally tongue in cheek as was Doug Lloyds cheeky 
remark about NDK.  It's part of that weird Canadian humour (humor for my 
American cousins) thing.  Personally I think the Valley boats are pretty 
darn good lawn ornaments.  They beat a rusty car any day. Just ask any 
kayaker living in Langford. ;-) Oh, they're all right to paddle as well.

Gordin

> G'Day Gordin,
>
> Never paddled one yet but whets wrong with those "awful Valley boats"? Is 
> it
> just the clack? Some of my friends have been paddling Nordkapps, 
> Aquanauts,
> Avocets and North Shore Atlantics and seem to be doing well.  They even
> claim the Valley boats are better than my Pittarak, hard to imagine I know
> but that is their claim. The North Shore Atlantic which is now produced by
> Valley I believe, has the reputation for being a good all purpose boat and
> looks well made and fitted out, I might even be persuaded to try one if my
> Pittarak ever wears out.
>
> All the best, PeterO.
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************