RE: [Paddlewise] Dynamic Stability

Before I found out it had another meaning in Naval Architecture, I wanted to
use Dynamic Stability to mean that the kayak and paddler tended to remain
vertical in rough wave conditons due to the interaction of the hulls shape
with the water and waves. I've found that a small "footprint" with lots of
flare (both side to side and front to back--think of a river dory shape) tends
to stay upright in exteme wave conditions (meaning anything short of boat
engulfing tubular dumping breakers).



River dories are about the only larger, hard shelled, craft used to run big
rapids and I think it is their low initial but high secondary stability shape,
hard chines, flared sides and the rockered, high, full ends that make that
possible. I think you will find a similar, but lengthened, shape to most of
the sea kayaks that are considered especially sea kindly in rough seas and
moderate surf.


Rob rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote, regarding "dynamic stability":
>
> Hi Matt,
>
> I'm not aware of it's use as a professional term, just kayak jargon. I
> referenced it from an instructional DVD by Simon Westgarth called
> Genotype 2. I've seen and heard it around for awhile but do not know
> who specifically coined that phrase. I thought it useful to the
> discussion to suggest another course of effective boat control for
> those of us not using long paddles. Rephrasing the concept:
>
> Lower body tension
> Posture
> Positive pressure on the blade
> Proactive versus reactive paddling
> Use of the water's features to go where you want to
>
> My take on this is that the kayak, person and paddle are a unit and
> when we adopt key elements of the above at the right time to be where
> we want to be. I'm jujst guessing but I believe the Dynamic part refers
> to multiple concepts with an additional play on the immediate
> environment, while stability is the end result. Anyone else heard this?
> Cheers,
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************