Jerry, Now we have a new vally kayak, the Etain... http://aswatersportsequipment.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=21_46&products_id=1569 > Jerry, > > Reviews are coming in now on the Rockpool GT. I was after a do-it-all boat > with capacity, speed, and maneuverability - with a forward day hatch. > > Check out Rob's review in the link: > > http://www.expeditionkayaks.com/2009/08/rockpool-gt.html > > Doug > >> Doug, >> There have been enough highly positive reviews of the Nordkapp NLV to >> conclude that it is a wonderful boat. However, there are always some >> comments such as the reviewer's you quote, "...LV is by far among the >> more demanding and least forgiving of the sea kayaks I've paddled.." My >> basic question remains, what is the advantage of getting one of the least >> forgiving of sea kayaks, when there are others around that are faster and >> easier in rough conditions? I await your final conclusion with keen >> anticipation, since you have so much rough water Nordkapp experience. Is >> there not some boat out there that is at least a bit better (for your >> purposes) than the NLV? >> Jerry *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Doug, You should try paddling the Illusion which is being made near you in Bellingham by Sterling's Kayaks. Warren Williamson has paddled one in extreme conditions in Dectption Pass (Pam was watching it from the bridge and took photos). Pam has one and loves it. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net On Sun, Jan 2, 2011 at 12:50 AM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote: > Jerry, > > Now we have a new vally kayak, the Etain... > > > http://aswatersportsequipment.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=21_46&products_id=1569 > > Jerry, >> >> Reviews are coming in now on the Rockpool GT. I was after a do-it-all boat >> with capacity, speed, and maneuverability - with a forward day hatch. >> >> Check out Rob's review in the link: >> >> http://www.expeditionkayaks.com/2009/08/rockpool-gt.html >> >> Doug >> >> Doug, >>> There have been enough highly positive reviews of the Nordkapp NLV to >>> conclude that it is a wonderful boat. However, there are always some >>> comments such as the reviewer's you quote, "...LV is by far among the more >>> demanding and least forgiving of the sea kayaks I've paddled.." My basic >>> question remains, what is the advantage of getting one of the least >>> forgiving of sea kayaks, when there are others around that are faster and >>> easier in rough conditions? I await your final conclusion with keen >>> anticipation, since you have so much rough water Nordkapp experience. Is >>> there not some boat out there that is at least a bit better (for your >>> purposes) than the NLV? >>> Jerry *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Craig, Got the word on that awhile back. On my short list. I like Warren - every stroke seems like an effortless recovery stroke even underwater. Properly equipped and a skilled rider in the seat, a real sea kayak is a compelling substitute for a submarine. :-) I asked Valley what the deck height of the new Etain will be. The reply: Hi Doug The full sized Etain measures in at 9" for the back deck, and 13" in front of the cockpit. The LV version will be slightly lower by around half an inch once in production. Kind Regards Andy Valley Canoe Products Ltd 0115 9614995 I was hoping for a lower back deck. The Etain may be more of a concession to the day-boating, light-play North American market. The Maelstrom Vaag 174 I tried in Vancouver was the closest thing I've seen that I like in a touring playboat (I didn't fit the Vital 166)and the Northshore Shoreline (now the Atlantic LV I think) for an all-around dayboat. Of course, I'm still looking for the perfect boat that tours with speed and capacity, performs in surf/rock gardens, behaves neutrally and allows layback rolls while responding to edging and leaning with a modicum of stability. As one still has to paddle from a to b, I just can't see myself in a dedicated short boat. My wife said she married me because she knew if she waited for the perfect husband, it would be a long wait. And so to with kayaks - one could wait for a long time. Or, like Pam and you, be culpable of kayak polygamy (or is that polyandry with for Pam?). Robin at Atlantis Kayaks is working on (I believe) a performance day/play sea kayak. I have yet to try the Illusion. Not all kayaks deliver what they promise. Take the Valley Anas Acuta. Too bad it's a slow surfer on following seas. Doug Craig said: Doug, You should try paddling the Illusion which is being made near you in Bellingham by Sterling's Kayaks. Warren Williamson has paddled one in extreme conditions in Dectption Pass (Pam was watching it from the bridge and took photos). Pam has one and loves it. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net On Sun, Jan 2, 2011 at 12:50 AM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote: > Jerry, > > Now we have a new vally kayak, the Etain... > > > http://aswatersportsequipment.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=21_46&products_id =1569 > > Jerry, >> >> Reviews are coming in now on the Rockpool GT. I was after a do-it-all boat >> with capacity, speed, and maneuverability - with a forward day hatch. >> >> Check out Rob's review in the link: >> >> http://www.expeditionkayaks.com/2009/08/rockpool-gt.html >> >> Doug >> >> Doug, >>> There have been enough highly positive reviews of the Nordkapp NLV to >>> conclude that it is a wonderful boat. However, there are always some >>> comments such as the reviewer's you quote, "...LV is by far among the more >>> demanding and least forgiving of the sea kayaks I've paddled.." My basic >>> question remains, what is the advantage of getting one of the least >>> forgiving of sea kayaks, when there are others around that are faster and >>> easier in rough conditions? I await your final conclusion with keen >>> anticipation, since you have so much rough water Nordkapp experience. Is >>> there not some boat out there that is at least a bit better (for your >>> purposes) than the NLV? >>> Jerry . *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Doug, >From the photos, the Illusion seems entirely unsuited to your purpose, unless you want to specialize in tide race play. Way too much rocker to be efficient at long distance travel. I don't know anything about the Etain. >From the Rockpool web site, the GT seems perfect. I bet it is faster than the equivalent Nordkapp, and more stable. The low overhang at the stern seems suitable for one of your deep draft rudders. I have no idea how it would be on a long windy crossing without a rudder. (I like rudders.) Jerry On Jan 2, 2011, at 11:15 AM, Craig Jungers wrote: > Doug, > > You should try paddling the Illusion which is being made near you in > Bellingham by Sterling's Kayaks. Warren Williamson has paddled one in > extreme conditions in Dectption Pass (Pam was watching it from the bridge > and took photos). Pam has one and loves it. > > > 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/ ***************************************************************************
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