For a longer race a waterline of 18' long is already likely to be on the long side for the speed even a strong paddler can maintain for that distance. Even though a strong paddler might be able to sprint the longer kayak faster for a very short distance, due to the higher potential hull speed, the extra wetted surface of the longer hull will mean more drag at slower speeds, such as those speeds that can be maintained for long distances. In that case, shorter can indeed be faster. Given adequate stability or skill though, narrower will also reduce wetted surface (at least to the point where the underater hull makes a semicircle--which is considerably narrower than even Olympic flat water kayaks go). In an open water race how the kayak handles waves can also make a difference, as can paddler comfort. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Jul 19 2012 - 20:48:27 PDT
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