Sunday 31st August 2014 : Ringstead Bay to Lulworth Cove organised by Portsmouth District Canoe Club (PDCC). The combination of F3 to F4 winds and swells reflected from the cliffs created a confused sea.
I was happy with the Kodiak in these conditions, it was predictable and confidence inspiring, but I hadn't adjusted the foot rests correctly. They were in a comfortable position for bracing my feet against when forward paddling, but not close enough to allow me to engage the thigh braces effectively. Once I had adjusted the foot braces, the boat felt wonderful and I had no concerns with stability. I experimented with the rudder and found that it interfered with the seat of the pants feel for the boat. I suspect there is some counter-intuitive element to rudder steering in a similar way to counter-steering motorbikes. After enough time in the seat I'm sure I will develop the required intuitive control with either paddle, rudder or a combination of the two.
One unexpected issue identified on the paddle was the woeful state of my fitness. I had originally planned on paddling back to the start point along with the rest of the group, but I chose to cut the trip short in Lulworth Cove after just over 5 miles of paddling. It was very hard for me to admit that I was not able to complete the return trip safely under my own steam. I have a history of endurance activities and am no stranger to physical challenges or pushing my limits. I had full confidence in the ability of my paddle partners and they made it clear that within the group there was the capacity and ability to rescue a member of the group who got into trouble, rafted tows being one option. I know my limits and chose to finish at Lulworth Cove because I was certain I wouldn't make it back to Ringstead Bay without help, just unsure how far I would get before I needed that help.
The challenge now is to improve my paddle fitness.
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| Lulworth Cove - white caps showing on the sea outside the cove but completely sheltered inside. |
I was happy with the Kodiak in these conditions, it was predictable and confidence inspiring, but I hadn't adjusted the foot rests correctly. They were in a comfortable position for bracing my feet against when forward paddling, but not close enough to allow me to engage the thigh braces effectively. Once I had adjusted the foot braces, the boat felt wonderful and I had no concerns with stability. I experimented with the rudder and found that it interfered with the seat of the pants feel for the boat. I suspect there is some counter-intuitive element to rudder steering in a similar way to counter-steering motorbikes. After enough time in the seat I'm sure I will develop the required intuitive control with either paddle, rudder or a combination of the two.
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| Gratuitous picture of my boat ashore above Lulworth Cove, once I have a waterproof camera I'll be able to take photos afloat. |
One unexpected issue identified on the paddle was the woeful state of my fitness. I had originally planned on paddling back to the start point along with the rest of the group, but I chose to cut the trip short in Lulworth Cove after just over 5 miles of paddling. It was very hard for me to admit that I was not able to complete the return trip safely under my own steam. I have a history of endurance activities and am no stranger to physical challenges or pushing my limits. I had full confidence in the ability of my paddle partners and they made it clear that within the group there was the capacity and ability to rescue a member of the group who got into trouble, rafted tows being one option. I know my limits and chose to finish at Lulworth Cove because I was certain I wouldn't make it back to Ringstead Bay without help, just unsure how far I would get before I needed that help.
The challenge now is to improve my paddle fitness.
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