Well, The Nightheron is finally ready for the water- looking forward to testing her out soon.
Photos here: http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/nightheron/
Mark
Finished
Finished
"The journey is the reward"- Tao saying
- Glen Smith
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada
Took her out this morning. This was the first time I have been in a Kayak in about 12 years. So I started nice and easy in shallow waters on Lac LeMay in Hull.
I was impressed by the handling, stability and speed. The hull design seems superior in these aspects. I also liked being low and close to the water. The biggest problems are getting in and out- I found it rather awkward- hopefully I will get better at this with practice.
The build was challenging- especially the glass job, and it shows. But, she is strong and steady and will make a great day tripper. And nothing, and I mean nothing beats that feeling of paddling a boat you built yourself, I wouldn't trade her for any other.
So, now I am having the whole Canoe vs. Kayak debate with myself. I think I am still partial to the Canoe, for a number of practical and personal reasons. I would be interested in hearing others thought on this one.
I was impressed by the handling, stability and speed. The hull design seems superior in these aspects. I also liked being low and close to the water. The biggest problems are getting in and out- I found it rather awkward- hopefully I will get better at this with practice.
The build was challenging- especially the glass job, and it shows. But, she is strong and steady and will make a great day tripper. And nothing, and I mean nothing beats that feeling of paddling a boat you built yourself, I wouldn't trade her for any other.
So, now I am having the whole Canoe vs. Kayak debate with myself. I think I am still partial to the Canoe, for a number of practical and personal reasons. I would be interested in hearing others thought on this one.
"The journey is the reward"- Tao saying
Glad you enjoyed yourself! Regarding kayak vs canoe, I'm not one of those that is too particular and think those that adhere so strongly to a single position are a little silly. I'm a canoeist first, but if you are going out alone on a day with some significant wind, it's hard to beat the low windage of a kayak. Tripping, I appreciate the storage of the canoe. I can bring my dog along in the canoe too. With the kayak, I want to learn to roll. Although this can be done by some canoeists in playboats with flotation, a kayak must be a lot easier to roll.Arctic wrote:So, now I am having the whole Canoe vs. Kayak debate with myself. I think I am still partial to the Canoe, for a number of practical and personal reasons. I would be interested in hearing others thought on this one.
In an ideal world, I would have a stable full of canoes & kayaks, plus a row boat or two, so that I can choose the perfect boat to suit my mood, the weather, the paddling conditions, and the company I am traveling with. Of course I would need at least as many paddles so I'm working on building up that paddle inventory too.
Cheers.
Bryan