This is an archived message posted to the Kayak Building Bulletin Board. If you would like to ask a question about building kayaks, you can post a new message.
> Hi, I'm currently a whitewater paddler and aspiring touring boatbuilder. I
> currently use a 200cm 60 offset moving to 45. How do you size a touring
> paddle. To the boat or to you? I have 3 boats for differt size water or
> what I want to do in the boat, but use the same paddle (until the 45 gets
> here). How do you size it?
If you're not paddling a really wide boat, your whitewater paddle might do to start off with. If you're used to a really high, powerful stroke, you might not need more than 210 cm. If you want to do the low, flat, mile-eating "touring"-type stroke, you might want as much as 230 or 240 cm.
I started with a 242 cm, now I'm at 235, and I'm building a 225 cm. I think a lot of touring paddlers start too long and then migrate toward shorter paddles.
> Thanks, Todd
> ps. why don't they use gallons to size touring boats. Or cubic centimeters
> for the cargo space. I know that depends on bulkhead placement sense these
> are homemade boats. But a standard from bow or stearn? thanks again.
Some manufacturers do, some don't. Why cc's to size cargo--so you can relate the space to your backpack? :) Most touring boats have significantly more space than even large, expedition-type backpacks.
Most Sea Kayaker magazine reviews have total volume in gallons.
Shawn
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
