C-Forum

Helmets? PFDs? They're for the weanies and weak of heart. Same with paddles--who needs those? Modern conveniences. Just more things that can break when on the water.

Yes yes yes. The Sandilines are nice. I have one--quite comfortable and low profile, but only really use it for training and racing because I am somewhat doubtful as to how much good it would do if I were swimming down a rapid. Plus it doesn't really float me on my back. There is a note inside which...

If I were spending a lot of time on big, high volume rivers I might see a place for the electric pumps. But as far as I'm concerned, they are unnecessary for most creeks and class III-IV rivers. They do however have a time and a place.


Nate

I'm a righty for everything except paddling. I paddle on my left. I never switch sides except for fun on flatwater. Switching sides is slower than cross strokes, but it is applicable in downriver racing where you don't want to wear out specific muscle groups. Aaron, surfing on your offside will beco...

Agreed. My Lizard is large for me, but in big water, it's nice to stay floating.

Isaac, that's pretty neat that you're moving to Charlotte.


Nate

Alden said he tried one. I'd be curious to hear his thoughts on it...

Okay, here's my take. The Lizard is a nice boat. I have an '06 model cut down 10 cm by the company (I think that is essentially the '07). I weigh about 140lbs (63.5 kg) and have a large, which is a bit big for me, but the extra volume helps keep the boat up in pushy water, and the stern can still be...

Natalie,

I'm assuming this means that next year you'll be racing C-1, C-2, OC1, and dropping the kayak altogether?

My advice: give up the kayak altogether. Sooner or later you'll figure out that the open boat and C-1 are way better.

Good luck finding a boat.


Nate

Another note about that website. It seems the 5th race of the World Series is going to be held at the ASCI course next year. I personally can't wait. I hope all of the top paddlers travel to the US to race. It'll be pretty neat being able to watch Martikan race in person--assuming he would come to t...

I bet if if a clone was made of Alden he and his clone could do pretty well in the C-2. Warning: Alden, if the USACK wants to meet with you about "the future of slalom"--well, I have stated their actual intentions above. Oh, yes, and another thing about Martikan. Imagine you are good enough to win a...

Isaac, I believe you touched on an important point in most of the top paddler's styles when you said they were subtle. Not only does Martikan use his lower body subtly, but notice when he is paddling forward, he does not lean forward and backwards as much, and does not seem to be desperate when he i...

Us lefties are just better

That's pretty nice, Isaac. I hope they do the same for the Olympics next year.


Nate

Surprising that I'm not the youngest on here


Adam, were you paddling the Esopus and Farmington the 6-7th and 13-14th respectively? If so, I may have seen you up there paddling. I did notice a couple of kids around my age paddling open boat (an unusual sight)

Nate

It would be AWESOME if that race was at WISP or just in the US period. I'd love to see it at WISP, and go down and watch those top guys race. Funny, I thought I saw that poll about a month ago and WISP had the lowest percentile (I remember 2 %), but that seems to have changed. I guess you must have ...