Fink Report Part 2 and question

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 4:34 pm

Well after putting it off for quite some time, I finally shaved the seat down about 1.5 inches and took it out to the lake.

First impression - wow - I can sit in the boat in windblown chop on the lake and not flip! Roll was much easier, and the boat much more stable and easier to paddle. However the old numb legs below the knees and feet and ankle problem came back really quick! I added some ankle blocks which helped somewhat, but I'm still pretty uncomfortable after 15 minutes or so.

Took the boat to Section IV of the Chattooga the next day. The boat is very fast, even at my weight (245) I've had no problems catching the stern or unintentionally backendering. Very responsive (Of course I'm speaking from the vantage point of 20 years in 12-13' boats so...) Lots of fun!

Had a wonderful day learning the boat up till 5 falls. Ran entrance fine, was cheating Corkscrew and got screwed up at the top and ran the whole dam thing upside down. Not fun! Missed my roll at the bottom. Rolled in Jawbone and at the bottom of Soc-em-dawg, but all rolls were a bit shaky, which leads to my question.

In combat situations when I go for my roll my butt is coming up off the seat. I don't do this on the lake (at least not nearly as much) I feel fairly secure in the boat, I really don't want to be much tighter, but why is my butt coming up. It's big edamnough that it ought to stay put!!!

All in all I'm enjoying the boat much more, if I could just get my combat roll better. My oc-1 roll is fairly bulletproof, seems like this one should be easier, but after embarassing myself on the upper ocoee last weekend, something has to change - any suggestions?!?

Peter

the great gonzo · Post by **the great gonzo** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 5:04 pm

Peter,

How tight are your beaver tails? I found that they are extremely important in keeping me in. Mine are a very tight fit, it's a struggle to get into them, but they help me stay in the boat extremely well.
Exiting is still not a big problem, once the skirt is off a quick push off the deck will get me out of the boat.

martin

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 5:56 pm

Beaver tails are pretty tight. Not sure if I could add any more foam there or not. I know for winter paddling I couldn't, but for summer I might could deal with another 1/2" or. Something to try though, thanks!

Peter