Well, I have paddled my new2013 Option now for several trips here are my reflections of one with wide thwarts I requested (Octane)-
1. the swirl is stunningly beautiful, even "purple Sally" said she would buy one over purple
2. dryer with the added height in bow and stern
3. much easier to boof than the first one I had
4. more stable, but you loose some responsiveness because the bottom is flattened more
5. slower than the normal OPtion, but just requires a little more umph to get her going
6. the one thing not commmented on on FB by Alex and Jeremy is it does slide when ferrying on the upstream edge, so I have had to adjust. I learned this trick of using upstream edges from Phil Foti for crisp ferries in short boats. Not a big deal, but had one swim learning about it
What a fun ride
We are taught to peel out of eddies on the downstream edge. With practice you can peel out on the upstream edge and ferry much faster, and you don't get blown downstream as far. I learned this for use in the Spanish Fly, and any short boat. Practice lower current to get the feel. In stronger current I sometimes peel out on the downstream edge, then quickly shift if I am worried about a flip.
I've been experimenting with using the "other" edge for lots of things lately. Got the idea from Phil as well. I've gotten to the point where I use the outside edge when catching eddies more often than the inside edge.
In strong currents or eddy lines I will either just use the downstream / inside edge respectively, or initiate that way then transition or finish with the upstream / outside edge.
Dave, If it feels unstable carve your outside wall foam to get your knee out farther. IT made a huge difference for boat control and stability. I know some people like their knees straight ahead of them, but I am not one of them.
One more comment tagging on BobH post about rolling. I cut the foam on my bulkhead as he has shown in the Octane. Makes a huge difference for my low braces, keeping the head low.
Last edited by Wendy on Tue Jan 08, 2013 1:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
Can you comment on how the 2013 rolls compared to the original? There has been some discussion on here about whether higher ends help or harm ease of rolling. My guess is the extra 1.5 inches of bow and stern height would make little difference either way, but I have not tried to roll the new one.
More thoughts on the OPtion. I carved the saddle so that I am more bow forward, and.... what a difference. Now I feel that it paddles more like a play boat, like the Ion with glide. Adding foam on the inside of the thighs makes a big difference too, especially low brace rolls.
I saw the comment that modern boats should be slightly bow forward rather than neutral or slightly stern heavy. I would love thoughts about this! I can tell you that because I have such short arms that getting the catch phase of the paddle farther forward today made a huge difference in speed, turning.
I will send Jeremy an email to Post pics. he raised the bow and stern 2 inches on top to make it dryer. You probably would not see this in pics but would notice it paddling.
I am still unclear if it makes any difference for dryness or rolling. My 2012 Option is extremely dry and rolls as easily as any boat I have ever had. I think the higher ends are more of a cosmetic touch than anything else but if someone else knows differently, please let me know. Also, wouldn't adding that extra plastic add weight?
